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What is XIFAXAN?

XIFAXAN is a medicine that can be part of your plan to help manage overt HE

XIFAXAN is a 550 mg tablet that is taken by mouth 2 times a day to help reduce the risk of additional overt HE episodes.

XIFAXAN is the only FDA-approved medicine indicated for the reduction in risk of overt HE recurrence in adults. It was also proven to help reduce the risk of HE-related hospitalizations.

Expert guidelines strongly recommend that doctors use XIFAXAN together with lactulose as part of a plan to help manage overt HE.

How XIFAXAN works

XIFAXAN works by slowing the growth of some bacteria in your gut

XIFAXAN is a nonsystemic antibiotic that slows the growth of bacteria in the gut that are believed to be linked to symptoms of overt HE.

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking XIFAXAN if you have severe hepatic (liver) impairment, as this may cause increased effects of the medicine.

Gut bacteria
  Gut bacteria

Effects of XIFAXAN

XIFAXAN reduced 2 risks associated with overt HE

In a clinical study of 299 adults with a history of overt HE, patients took either one XIFAXAN 550 mg tablet 2 times a day (n=140) or placebo 2 times a day (n=159) for 6 months. 91% of patients took lactulose at the same time. The results were:

Xifaxan reduced risk of another Overt HE episode by 58%

XIFAXAN group:

22% of patients reported breakthrough HE episodes

Placebo group:

46% of patients reported breakthrough HE episodes

Xifaxan reduced risk of another HE-related hospitalization by 50%

XIFAXAN group:

14% of patients had a hospitalization involving HE

Placebo group:

23% of patients had a hospitalization involving HE

Gut bacteria

Common side effects of XIFAXAN

In the same clinical study, the most common side effects reported by patients taking XIFAXAN (occurring in at least 10% of them and at a higher rate than in patients taking placebo) were:

  • Peripheral edema (swelling, usually in the ankles or lower legs)
  • Nausea (feeling sick to one’s stomach)
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue (feeling tired)
  • Ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdomen)

These are not all of the side effects of XIFAXAN. Please see additional Important Safety Information below and click here for full Prescribing Information.

The safety and efficacy of XIFAXAN in adults with overt HE has not been studied for longer than 24 months in clinical trials. If patients recover a significant amount of liver function, they may be able to discontinue overt HE therapy only if instructed by their healthcare provider.

XIFAXAN is part of guideline-based care

Overt HE can be managed using guideline-based care

It will take teamwork among you, your loved ones, and your doctors to help manage overt HE. Be honest with your doctors about your symptoms, experiences, and challenges you may be having.

Your doctor may put you on guideline-recommended therapy that can include more than one medicine. These medicines help reduce the risk of additional overt HE episodes. Some of the most commonly used medicines are lactulose and XIFAXAN.

What is lactulose?

Lactulose is an artificial sugar. It comes as a very sweet liquid that is taken by mouth. It can also be given as an enema for people who cannot swallow.

Lactulose works by helping to cause more bowel movements. This helps to flush out toxins that may travel through your blood to your brain.

An adult with overt HE will work with his/her doctor to find the right amount of lactulose to take each day so that he/she can have 2-3 bowel movements each day.

Guidelines recommend adding XIFAXAN

Expert guidelines recommend using both lactulose and XIFAXAN together to help reduce the risk of overt HE recurrence.

Have you already been prescribed XIFAXAN?

Managing over HE with Xifaxan flashcard

Download this brief guide to managing overt HE with XIFAXAN, including dosing and savings program details.

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Xifaxan copay card

If you’ve been prescribed XIFAXAN, get all the details about the Instant Copay Savings Card.

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Still have questions?

There’s a lot to learn about HE. You should speak with your primary care physician, hepatologist, or gastroenterologist about your plan to reduce the risk of additional overt HE episodes. In the meantime, you may find more answers here.

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