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Compare Epclusa vs. Zepatier

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

Key takeaways

Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) and Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C, but they have some key differences. Epclusa treats all six types of hepatitis C, while Zepatier is only effective for genotypes 1 and 4. Epclusa can be used in both adults and children aged 3 and older, whereas Zepatier is primarily for those ages 12 and older. Zepatier is a good option for people with kidney problems, including those on hemodialysis, and it doesn't interact with stomach acid medications, unlike Epclusa. However, Zepatier cannot be used in people with cirrhosis or moderate to severe liver problems, and it requires resistance testing for hepatitis C type 1 before starting therapy. Both medications have similar common side effects like headache and fatigue, but Epclusa has additional risks such as slow heart rate when taken with amiodarone and potential reactivation of hepatitis B.

  • Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir)
    Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir)
  • Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir)
    Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir)

  • Summary of Epclusa vs. Zepatier

    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 Combo
    Prescription only

    Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) is a combination medication containing two antiviral medications, elbasvir and grazoprevir. It's one of the first choice treatment options for hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 4.

  • Indications of Epclusa vs. Zepatier

    Indications for
    •Chronic hepatitis C infection
    Indications for
    •Hepatitis C infection genotype 1 and 4

  • Pros and Cons of Epclusa vs. Zepatier

    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 Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full regimen for some people and can cure hepatitis C
    •Doesn't interact with stomach acid medications like Epclusa and Harvoni
    •Can be taken by people with kidney problems, even those on hemodialysis
    •Usually has mild side effects
    •Good option for people taking amiodarone, since it doesn't contain sofosbuvir which can cause slow heartbeat
    Cons
    •Doesn't treat all the types of hepatitis C like other antiviral combos such as Epclusa or Mavyret
    •People with hepatitis C type 1 need to have resistance testing before starting therapy
    •Can't be used in people with cirrhosis or moderate to severe liver problems
    •Some people who have hepatitis B and C have had their hepatitis B come back after taking hepatitis C treatment
    •Some people need to take Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) with an antiviral medication called ribavirin, which can have a lot of side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Epclusa vs. Zepatier

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Fatigue
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fatigue (11%)
    •Headache (10%)

  • Warnings of Epclusa vs. Zepatier

    Common Side Effects for
    •Hepatitis B reactivation
    •Slow heart rate
    •Ribavirin risks
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •HEPATITIS B REACTIVATION
    •CHANGE IN LIVER TESTS
    •RIBAVIRIN RISKS
    •MEDICATION INTERACTIONS

  • Prices with our coupons for Epclusa vs. Zepatier

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