- What is simeprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for simeprevir?
- Is simeprevir available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for simeprevir?
- What are the side effects of simeprevir?
- What is the dosage for simeprevir?
- Is simeprevir safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about simeprevir?
What is simeprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Simeprevir is an oral, direct-acting an-tiviral agent used for treating infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Boceprevir (Victrelis), telaprevir (Incivek), and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) are other direct-acting drugs for treating HCV. Simeprevir blocks the effect of pro-teases which are enzymes that HCV needs for making new viruses, leading to reduced numbers of HCV in the body. Simeprevir is effective for treating people infected with HCV genotype 1, including those with liver disease. The FDA approved simeprevir in November 2013.
What are the side effects of simeprevir?
The most common side effects associated with simeprevir treatment are:
- rash,
- itching,
- sun sensitivity,
- muscle pain,
- shortness of breath, and
- nausea.
What is the dosage for simeprevir?
The recommended dose of simeprevir is one 150 mg capsule once daily with food for 12 weeks in combination with peginter-feron and ribavarin. It should be followed by 12 or 36 additional weeks of peginterferon and ribavirin depending on prior response. It can also be combined with sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) for 12 weeks.
QUESTION
Hepatitis C virus causes an infection of the ______________. See AnswerIs simeprevir safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if simeprevir is secreted into breast milk.
What else should I know about simeprevir?
What preparations of simeprevir are available?
Capsules: 150 mg
How should I keep simeprevir stored?
Capsules should be stored at room temperature below 30 C (86 F).
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Summary
Simeprevir (Olysio) is an oral, direct-acting antiviral agent prescribed for treating infections with HCV (hepatitis C virus). Simeprevir is used in combination with ribavirin (Rebetol, Copegus) and peginterferon to treat hepatitis C infections. Drug interactions, warnings and precautions, side effects, and dosage information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G)
Hepatitis is most often viral, due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G) or another virus (such as those that cause infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus disease). The main nonviral causes of hepatitis are alcohol and drugs. Many patients infected with hepatitis A, B, and C have few or no symptoms of illness. For those who do develop symptoms of viral hepatitis, the most common are flu-like symptoms including: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, and aching in the abdomen. Treatment of viral hepatitis is dependent on the type of hepatitis.
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Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C)
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread by blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and needle sticks, especially with intravenous drug abuse. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and fever. Chronic hepatitis C may be cured in most individuals with drugs that target specific genomes of hepatitis C.
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Is Hepatitis C Contagious?
Hepatitis C or hep C causes acute and chronic liver disease. Hep C is a form of liver disease with symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort. Hepatitis C is a contagious viral infection caused by people sharing drug needles, surgical instruments that have not been properly sanitized, and organ transplantation.
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Hepatitis C Cure (Symptoms, Transmission, Treatments, and Cost)
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are a variety of toxins, diseases, illicit drugs, medications, bacterial and viral infections, and heavy alcohol use can case inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) is one type of hepatitis. According to the CDC, in 2014 there were an estimated 30,500 cases of acute hepatitis C infections in the US. An estimated 2.7-3.9 million people in the US have chronic hepatitis C. The virus is spread from person-to-person via blood-to-blood contact. Symptoms of HCV infection include joint pain, jaundice, dark urine, nausea, fatigue, fever, loss of appetites, clay colored stool. Hepatitis C can be cured with medications in most people. There is no vaccine against the hepatitis C virus.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
SLIDESHOW
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE: FDA.gov prescribing information. simeprevir.