XIFAXAN is a medicine that was approved in 2010 and is still the only FDA-approved medicine indicated for the reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence in adults. It was also proven to help reduce the risk of HE-related hospitalizations.
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.
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.
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 or placebo 2 times a day for 6 months. 91% of patients took lactulose at the same time. The results were:
22% of patients reported breakthrough HE episodes
46% of patients reported breakthrough HE episodes
14% of patients had a hospitalization involving HE
23% of patients had a hospitalization involving HE
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:
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 for overt HE comes as a 550 mg tablet that is taken 2 times a day, as recommended by a healthcare provider.
XIFAXAN can be taken with or without food. 
XIFAXAN should be taken as long as a healthcare provider recommends.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.
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.
Expert guidelines recommend using both lactulose and XIFAXAN together to help reduce the risk of overt HE recurrence.
Download this brief guide to managing overt HE with XIFAXAN, including dosing and savings program details.
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If you’ve been prescribed XIFAXAN, get all the details about the Instant Copay Savings Card.
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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