Xifaxin
What is Xifaxin?
XIFAXAN is the only FDA-approved medication to help reduce the risk of overt hepaticencephalopathy (HE) recurrence in adults. It can also lower the likelihood of HE-related hospitalizations and may be an important part of your doctor’s plan for managing overt HE. XIFAXAN works by targeting certain bacteria in the gut, slowing their growth. These bacteria are thought to play a role in the symptoms of overt HE. Unlike many antibiotics, XIFAXAN works specifically in the gut without affecting the entire body.
What is HE?
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a brain condition that occurs in people with liver disease. When the liver is damaged, it can't filter toxins from the blood as effectively as a healthy liver. These toxins can build up in the bloodstream and eventually reach the brain, causing the symptoms associated with HE. Symptoms of HE can include: lack of energy, confusion, severe personality changes, sleepiness, worsening of handwriting, and hand tremors.
Is Xifaxan right for you?
XIFAXAN may be right for you if you are an adult with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and need to reduce the risk of recurrence or HE-related hospitalizations. It is important to talk to your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have severe liver impairment or other healthconditions, as these factors can affect whether XIFAXAN is a suitable option for you. Your doctor can help determine if XIFAXAN is the right part of your treatment plan.