Compare Viekira XR vs. Olysio
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
A combination of 3 different medicines that treats hepatitis C infection.
Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) is a once daily drug regimen consisting of 3 pills a day that are effective against genotype 1 hepatitis C virus, but may not be a good option if you have liver problems.
Treats hepatitis C infection.
Olysio (simeprevir) is effective in treating chronic hepatitis C, but it must be used with other antiviral medicines.
Upsides
- Unlike Viekira Pak, Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) is only three pills that is taken all at once.
- Similar to Viekira Pak, Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) has a 95% to 100% cure rate.
- Common side effects are manageable and include feeling nauseous, tired, itching, or rash.
- Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) can also be used to treat genotype 1 hepatitis C if you have a liver transplant.
- Most people who take Olysio (simeprevir) together with other antiviral medicines have good results, with no signs of virus found in their blood three months later.
- Unlike some other hepatitis C medications, you can take Olysio (simeprevir) even if you are taking an acid reflux medication.
- Can take Olysio (simeprevir) for a shorter amount of time than other hepatitis C medications.
- Has less side effects than some hepatitis C medications.
Downsides
- Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) is a combination of 3 different medications which may be hard to take if you don't like swallowing a lot of pills.
- You may need to take an additional medication called ribavirin with Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir).
- If you are taking ethinyl estradiol-containing medications, you will need another form of birth control during and for 2 weeks after using Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir).
- Should not be used if you experienced severe rash after taking ritonavir (Norvir).
- Your doctor will need to take frequent blood tests during the first 4 weeks, and periodically after to monitor your liver function.
- There's no generic available, so it can be very expensive.
- Olysio (simeprevir) should not be used alone, it must be used together with other antiviral medicines.
- There are many interactions between Olysio (simeprevir) and other drugs and herbal supplements. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications.
- Olysio (simeprevir) can cause a rash if you're out in the sun, so you'll have to use sunblock or wear protective clothing.
- Olysio (simeprevir) only works with one specific type of hepatitis C, unlike others that treat all 6 types.
Used for
- Hepatitis C infection genotype 1
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
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No pricing information available
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Reviews
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Side effects
6possible side effects
- Fatigue34%
- Nausea22%
- Itching18%
- Skin reactions16%
- Trouble sleeping14%
- Weakness/Lack of energy14%
5possible side effects
- Rash28%
- Itchy skin22%
- Nausea22%
- Muscle pain16%
- Trouble breathing12%
Risks and risk factors
- Hepatitis B reactivation
- Hepatitis B infection
- Serious liver problems and complications
- Moderate to severe liver disease (Child Pugh B or C)
- Raised liver blood tests
- Taking estrogen containing medications
- Ribavirin warnings
- Drug interactions
- HIV resistance
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B reactivation
- History of hepatitis B infection
- Slow heart rate
- Amiodarone
- Beta blockers
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Drug interactions
- Rifampin
- St. John's wort
- Ribavirin combination treatment
- Taking ribavirin with Olysio (simeprevir)
- Skin problems
- Taking Olysio (simeprevir) in combination with rivabirin and peg-interferon alfa