Has your doctor told you that you have Hepatitis C? If so, you may have been prescribed a combination of several medications to treat it. You may be a little confused when you see the names of these medications. Dasabuvir, Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir... It's normal to feel that way when you see a lot of these names. But don't worry. Today we're talking about this combination of medications that you've been prescribed, simply and clearly.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a combination of four medications. It is used to treat a viral infection called hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a condition that affects your liver. This medication works by controlling the virus in your body.
The most important thing is that this medicine is only for hepatitis C. It does not cure other viral diseases like the common cold and flu.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have diabetes .
- If you have HIV or AIDS .
- If you have a liver disease other than hepatitis C.
- If you have allergies to this medication or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to determine the most suitable and safest treatment method for you.
How should I use the medicine?
Following the exact instructions for using this medicine greatly affects the success of the treatment.
- Take with food: This medicine should always be taken with a meal. Do not take on an empty stomach.
- With a glass of water: Drink a full glass of water when taking the medicine.
- Take the medicine at the right time: Take the medicine at the right time, as instructed by your doctor. Do not change the number of times you take it per day.
- Complete the treatment: Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to, even if you feel a little better. It is important to take the medicine for the full course of treatment to completely control the virus.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
It's possible to miss a dose of medication. If that happens, don't worry. Do this:
- Make up the missed time as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. That means:
- Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir (usually taken in the morning): If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Just take your next dose at the scheduled time.
- Dasabuvir (usually taken in the morning and evening): If it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Just take the next dose at the scheduled time.
- Most importantly: Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I drink too much by mistake?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This is a very important part. Taking this medicine with other medications can cause serious side effects. So you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| *Never* take this medicine with this medicine! (Do NOT Take With) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Especially: Hormonal methods that contain estrogen, such as birth control pills, patches, and rings, can cause liver damage when used with this medication. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another birth control method. | |
| Other drugs that may cause problems (May Interact With) | |
|---|---|
| |
This list is not complete, so it is very important for your own safety to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Medical tests: During your treatment, your doctor will ask you to do several blood tests . These can help determine whether the treatment is working and whether your liver is functioning properly. So don't skip these tests.
- Hepatitis B (HBV) alert: If you have had hepatitis B before, there is a chance that the virus may become active again due to this medicine. Therefore, your doctor will monitor you for this as well. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, or extreme fatigue .
- Blood sugar levels: This medicine may cause blood sugar levels to rise in some people. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or extreme fatigue.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms you are experiencing |
|---|---|
| Notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of Liver Injury | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms of High Blood Sugar | Thirst more than usual, needing to urinate more frequently, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Itching, skin rash, nausea, insomnia. |
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine with a meal . Do not take on an empty stomach.
- No matter how well you feel, complete the treatment until your doctor tells you to. Don't stop halfway.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, even vitamins .
- If you notice signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, or dark urine, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you miss a dose, don't panic and follow the instructions. Never take two doses at once.
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