Uses
The combination of elbasvir and grazoprevir is used alone or in combination with ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere, Virazole) to treat a certain type of chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus). Elbasvir is in a class of antiviral medications called HCV NS5A inhibitors. It works by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C from spreading inside the body. Grazoprevir is in a class of medications called protease inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the body. It is not known if elbasvir and grazoprevir prevent the spread of hepatitis C to other people.
Side Effects Of Elbasvir and Grazoprevir
Elbasvir and grazoprevir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- headache
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- sleepiness
- confusion
- swelling of the stomach area
- vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- dark, black, or bloody stools
- Elbasvir and grazoprevir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking elbasvir and grazoprevir:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to elbasvir, grazoprevir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in elbasvir and grazoprevir tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir (Reyataz), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), darunavir (Prezista, in Prezcobix), efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), lopinavir (in Kaletra), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater), saquinavir (Invirase), St. John’s wort, or tipranavir (Aptivus). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take elbasvir and grazoprevir if you are taking one or more of these medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: bosentan (Tracleer); cobicistat taken along with elvitegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir (Genvoya, Stribild); etravirine (Intelence); medications to treat high cholesterol such as atorvastatin (Lipitor, in Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol XL), lovastatin (Altoprev), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor, in Vytorin); ketoconazole; modafinil (Provigil); nafcillin; tacrolimus (Astagraf, Envarsus, Prograf, others); and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with elbasvir and grazoprevir, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any type of liver disease other than hepatitis C. Your doctor may tell you not to take elbasvir and grazoprevir.
- tell your doctor if you have had or are waiting for a liver transplant or if you have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking elbasvir and grazoprevir, call your doctor.
Elbasvir and Grazoprevir Dosage
The combination of elbasvir and grazoprevir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once daily for 12 to 16 weeks. Take elbasvir and grazoprevir at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take elbasvir and grazoprevir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take elbasvir and grazoprevir even if you feel well. The length of your treatment depends on your condition, how well you respond to the medication, and whether you experience severe side effects. Do not stop taking elbasvir and grazoprevir without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
