DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Telaprevir

March 21, 2017

Telaprevir Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

TELAPREVIR (tel A pre vir) is an antiviral medicine. It is used with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin to treat hepatitis C. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • HIV or AIDS

  • immune system problems

  • infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

  • low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

  • man with a partner who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • organ transplant

  • other liver disease

  • skin conditions or sensitivity

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to telaprevir, ribavirin, interferons, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food (not low fat). Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose and remember the same day, take it as soon as you remember. If the whole day has passed, ask your health care provider what to do. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with the following medication:

  • alfuzosin

  • atorvastatin

  • carbamazepine

  • cisapride

  • ergot derivatives

  • lovastatin

  • midazolam

  • pimozide

  • phenobarbital

  • phenytoin

  • rifampin

  • sildenafil

  • simvastatin

  • St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

  • tadalafil

  • triazolam

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alfentanil

  • alprazolam

  • amiodarone

  • amlodipine

  • atazanavir/ritonavir

  • bepridil

  • bosentan

  • budesonide

  • clarithromycin

  • colchicine

  • cyclosporine

  • darunavir/ritonavir

  • desipramine

  • dexamethasone

  • digoxin

  • diltiazem

  • efavirenz

  • erythromycin

  • escitalopram

  • ethinyl estradiol

  • felodipine

  • fentanyl

  • flecainide

  • fluticasone

  • fosamprenavir/ritonavir

  • itraconazole

  • ketoconazole

  • lidocaine (systemic)

  • lopinavir/ritonavir

  • methadone

  • methylprednisolone

  • nicardipine

  • nifedipine

  • nisoldipine

  • norethindrone

  • posaconazole

  • prednisone

  • propafenone

  • quinidine

  • rifabutin

  • salmeterol

  • sirolimus

  • tacrolimus

  • telithromycin

  • tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

  • trazodone

  • vardenafil

  • verapamil

  • voriconazole

  • warfarin

  • zolpidem

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

See your doctor or health care professional for a follow-up visit as directed. You may need blood work while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

This medicine must be given with ribavirin. Ribavirin may cause birth defects or death to an unborn child. Women taking this medicine must avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Men who are taking this medicine must avoid getting a woman pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Use 2 forms of birth control. Women who can still have children must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment. Take monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after this medicine is stopped. Talk to your doctor if you think that you or your partner are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • dizziness

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • changes in taste

  • diarrhea

  • hemorrhoids

  • nausea, vomiting

  • unusually weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After the bottle is opened, use within 28 days. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert