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Compare Harvoni vs. Olysio

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) and Olysio (simeprevir) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. However, they differ in several ways. Harvoni is a combination medication that includes two antiviral agents, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, and is FDA-approved for treating hepatitis C genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 6. It is taken as a single tablet once a day and is available in both brand and generic forms. In contrast, Olysio (simeprevir) was used in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, which are known for having many side effects, and it has been discontinued due to the availability of newer, more effective treatments. Harvoni is known for its high cure rates and fewer side effects, such as headache and fatigue, while Olysio required additional medications that could cause more severe side effects. Additionally, Harvoni interacts with several medications, including heartburn medications and some HIV antiretrovirals, whereas Olysio's interactions were primarily related to its combination with peginterferon and ribavirin.

  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
    Olysio (simeprevir)
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
    Olysio (simeprevir)

  • Summary of Harvoni vs. Olysio

    Summary for Antiviral Combo
    Prescription only

    Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is a combination medication containing two antiviral medications, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi). It is a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis C for certain types of people.

    Summary for Antiviral

    Olysio (simeprevir) is an oral medication that was used with other medications to treat hepatitis C. It is no longer available and has been replaced by newer antiviral medications.

  • Indications of Harvoni vs. Olysio

    Indications for
    •Hepatitis C infection genotype 1, 4, 5, and 6
    Indications for

  • Pros and Cons of Harvoni vs. Olysio

    Pros and Const for Antiviral Combo
    Pros
    •Taking the medication for 6 months or less is very effective against hepatitis C
    •Few side effects; most common are stomachache, tiredness, and headache
    •Can be used in children age 3 years or older
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    •Available as an oral pellet for people who can't swallow the tablet or need their dose lowered
    Cons
    •Heartburn and stomach acid-lowering medications can lower the amount of Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) in your body
    •Not a good option for people taking amiodarone, because the combination can cause slow heart rate
    •Doesn't treat all the types of hepatitis C like other antiviral combos, such as Epclusa or Mavyret
    •Interacts with some HIV antiretroviral medications
    •Some people who have hepatitis B and C have had their hepatitis B come back after taking hepatitis C treatment
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Harvoni vs. Olysio

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (14%)
    •Fatigue or tiredness (13%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Harvoni vs. Olysio

    Common Side Effects for
    •HEPATITIS B REACTIVATION
    •SLOW HEART RATE
    •RIBAVIRIN RISKS
    Common Side Effects for

  • Prices with our coupons for Harvoni vs. Olysio

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