Compare Zepatier vs. Olysio
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats hepatitis C.
Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) is a combination pill that treats hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 4, but it can't be used if you have moderate to severe liver disease.
Treats hepatitis C infection.
Olysio (simeprevir) is effective in treating chronic hepatitis C, but it must be used with other antiviral medicines.
Upsides
- Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) can cure hepatitis C, which means the virus can't be detected in the blood 3 months after completing treatment.
- If you only need to take Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir), it’s just 1 pill once a day for 12 or 16 weeks.
- Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) can be taken by people with kidney problems, even those on hemodialysis.
- Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) usually has mild side effects.
- 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
- Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) doesn't work for all genotypes of hepatitis C. It should only be used for genotype 1 or 4.
- Some people need to take Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) together with another medication called ribavirin. Ribavirin has its own set of side effects.
- You shouldn’t take Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) if you have moderate to severe liver disease.
- If you've ever had hepatitis B virus infection, the virus could become active again during or after treatment with Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir). Before starting it, your doctor will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B virus.
- 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 and 4
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$18081.15
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$21973.71
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Reviews
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Side effects
5possible side effects
- Rash28%
- Itchy skin22%
- Nausea22%
- Muscle pain16%
- Trouble breathing12%
Risks and risk factors
- Hepatitis B reactivation
- History of hepatitis B infection
- Risks and warnings of ribavirin
- Taking ribavirin with Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir)
- Abnormally high liver test
- Female
- Asian
- Age 65 or older
- Drug interactions
- 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