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Compare Epclusa vs. Olysio

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) and Olysio (simeprevir) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. However, they differ in several ways. Epclusa is a combination medication that treats all six types of hepatitis C and is taken as a single oral tablet once a day. In contrast, Olysio was used in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, which required multiple medications and had more side effects. Olysio is no longer available in the U.S. due to the availability of newer, more effective treatments like Epclusa. While Epclusa is still in use and available by prescription, Olysio has been discontinued. Epclusa can cause mild side effects like headache and fatigue, and it interacts with many medications, including those for heartburn. Olysio, on the other hand, was associated with the side effects of the additional medications it required.

  • Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir)
    Olysio (simeprevir)
  • Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir)
    Olysio (simeprevir)

  • Summary of Epclusa vs. Olysio

    Summary for Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir) is a combination medication containing two antiviral medications, sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, that's used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children.

    Summary for Antiviral

    Olysio (simeprevir) is an oral medication that was used with other medications to treat hepatitis C. It is no longer available and has been replaced by newer antiviral medications.

  • Indications of Epclusa vs. Olysio

    Indications for
    •Chronic hepatitis C infection
    Indications for

  • Pros and Cons of Epclusa vs. Olysio

    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Treats all 6 types of hepatitis C
    •Most people only have to take one pill once a day for 12 weeks
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Most common side effects are usually mild, such as fatigue and headache
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications including those used for heartburn
    •Not a good option for people taking amiodarone (Pacerone) because the combination can cause slow heart rate
    •Some people with severe liver problems who have chronic hepatitis C may need to take it with another antiviral medication called ribavirin
    •Can reactivate the hepatitis B virus if you have a history of hepatitis B infection
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Epclusa vs. Olysio

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Fatigue
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Epclusa vs. Olysio

    Common Side Effects for
    •Hepatitis B reactivation
    •Slow heart rate
    •Ribavirin risks
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for

  • Prices with our coupons for Epclusa vs. Olysio

    Learn more about Epclusa
    Learn more about Olysio

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