What is HE?

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portosystemic shunting.¹ In patients with cirrhosis and decreased hepatic function, toxins from the gut can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, where they affect neurotransmission.^1-3 This can cause episodes of HE, which may present as alterations in consciousness, cognition, and behavior that range from minimal to severe.^1-3

CLD and cirrhosis are a growing problem⁴

CLD and cirrhosis have greater mortality in patients aged 25 to 54 than diabetes or cerebrovascular disease (stroke)⁵

CLD and cirrhosis were the 11th leading cause of death in the US in 2018⁵

21% increase in total number of CLD-related hospitalizations from 2012 to 2016⁴

Patients with CLD/decompensated cirrhosis who have portal hypertension have a higher risk of complications, such as^6,7:

Graphic depicting varices, HE, and ascites

The risk of overt HE recurrence is high¹

Once overt HE occurs, patients have a high risk of recurrence¹:

Cumulative risk of an overt HE recurrence at 1 year: 40%
40% cumulative risk of another overt HE recurrence within 6 months, despite standard-of-care treatment

HE and overt HE can be a burden for patients and families

HE is a progressive disease associated with both mental and physical symptoms¹
Other costs: disability, lost productivity, stress on caregivers^8-10

OHE, overt hepatic encephalopathy

CLD, chronic liver disease

AASLD, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

Did you know?

Up to 80% of patients with cirrhosis will develop HE, ranging from minimal to overt^1,11

Screen cirrhosis patients

See what to look for:

Use these symptoms to screen for HE

West Haven criteria for HE

Align with the guidelines
for patients at risk

See what is recommended See what is recommended

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INDICATIONS

XIFAXAN^® (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets are indicated for the reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in adults and for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

XIFAXAN is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to rifaximin, rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any of the components in XIFAXAN. Hypersensitivity reactions have included exfoliative dermatitis, angioneurotic edema, and anaphylaxis.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including XIFAXAN, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.