Introducing Xifaxan550

Efficacy and tolerability for control of hepatic encephalopathy (HE)

• Xifaxan 550 mg (rifaximin) reduces the risk of overt HE recurrence and reduces HE-related hospitalizations.1
• Xifaxan 550 mg is nonsystemic to provide safety and tolerability when used as directed.1
• Xifaxan 550 mg offers twice-daily dosing.1
• Xifaxan 550 mg is believed to regulate gut flora balance for control of HE.1,2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

XIFAXAN 550 mg is indicated for reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in patients ≥18 years of age. In the trials of XIFAXAN for HE, 91% of the patients were using lactulose concomitantly. XIFAXAN has not been studied in patients with MELD scores >25, and only 8.6% of patients in the controlled trial had MELD scores over 19. There is increased systemic exposure in patients with more severe hepatic dysfunction. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering XIFAXAN to patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).

XIFAXAN is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to rifaximin, any of the rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any of the components in XIFAXAN. Hypersensitivity reactions have included exfoliative dermatitis, angioneurotic edema, and anaphylaxis.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including XIFAXAN, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon which may lead to overgrowth of C. difficile. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.

The most common adverse reactions occurring in >8% of patients in the clinical study were edema peripheral (15%), nausea (14%), dizziness (13%), fatigue (12%), ascites (11%), muscle spasms (9%), pruritus (9%), and abdominal pain (9%).

Complete Prescribing Information.

For product information, adverse event reports, and product complaint reports, please contact:
Salix Product Information Call Center
Phone: 1-800-508-0024
Fax: 1-510-595-8183
Email: Salix@medcomsol.com

References: 1. Xifaxan [prescribing information]. Morrisville, NC: Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc; 2010. 2. De Leo C, Eftimiadi C, Schito GC. Rapid disappearance from the intestinal tract of bacteria resistant to rifaximin. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1986;12:979-981.