- In this section:
- What Is XIFAXAN
- Results With XIFAXAN
- Common Side Effects
- Taking XIFAXAN
- In this section:
- What Is XIFAXAN
- Results With XIFAXAN
- Common Side Effects
- Taking XIFAXAN
- What Is XIFAXAN
- Results With XIFAXAN
- Common Side Effects
- Taking XIFAXAN
What is XIFAXAN (zī-fax-an)?
XIFAXAN is the only FDA-approved medicine that reduces the risk of overt HE (hepatic encephalopathy) recurrence in adults. In addition, it helps reduce the risk of HE-related hospitalizations. XIFAXAN is a medicine that can be part of your doctor's plan to help manage overt HE.
XIFAXAN works by slowing the growth of some bacteria in your gut.
XIFAXAN is an antibiotic that does not affect the entire body but slows bacteria growth in the gut. These bacteria are believed to be linked to symptoms of overt HE.
Talk to your doctor before taking XIFAXAN if you have severe hepatic (liver) impairment, as this may cause increased effects of the medicine.
XIFAXAN OHE Living Kit Flashcard
Download this brief guide to managing overt HE with XIFAXAN, including dosing and savings program details.
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“XIFAXAN helped reduce my risk of further OHE episodes and HE-related hospitalizations.”
— Mark | A Xifaxan Patient
Results with XIFAXAN
XIFAXAN reduced 2 risks associated with overt HE
In a clinical study of 299 adults with a history of overt HE, patients took either one XIFAXAN 550 mg tablet 2 times a day (n=140) or placebo 2 times a day (n=159) for 6 months. 91% of patients took lactulose at the same time. The results were:
Reduced risk of another
overt HE episode by
%
compared with placebo
XIFAXAN group: 22% of patients reported breakthrough HE episodes
Placebo group: 46% of patients reported breakthrough HE episodes
Reduced risk of another
HE-related hospitalization by
%
compared with placebo
XIFAXAN group: 14% of patients had a hospitalization involving HE
Placebo group: 23% of patients had a hospitalization involving HE
Common side effects of XIFAXAN
In the same clinical study, the most common side effects reported by patients taking XIFAXAN (occurring in at least 10% of them and at a higher rate than in patients taking placebo) were:
- Peripheral edema (swelling, usually in the ankles or lower limbs)
- Constipation
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdomen)
- Dizziness
- Urinary tract infection
- Anemia (low red blood cell levels)
- Itching
These are not all of the side effects of XIFAXAN. Please see additional Important Safety Information below and click here for full Prescribing Information.
The safety and efficacy of XIFAXAN in adults with overt HE has not been studied for longer than 24 months in clinical trials. If patients recover a significant amount of liver function, they may be able to discontinue overt HE therapy only if instructed by their doctor.
Taking XIFAXAN
XIFAXAN for overt HE comes as a 550 mg tablet that is taken 2 times a day, as recommended by a doctor
XIFAXAN tablets can be taken with or without food
XIFAXAN should be taken as long as a doctor recommends
XIFAXAN is part of guideline-based care
Overt HE can be managed using guideline-based care
Your doctor may put you on guideline-recommended therapy that can include more than one medicine. These medicines help reduce the risk of additional overt HE episodes. Some of the most commonly used medicines are lactulose and XIFAXAN.
Guidelines recommend adding XIFAXAN
Expert guidelines recommend using both lactulose and XIFAXAN together to help reduce the risk of overt HE recurrence.
What is lactulose?
Lactulose is an artificial sugar. It comes as a very sweet liquid that is taken by mouth. It can also be given as an enema for people who cannot swallow.
Lactulose works by helping to cause more bowel movements. This helps to flush out toxins that may travel through your blood to your brain.
An adult with overt HE will work with his/her doctor to find the right amount of lactulose to take each day so that he/she can have 2-3 bowel movements each day.
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HE, hepatic encephalopathy; OHE, overt hepatic encephalopathy.
