Rezdiffra (resmetirom)

Rezdiffra generic

Rezdiffra is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Rezdiffra dosage

The Rezdiffra dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• your body weight in kilograms (kg)*
• other medications you may be taking

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

* For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Drug forms and strengths

Rezdiffra comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in three strengths:

• 60 milligrams (mg)
• 80 mg
• 100 mg

Dosage for NASH

Rezdiffra is prescribed to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in certain adults. For more details, see the “Rezdiffra uses” section below.

For adults weighing less than 100 kg (about 220 lb), the usual dosage of Rezdiffra is 80 mg once per day.

For adults weighing 100 kg (about 220 lb) or more, the usual dosage of Rezdiffra is 100 mg once per day.

Your doctor may give you a different dosage depending on other medications you’re prescribed. If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

About taking Rezdiffra

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• When to take: You should take Rezdiffra once a day.
• If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of Rezdiffra, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If you aren’t sure about whether you should skip a missed dose or take it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Taking Rezdiffra with food: You can take Rezdiffra with or without food.
• Crushing, splitting, or chewing Rezdiffra: The manufacturer of Rezdiffra hasn’t stated whether the tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed. If you have questions about how to take Rezdiffra, talk with your doctor.
• Length of use: Rezdiffra is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Rezdiffra is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
• Length of time to work: Rezdiffra starts working right after you take your first dose of the drug. Your doctor will give you tests, such as liver scans, to help monitor how well the drug is working. They’ll advise you on how your condition is responding to Rezdiffra.

Overdose

Do not take more Rezdiffra than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Rezdiffra

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Rezdiffra side effects

Rezdiffra can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Rezdiffra. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Rezdiffra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Rezdiffra, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Rezdiffra. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Rezdiffra’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Rezdiffra can include:

• abdominal pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• itching
• nausea and vomiting

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Rezdiffra aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• high levels of liver enzymes, which may be a sign of worsened liver damage and include symptoms such as:
  • jaundice
  • nausea and vomiting
  • upper middle or upper right abdominal pain
• gallbladder problems such as gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, which may include symptoms such as:
  • fever
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea and vomiting

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Rezdiffra can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Rezdiffra, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Rezdiffra uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Rezdiffra to treat certain conditions.

Rezdiffra for NASH

Rezdiffra is approved to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in certain adults. For this use, Rezdiffra is typically prescribed along with diet and exercise.

NASH is a type of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With NASH, excess fat in the liver causes liver damage and inflammation. Symptoms may include fatigue and upper right abdominal pain.

Rezdiffra can be prescribed for adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis who do not have cirrhosis. Both fibrosis and cirrhosis involve liver scarring. However, with cirrhosis, liver scarring is more severe and permanent.

Doctors typically will not prescribe Rezdiffra for adults with decompensated cirrhosis. With this condition, the cirrhosis is causing symptoms such as jaundice and excess fluid in the abdomen.

To learn more about Rezdiffra for NASH, talk with your doctor.

Rezdiffra and children

Rezdiffra is not FDA approved for use in children. It’s not known for sure whether the drug is safe or effective for children.

Rezdiffra interactions

Rezdiffra can interact with several other medications. The drug is not known to interact with any supplements or foods.

Before taking Rezdiffra, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Rezdiffra. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Rezdiffra. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Rezdiffra. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid alcohol while taking Rezdiffra.

This is because Rezdiffra treats nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). With NASH, excess fat in the liver causes liver damage and inflammation. Consuming alcohol may worsen this condition.

If you have questions about the safety of drinking alcohol while taking Rezdiffra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Rezdiffra cost and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Rezdiffra can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Rezdiffra. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Rezdiffra, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A Rezdiffra Copay Savings Card is available. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Generic version: Rezdiffra is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Things to consider when taking Rezdiffra

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Rezdiffra and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Rezdiffra should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Rezdiffra and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Rezdiffra should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Common questions about Rezdiffra

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Rezdiffra.

How does Rezdiffra work?

Rezdiffra is used to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in certain adults. NASH may cause liver damage, scarring, and inflammation.

Rezdiffra works by targeting a specific receptor (attachment site) in the liver called thyroid hormone receptor-beta. By activating this receptor, the drug helps lower the amount of fat stored in the liver. As a result, Rezdiffra helps to reduce liver inflammation and prevent further liver damage​.

If you have other questions about how Rezdiffra works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Will Rezdiffra cure my condition?

No, Rezdiffra will not cure NASH. There’s currently no cure for this condition. However, Rezdiffra can help slow down the worsening of NASH.

If you have questions about what to expect while taking Rezdiffra, talk with your doctor.