Rezdiffra: Uses, Side Effects, and More

What is Rezdiffra?

Rezdiffra (resmetirom) is a brand-name medicine that is prescribed along with diet and exercise to treat a specific type of liver disease in certain adults.

Rezdiffra contains the active ingredient resmetirom and belongs to a class of drugs called thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-beta) agonists. It comes as a tablet that you swallow.

Rezdiffra generic name

Rezdiffra is available only as a brand-name medicine at this time. A generic version is not currently available.

What is Rezdiffra used for?

Rezdiffra is used to help treat a liver condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which is a form of fatty liver disease that is not associated with alcohol use.

MASH was formerly called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MASH is characterized by an accumulation of lipid (fat) in your liver. This buildup may cause inflammation and damage to your liver. Symptoms of MASH may include pain in the upper right side of your abdomen and extreme tiredness. But many people with MASH have no symptoms.

Specifically, Rezdiffra is used to treat MASH in adults who also have moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. This means that normal tissue in your liver is replaced by poorly functioning scar tissue. But Rezdiffra is not prescribed for people who have cirrhosis, which is scar tissue that causes irreversible liver damage.

Is Rezdiffra a weight-loss drug?

No, Rezdiffra is not approved for weight loss. And weight loss was not seen in clinical studies of the drug.

Rezdiffra’s mechanism of action (how it works)

Rezdiffra works by selectively activating THR-beta receptors, which key receptors in the liver for regulating cholesterol and lipid (fat) metabolism.

Stimulating these receptors mimics the metabolic effects of thyroid hormone, which include:

• decreasing inflammation
• reducing accumulation of fat in the liver
• reducing liver fibrosis (scarring)
• improving the liver’s ability to break down fat

Rezdiffra side effects

The most common side effects of Rezdiffra in clinical studies of the drug were:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• itchiness
• vomiting
• constipation
• abdominal pain
• dizziness

These and other mild side effects of Rezdiffra may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

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

Serious side effects of Rezdiffra that have been reported include:

• other liver problems, including increased levels of certain liver enzymes in your blood
• gallbladder problems, including gallstones

Rezdiffra dosage

Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll recommend the dosage of Rezdiffra that’s right for you.

Form and strengths

Rezdiffra is available as an oral tablet in three strengths:

• 60 milligrams (mg)
• 80 mg
• 100 mg

Recommended dosages

Rezdiffra dosing depends on your body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

• If you weigh less than 100 kg (about 220 lb), the typical dosage of Rezdiffra is 80 mg once per day.
• If you weigh 100 kg or more, the typical dosage of Rezdiffra is 100 mg once per day.

Overdose

Do not take more Rezdiffra than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you take too much Rezdiffra

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Rezdiffra. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should be considered before taking Rezdiffra?

Below is important information you should consider before starting Rezdiffra.

Interactions

Taking a drug with certain medications, vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions. Rezdiffra can interact with several other medications.

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 take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

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.

Rezdiffra and alcohol

Alcohol is not known to interact with Rezdiffra based on studies. But alcohol consumption may worsen your liver problems from MASH.

Talk with your doctor to determine whether it’s safe for you to consume alcohol while you’re taking Rezdiffra.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Rezdiffra during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting Rezdiffra.

If you’ve taken Rezdiffra while pregnant, the manufacturer, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, encourages you to report any negative side effects you’ve experienced. You can do this by calling 800-905-0324 or by visiting the company’s website.

Warnings

Rezdiffra can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Rezdiffra. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

• liver problems other than MASH
• gallbladder problems, including gallstones
• previous allergic reaction to Rezdiffra
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

Rezdiffra cost and savings

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when considering Rezdiffra. The price you’ll pay for Rezdiffra may depend on several factors, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

Here are a few things to consider regarding Rezdiffra pricing:

• Comparing pharmacies: Rezdiffra prices may vary depending on which pharmacy you use, so it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost.
• Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.
• Financial assistance: Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:
  • Medicine Assistance Tool
  • NeedyMeds

Also, you may be eligible for the Rezdiffra Copay Savings Program available from Madrigal Pharmaceuticals (the company that manufactures Rezdiffra).

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.