This medication is used to treat chronic hepatitis delta
virus (HDV) infection, a viral infection of the liver. Bulevirtide works by
stopping the virus from spreading in the liver. This helps reduce swelling
in the liver.
Hepatitis D infection can only spread to a person who
already has hepatitis B infection. It is not known if bulevirtide can
prevent you from passing the virus to others. Practice "safer sex" (such as
the use of latex condoms) to lower the risk of passing the virus to
others.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this
medication and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care
professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually daily. The injection is given in the upper arms,
thighs, or abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly button). The
dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment.
Do not shake the medication. Before using, check this
product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use
the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to
inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection
site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin
that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or into tattoos, scars, or moles. To
lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
It is very important to keep using this medication
exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any
doses.
For the best effect, use this medication at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time
every day.
Do not use more or less of this drug than prescribed or
stop using it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your
doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the
infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side
effects.
Redness, itching, swelling, or pain at the injection
site may occur. Headache, dizziness, or tiredness may also occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using bulevirtide, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other liver problems (such as hepatitis C)
- kidney problems
- HIV
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function,
tests for hepatitis B and D) should be done while you are using this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.