Dasabuvir (Exviera®)

This leaflet provides an overview of treatment and important information is for patients starting on treatment with Exviera® for hepatitis C infection.

What is Exviera® and what does it do?

Exviera® (also known as dasabuvir) is used to treat hepatitis C and is used together with viekirax® and ribavirin. It stops replication of the hepatitis C viruses by directly affecting the mechanisms used by the virus to make copies of itself. It is therefore known as a direct acting antiviral (DAA).

How do I take my Exviera® tablets?

Exviera® should only ever be taken with other medication for hepatitis C, such as viekirax®.

Exviera® comes as a tablet containing 250mg of dasabuvir and should be taken twice a day, ideally every 12 hours.

The duration of treatment will depend on your hepatitis C genotype and the extent of your liver disease. Usually treatment is taken for between 12 and 24 weeks.

If you forget to take your dose but remember within six hours, take your normal dose, but if it is after this then you skip that day’s dose

Are there any side effects of Exviera®?

It is common for patients taking Exviera® to experience itching whilst taking this medication. Rarely, it can cause facial swelling (angioedema).

Other possible symptoms include nausea, difficulty sleeping, tiredness and physical weakness. These are more common when ribavirin is taken alongside Exviera®.

If you experience any adverse effects you should contact your nurse specialist or prescriber. Some patients may require a dose adjustment.

Do I need to have any tests or be monitored because I take Exviera®?

You will need regular blood tests to check the level of hepatitis C virus in your blood while you are taking Exviera®. These will be explained at your clinic appointment. You will also need blood tests which look at the function of your liver and these will be taken at the same time.

Special warnings and precautions when taking Exviera®

Exviera® can cause a worsening of liver function and you should contact your nurse specialist or consultant if you develop swelling/fluid in the abdomen, vomiting or coughing up blood, or confusion.

You should also report if you suffer from fatigue, weakness, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, jaundice or discoloured faeces whilst on treatment.

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you must inform your doctor.

Are there any problems taking Exviera® with any other medications?

Exviera® can be affected by other medication, and may also affect medicines itself. You should always check with your doctor, nurse specialist or pharmacist before starting any new medication.

Who I can contact to discuss Exviera®?

Hepatitis C nurse specialists: 01223 596094

Specialist Pharmacist: 01223 217611

Further information

Further information about your tablet can be found in the patient information leaflet found in the tablet/capsule box or on the container.

If you have any other questions about your medication, please contact the medicine helpline on 01223 217502.