What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking elbasvir and grazoprevir?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to elbasvir or grazoprevir, or if you have:
- moderate or severe liver disease.
When taking elbasvir and grazoprevir with ribavirin: To make sure all medicines are safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with elbasvir and grazoprevir. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:
- cyclosporine;
- rifampin;
- St. John's wort;
- HIV or AIDS medication --atazanavir, darunavir, efavirenz, lopinavir, saquinavir, tipranavir; or
- seizure medicine --carbamazepine, phenytoin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- hepatitis B;
- liver problems other than hepatitis C;
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus);
- a liver transplant, or if you are waiting to have a liver transplant; or
- if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.
Elbasvir and grazoprevir is sometimes used in combination with ribavirin. Both men and women using ribavirin should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Ribavirin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or death to an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.
You should not take ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sex partner is pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of ribavirin.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ribavirin.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Elbasvir and grazoprevir is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.