Simeprevir

Generic name: Simeprevir [ sim-E-pre-vir ]
Brand name: Olysio
Drug class: Protease inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 2, 2024.

Uses of Simeprevir:

• It is used to treat long-term hepatitis C infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Simeprevir?

• If you have an allergy to simeprevir or any other part of simeprevir.
• If you are allergic to simeprevir; any part of simeprevir; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever had liver problems other than hepatitis C.
• If you are not taking other drugs to treat hepatitis C.
• If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with simeprevir, like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, or seizures. There are many drugs that must not be taken with simeprevir.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with simeprevir.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take simeprevir with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Simeprevir?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take simeprevir. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you have a sulfa (sulfonamide) allergy, talk with your doctor.
• If you are of East Asian descent, talk with your doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• Very bad skin reactions to sunlight have happened with simeprevir. Sometimes, this has led to need to go to the hospital. Talk with the doctor.
• Slow heartbeat and the need to get a pacemaker have happened when amiodarone was given with sofosbuvir and certain other hepatitis C drugs. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Slow heartbeat has happened up to 2 weeks after starting hepatitis C treatment. You will need to be watched closely if you will be taking amiodarone with hepatitis C treatment. Follow what your doctor has told you to do. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of slow heartbeat like chest pain, confusion, dizziness, passing out or near-passing out, memory problems, shortness of breath, tiredness, or weakness.
• This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
• This medicine must be taken with other drugs to treat hepatitis C. Be sure you know about the warnings, benefits, and risks of the other drugs. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about any of your drugs used to treat hepatitis C.
• If you stop taking any of your other drugs to treat hepatitis C, talk with your doctor. You may need to stop taking simeprevir also.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking simeprevir.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using simeprevir while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Simeprevir) best taken?

Use simeprevir as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take simeprevir with food.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, open, or crush.
• Take simeprevir at the same time of day.
• Keep taking simeprevir as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• It is important that you do not miss or skip a dose of simeprevir during treatment.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Red, blistered, or swollen skin.
• Very bad skin irritation.
• Mouth sores.
• Eye irritation.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly liver problems have happened with simeprevir. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Simeprevir?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Itching.
• Upset stomach.
• Muscle pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Not able to sleep.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Simeprevir?

• Store in the original container at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about simeprevir, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the new drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer