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Overview: Zepatier is used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It works by preventing the hepatitis C virus from making copies of itself. Common side effects include tiredness, headache, nausea, and low levels of red blood cells. Tell your health care provider about any medical conditions you have or have had in the past, including any other liver problems. Zepatier comes as a tablet that you take by mouth.

Uses

What is Zepatier used for?

Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) is commonly used to treat certain types of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Zepatier may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Zepatier work (mechanism of action)?

Zepatier contains two medicines: elbasvir and grazoprevir. They work together to prevent the hepatitis C virus from making copies of itself. Zepatier reduces the amount of virus in your body, which can help your body get rid of the virus.

How is Zepatier supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zepatier

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg/100 mg oral tablets

How should I store Zepatier?

Zepatier should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not remove the tablets from their blister packs until you are ready to take them. This helps protect the tablets from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zepatier?

The most common side effects of Zepatier are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Low levels of red blood cells (anemia)

There may be other side effects of Zepatier that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zepatier?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zepatier are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation. If you have the hepatitis B virus in your body or have had hepatitis B in the past, Zepatier could make the virus active again. This could lead to serious liver problems or death. Keep all appointments for blood tests before starting Zepatier and during treatment. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis.

  • Unusual tiredness
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Fever or chills
  • Pain in your side
  • Clay-colored stool (poop)

Liver Problems. Zepatier may result in increased levels of liver enzymes. This may not cause symptoms, but it could be a sign of liver damage (also called hepatotoxicity). It is important to keep all appointments for blood tests before starting Zepatier and while taking it. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zepatier may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Zepatier and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zepatier?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Zepatier.

  • Elbasvir
  • Grazoprevir
  • Zepatier
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zepatier.

Liver Problems. Zepatier should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be or if you have had certain liver problems in the past. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

Drug Interactions. Zepatier should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Zepatier, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Zepatier before using it?

Do not take Zepatier unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Zepatier with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Zepatier out of the reach of children.

Make sure that you get refills before you run out of Zepatier. Do not stop taking it without talking to your health care provider first.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Zepatier?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Zepatier is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Past or current hepatitis B infection
  • Liver problems other than hepatitis C infection
  • Liver transplant
  • HIV

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zepatier could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zepatier passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Zepatier while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zepatier?

For more information about Zepatier, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zepatier.com or call them at 877-888-4231.

Interactions

Does Zepatier interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zepatier and foods or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zepatier. 

Does Zepatier interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Zepatier interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss with your health care provider if you are using any of the following before taking Zepatier. 

  • A medicine for HIV or AIDS or any other medicine for hepatitis C
  • A medicine for diabetes
  • Nafcillin, which is an antibiotic
  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • A statin, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor and others) or rosuvastatin (Crestor), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others) or tacrolimus (Astagraf XL, Prograf), which are medicines that suppress your immune system
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Bosentan (Tracleer), which is a medicine for pulmonary hypertension
  • Modafinil (Provigil), which is a medicine for narcolepsy 
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Zepatier, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Zepatier. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zepatier?

If you or someone else has used too much Zepatier, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zepatier?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

Missing doses of Zepatier can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses.