Zepatier

What is Zepatier?

Zepatier is a mixture of grazoprevir and elbasvir. Elbasvir and grazoprevir are both antiviral drugs that stop Hepatitis C (HCV) from causing proliferation within the body.Zepatier serves to manage chronic liver disease C (HCV) among adults and children aged 12 years and older or who weigh at least 66 lbs (30 kg). The medicine is often used in conjunction with another drug known as ribavirin.

Zepatier is used to treat specific types (1 and 4) of HCV in certain individuals. Make sure you only take the medications prescribed by your doctor. Don't share your medication with anyone else.Zepatier is often prescribed to those who also suffer from HIV. There is no treatment for HIV or AIDS.

Warnings

You shouldn't make use of Zepatier if you suffer from severe or moderate liver disease.

Drug interactions that are serious can happen when certain medications are used alongside elbasvir and grazoprevir. Inform all of your healthcare professionals about all medications you are currently taking as well as any medications you stop or start taking.

If you've had Hepatitis B, Zepatier could cause the virus to get active or worse. Inform your doctor if you aren't feeling well or suffer from right-sided stomach discomfort, vomiting, weight loss, or the appearance of yellowing on your skin or eyes.

Before you take this drug

Zepatier is not recommended in the event that you are allergic to grazoprevir or elbasvir or if you suffer from

• Moderate or severe liver disease that is severe or moderate

When taking Zepatier with Ribavirin, to ensure the medicines you take are suitable for you, talk to your physician about all of your medical conditions, including when you're pregnant or nursing.

Many drugs can interact with each other and result in dangerous side effects. Certain medications shouldn't be taken with elbasvir or grazoprevir.

Your doctor could alter the treatment plan you receive if you are also using:

• Cyclosporine;
• Rifampin;
• John's wort;
• Hiv or aids medication: atazanavir, darunavir, efavirenz, lopinavir, saquinavir, or tipranavir;
• Seizure medicine: carbamazepine and phenytoin.

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• Hepatitis b;
• Liver issues other than liver problems other than c;
• Hiv (human immunodeficiency virus);
• You may need an organ transplant or be awaiting the liver transplant you are waiting for.
• If you are using blood thinners (warfarin, coumadin, or jantoven) and you're undergoing regular "INR" or prothrombin time tests,

Zepatier can be employed in conjunction with ribavirin. Both females and males who take ribavirin need to use birth control in order to prevent pregnancy. Ribavirin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or even the death of unborn children when the father or mother is taking this medication.

It is not recommended to use ribavirin if you are pregnant or if you are a male and your partner is expecting. Use effective birth control to stop the pregnancy. Continue using birth control for a minimum of six months following your last dose of the drug ribavirin.

Talk to your doctor now if you become pregnant while either the mother or the father is taking the drug ribavirin.

It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician regarding any risks.

Zepatier is not a product that has been approved for use by anyone less than 18 years old.

Similar/related drugs

Epclusa, Mayret, Harvoni, Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir, Sovaldi, and Vosevi

How to take Zepatier?

Use Zepatier according to the instructions given by your physician. Your doctor will run tests on your blood to ensure there are no issues that could hinder your use of Zepatier.

Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine exactly as prescribed.Zepatier is a medicine that can be taken without or with food.Use the medicine at the same time every day.

You'll require frequent blood tests to assess your liver's functioning.If you've ever suffered from Hepatitis B treatment, Zepatier could cause the virus to be active or worse. It is possible that you will require regular liver function tests when using this drug and for a period of time following its discontinuation.It is not advisable to stop using Zepatier suddenly. Stopping suddenly could make Hepatitis C difficult to treat with antiviral medication.

Make sure to take all Hepatitis C medication as directed. Also, review all the medication guidelines you are given. Do not alter your dosage or schedule of dosing without your doctor's guidance. Everyone suffering from chronic hepatitis should stay under the supervision of a physician.Keep it at room temperature, far from heat and moisture. Store each tablet in a foil blister package until you're ready to use it.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Hepatitis C:

