Elbasvir / grazoprevir (Zepatier®)

Who is this information for?

This page provides an overview of treatment and important information for patients starting on treatment with Zepatier® for hepatitis C infection.

What are elbasvir and grazoprevir and what do they do?

Elbasvir and grazoprevir (also known as Zepatier®) are antiviral medications used in combination to treat hepatitis C virus infection, which can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.

Elbasvir and grazoprevir stop replication of the hepatitis C viruses by directly affecting the mechanisms used by the virus to make copies of itself. They are therefore known as direct acting antivirals (DAA).

How do I take my Zepatier® tablets?

Zepatier® comes as a tablet containing 50mg of elbasvir and 100mg of grazoprevir. You should take one tablet once a day with or without food. The duration of treatment will depend on your hepatitis C genotype and the extent of your liver disease. The usual duration of treatment is between 12 and 16 weeks.

Do not stop taking Zepatier® without discussion with your doctor or liver nurse specialist. You need to complete the full course of treatment to ensure the best chance of treating your hepatitis C virus infection.

It is very important that you do not miss doses of Zepatier®. If you do miss a dose, but remember within 16 hours since you should have taken your dose, then take your normal dose. If it has been more than 16 hours, then skip the missed dose, but take your next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you are sick within 2 hours of taking your Zepatier® tablet, you should take an additional dose.

Are there any side effects of Zepatier®?

Like all medicines, Zepatier® can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.

Very common side effects

Headaches and / or fatigue however these are not usually severe.

Common side effects

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle / joint pains, difficulties sleeping, dizziness, skin itching, decreased appetite and physical weakness.

Increased blood levels of liver enzymes: contact your doctor or liver nurse specialist if you experience new signs or symptoms of liver problems e.g. skin or white part of your eye turning yellow, dark urine, nausea, abdominal pain, lack of appetite.

If you experience any side effects, please contact your doctor, pharmacist or liver nurse specialist. This includes any possible side effects not listed above.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The effects of Zepatier® in pregnancy are not known and it is not known whether Zepatier® can pass into breast milk.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or you wish to plan a pregnancy whilst taking Zepatier®, this should be discussed carefully with your doctor first.

Should you wish to breastfeed whilst taking Zepatier®, this should be discussed carefully with your doctor first.

Do I need to have any tests or be monitored because I take Zepatier®?

You will need blood tests before, during and after your treatment with Zepatier®. These will be used to determine how long you should take Zepatier® for, to check for side effects and to check the level of hepatitis C virus in your blood to ensure Zepatier® is working and also to check that your liver is functioning correctly throughout treatment. These will be explained at your clinic appointment.

Are there any problems taking Zepatier® with any other medications?

Zepatier® can be affected by other medication, and may also affect medicines itself. Make sure your doctor, liver nurse specialist or pharmacist are aware of the medication you are currently taking; taking Zepatier® with some medicines may stop them from working properly, and your doctor may need to change you to a different medicine, adjust the dose you are taking or adjust when you take a medicine.

Only take medicines prescribed for you by your doctor and check with your doctor, liver nurse specialist or pharmacist before taking any new medicines. This includes medicines initiated by your GP or medicines / remedies bought over the counter.

Who I can contact to discuss Zepatier®?

Hepatitis C nurse specialists: 01223 596094

Specialist pharmacist: 01223 217611

Further information

Further information about your tablet can be found in the patient information leaflet found in the tablet / capsule box or on the container.

If you have any other questions about your medication, please contact the medicine helpline on 01223 217502.