Simeprevir is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of hepatitis C. This drug is combined with another antiviral drug, such as ribavirin, peginterferon alfa, or sofosbuvir, to increase its effectiveness.
Simeprevir can only be used with a doctor's prescription. This drug works by blocking protease, which is an enzyme that is important for the formation of the hepatitis C HCV virus. Blocking the work of the protease enzyme will reduce the amount of hepatitis virus that is formed.
Trademarks of simeprevir: -
What is Simeprevir?
| class | Anti virus |
| Category | Prescription drug |
| Benefit | Treat hepatitis C |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Simeprevir for pregnant and lactating women |
Category N: Not yet categorized.
Simeprevir is not known to be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Warning Before Using Simeprevir:
- Do not use simeprevir if you have a history of allergies to this drug.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages if you have hepatitis C because it will further damage the liver.
- Tell your doctor if you have had a liver transplant or are undergoing phototherapy.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had other liver diseases, such as hepatitis B.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to sulfonamide (sulfa) class drugs.
- Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, especially if you are currently taking erythromycin , clarithromycin, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital , phenytoin, warfarin , ketoconazole, or amiodarone .
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Simeprevir is usually combined with ribavirin. Ribavirin is harmful to the fetus.
- Avoid direct sun exposure when doing outdoor activities, because simeprevir makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or overdose after using simeprevir.
Dosage and Rules for Using Simeprevir
Simeprevir should only be used as prescribed by a doctor . The usual dose of simeprevir to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults is 150 mg once daily. Simeprevir is generally combined with other antivirals, such as peginterferon alfa, ribavirin, or sofosbuvir .
The duration of treatment for each patient is different. The dosage prescribed by the doctor will be adjusted to the age and condition of the patient.
How to Take Simeprevir Correctly
Follow the doctor's instructions or read the instructions for use that are on the drug packaging before using simeprevir. Simeprevir can be taken with food or after food.
Simeprevir capsules need to be swallowed whole, no cutting, biting or crushing is allowed. Simeprevir should be taken at the same time each day.
Do not stop using simeprevir prematurely. Stop using the drug before the drug runs out can increase the risk of disease recurrence.
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If the time for the next dose is near, do not double the dose at the time of the next dose.
Store simeprevir in a closed place at room temperature away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.
Simeprevir Interactions with Other Drugs and Substances
There are several drug interactions that can occur if simeprevir is used with other medicines, namely:
- Enhanced anticoagulant effect of warfarin
- Increased levels of antiarrhythmic drugs , such as disopyramide, flecainide, and mexiletine
- Decreased simeprevir levels when used with carbamazepine , phenobarbital, phenytoin , rifampicin, or John's wort
- Increased levels of simeprevir when used with drugs, such as ciclosporin, ketoconazole , macrolide drugs , such as erythromycin
- Increased levels and effectiveness of simeprevir when used with doxorubicin
- Increased levels of amiodarone in the body
Side Effects and Dangers of Simeprevir
Simeprevir can cause the following side effects:
- Nauseous
- Fainting or feeling like fainting
- Muscle and joint pain
- Chest pain
- Sprue
- Hard to move
- Swollen joints
- Conjunctivitis .
- Dry, flaky, cracked skin and sunburn easily
Check with your doctor if the complaints above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction characterized by difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or eyelids, and the appearance of an itchy rash and swelling of the skin.