1 tablet, orally, once a day
Recommended Regimen and Duration of Therapy:
-Genotype 1a, therapy-naive or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced without baseline nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) polymorphisms: Elbasvir-grazoprevir for 12 weeks
-Genotype 1a, therapy-naive or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced with baseline NS5A polymorphisms: Elbasvir-grazoprevir plus ribavirin for 16 weeks
-Genotype 1b, therapy-naive or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced: Elbasvir-grazoprevir for 12 weeks
-Genotype 1a or 1b, peginterferon alfa/ribavirin/HCV protease inhibitor-experienced: Elbasvir-grazoprevir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks
Genotype 4, therapy-naive Elbasvir-grazoprevir over 12 weeks
Genotype 4, peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced: Elbasvir-grazoprevir plus ribavirin for 16 weeks
Comments:
This drug is recommended alongside ribavirin in certain patient groups.
Hepatic laboratory tests are recommended prior to and during treatment.
Peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced: Patients who have failed therapy with peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin
Baseline NS5A polymorphisms: NS5A resistance-associated polymorphisms at amino acid positions 28, 30, 31, or 93.
Optimal regimen and duration of therapy are not established for peginterferon alfa, ribavirin, or HCV protease inhibitor-experienced genotype 1a-infected patients with at least 1 baseline NS5A resistance-associated polymorphism at positions 28, 30, 31, and 93.
The information provided by the manufacturer for tablets of ribavirin must be reviewed in relation to dosage and dosage adjustments (if appropriate).
Use: In the treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 or 4.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Hepatitis C:

12 years old and over or with a minimum weight of 30kg 1 tablet taken orally every day
Recommended Regimen and Duration of Therapy:
-Genotype 1a, therapy-naive or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced without baseline NS5A polymorphisms: Elbasvir-grazoprevir for 12 weeks
-Genotype 1a, therapy-naive or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced with baseline NS5A polymorphisms: Elbasvir-grazoprevir plus ribavirin for 16 weeks
-Genotype 1b, therapy-naive or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced: Elbasvir-grazoprevir for 12 weeks
-Genotype 1a or 1b, peginterferon alfa/ribavirin/HCV protease inhibitor-experienced: Elbasvir-grazoprevir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks
Genotype 4, therapy-naive Elbasvir-grazoprevir over 12 weeks
Genotype 4, peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced: Elbasvir-grazoprevir plus ribavirin for 16 weeks
Comments:
This medication should be administered alongside ribavirin in certain patient groups.
It is recommended to test for liver disease prior to and during treatment.
Peginterferon alfa/ribavirin-experienced: Patients who have failed therapy with peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin
Baseline NS5A polymorphisms: NS5A resistance-associated polymorphisms at amino acid positions 28, 30, 31, or 93.
Peginterferon alfa/ribavirin/HCV protease inhibitor-experienced: Patients who have failed therapy with peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin plus HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor (e.g., boceprevir, simeprevir, telaprevir)
Optimal regimen and duration of therapy are not established for peginterferon alfa, ribavirin, or HCV protease inhibitor-experienced genotype 1a-infected patients with at least 1 baseline NS5A resistance-associated polymorphism at positions 28, 30, 31, and 93.
The manufacturer's product details for tablets containing ribavirin should be reviewed for dosing instructions and dosage adjustments (if necessary).
Use: To treat persistent HCV genotypes 1 or 4.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

The use of this medication will not hinder the spread of your disease. Be sure to protect yourself from sexual contact and never share toothbrushes or razors. Discuss with your physician ways to protect yourself from HCV transmission during sexual activity. Sharing needles for medicine or drugs is never a good idea, even for a healthy individual.

Side effects of Zepatier

Get immediate medical attention. If you show symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to Zepatier, such as hives or breathing difficulties and swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face,

In rare instances, Zepatier may cause serious liver damage. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms like:

• Lower stomach pain that is right-sided or swelling;
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite;
• Fatigue, confusion, and feeling lightheaded
• Bleeding, bruising, or vomiting blood;
• Diarrhea, black or bloody stool;
• Dark urine, stools that are clay-colored,
• The skin is becoming yellow, as are the eyes.

If you are also taking ribavirin, consult your physician if you are experiencing symptoms of low blood cell count (anemia).

• Pale skin with pale, icy feet and hands;
• Strange tiredness, feeling lightheaded, and feeling lightheaded
• Breath shortness.

The most frequent negative side effects of zepatier can be summed up as:

• Headache;
• Tiredness;
• Anemia;

This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Seek advice from your doctor for medical advice regarding adverse reactions. If you experience any side negative effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

If you begin or stop using Zepatier, your doctor might need to adjust the dosages of any other medication you take on a daily basis.

Certain drugs can interfere with elbasvir and grazoprevir. Certain medications should not be taken simultaneously. Discuss with your doctor all the medicines you are currently taking and all the medicines you begin or stop taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs. The interactions between these products are not mentioned here.