Simeprevir Medication Information

Get detailed information on Simeprevir, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.

The updated prescription information on Simeprevir provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.

You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Simeprevir

Trade Names/Brand Names of Simeprevir

India :

Olysio

Why is Simeprevir Prescribed? (Indications)

Simeprevir belongs to a group of medications called Hepatitis C protease inhibitors and is prescribed for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C infections. It is used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin to treat HCV genotype 1 in patients with liver disease.

The drug acts by reducing the number of Hepatitis C virus in the body.

When should Simeprevir not be taken? (Contraindications)

Simeprevir is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the drug and in pregnancy and breastfeeding since it can cause serious side effects to the baby. Pregnancy should be avoided for 6 months after completion of treatment. It should also not be taken by men whose partners are pregnant.

What is the dosage of Simeprevir?

The recommended dose of simeprevir is 150mg capsule to be taken once daily along with food. The drug is administered along with peginterferon alpha and ribavirin for a period of 12 weeks. Treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin is continued for another 12 or 36 weeks depending on the patient’s condition.

How should Simeprevir be taken?

Simeprevir comes in the form of a capsule to be taken once daily with food. The capsule must be swallowed as a whole. Do not split, chew or crush the capsule.

What are the warnings and precautions for Simeprevir?

•Simeprevir is capable of making the skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during treatment.

Discontinue the drug immediately if there are any serious allergic reactions or skin rashes.

What are the side effects of Simeprevir?

General: Nausea, muscle pain, mouth ulcers, red or swollen eyes, breathing difficulties.
Skin: Photosensitivity, Rashes and itching of the skin.
Liver: Liver damage

What are the other precautions for Simeprevir?

Consult the doctor if you have any serious liver problems before taking simeprevir.

There is a possibility of a reactivation of hepatitis B viral infection during treatment with simeprevir.

What are the Drug Interactions of Simeprevir?

Simeprevir should be avoided with:

Anticonvulsant Drugs:
Concomitant administration of carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital with simeprevir will decrease the plasma concentration of simprevir.

Antibiotics:
Erythromycin, clarithromycin and telithromycin will increase the blood concentration of simeprevir.

Antifungal Medications:
Drugs like fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole will increase the plasma drug concentration of simeprevir.

HMG CoA reductase Inhibitors:
Coadministration of simeprevir with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors like rosuvastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin may increase the blood level of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors.

Antiarrhythmic Drugs:
Simeprevir might increase the blood concentration of digoxin and antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone, mexiletine and propafenone.

Corticosteroids:
Dexamethasone when given along with simeprevir will decrease the plasma concentration and reduce the efficacy of simprevir.

HIV Drugs:
Drugs like cobicistat, efavirenz, delaviridine, ritonavir, lopinavir, elvitegravir may either increase or decrease the plasma concentration of simeprevir.

It is therefore not recommended to administer simeprevir at the same time as HIV drugs.

Sedatives or Anti-anxiety Drugs:
Concomitant administration of simeprevir with sedative or anti-anxiety drugs like midazolam or triazolam might increase the plasma concentration of the anti-anxiety drugs.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors (PDE-5 Inhibitors):
Drugs like tadalafil, siledenafil or vardenafil when given along with simeprevir might show a mild increase in the plasma concentration of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Dose adjustment should be done for phosphodiesterase inhibitors when used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients receiving simprevir.

Immunosuppressants:
Blood concentrations of cyclosporine, tacrolimus or sirolimus might either increase or decrease when taken with simeprevir.