s may be continued but may not be reliable during INCIVEK dosing and for up to two weeks following cessation of INCIVEK [see Drug Interactions (7)]. During this time, female patients of childbearing potential should use 2 effective non-hormonal methods of contraception. Examples may include barrier methods or IUDs [see also Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Patient Counseling Information (17.1)]. Refer also to the prescribing information for ribavirin.
Two weeks after completion of INCIVEK treatment, hormonal contraceptives are again appropriate as one of the 2 required effective methods of birth control; however, specific prescribing information recommendations should be followed for the contraceptives. Refer also to the prescribing information for ribavirin.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether telaprevir is excreted in human breast milk. When administered to lactating rats, levels of telaprevir were higher in milk compared to those observed in plasma. Rat offspring exposed to telaprevir in utero showed no effects on body weight at birth. However, when fed via milk from telaprevir-treated dams, body weight gain of pups was lower than pups fed milk from control dams. After weaning, rat pup body weight gain was similar in offspring from telaprevir-treated and control dams. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, nursing must be discontinued prior to initiation of treatment. See also the prescribing information for ribavirin.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of INCIVEK in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of INCIVEK did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, caution should be exercised in the administration and monitoring of INCIVEK in geriatric patients reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.6 Hepatic Impairment
INCIVEK is not recommended for use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C, score greater than or equal to 7) because no pharmacokinetic or safety data are available regarding the use of INCIVEK in HCV-infected patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment, and appropriate doses have not been established [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. No dose adjustment of INCIVEK is necessary for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A, score 5-6). Refer also to the prescribing information for peginterferon alfa and ribavirin which must be co-administered with INCIVEK.
8.7 Renal Impairment
No dose adjustment is necessary for INCIVEK in HCV-infected patients with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment. INCIVEK has not been studied in HCV-infected patients with CrCl less than or equal to 50 mL/min.
The pharmacokinetics of telaprevir were assessed after administration of a single dose of 750 mg to HCV-negative subjects with severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min). INCIVEK has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or on hemodialysis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Refer also to the prescribing information for peginterferon alfa and ribavi
