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Compare Harvoni vs. Zepatier

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

Key takeaways

Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) and Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) are both antiviral combination medications used to treat hepatitis C, but they have some key differences. Harvoni is effective against hepatitis C genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 6, while Zepatier is only used for genotypes 1 and 4. Harvoni can be used in children as young as 3 years old and is available in a generic form, which can make it more affordable. On the other hand, Zepatier is a good option for people with kidney problems, including those on hemodialysis, and does not interact with stomach acid-lowering medications. However, Zepatier requires resistance testing for people with genotype 1 before starting therapy and cannot be used in individuals with cirrhosis or moderate to severe liver problems. Both medications have similar common side effects, such as headache, fatigue, and nausea. Additionally, Harvoni interacts with more medications, including some HIV antiretrovirals and heart medications like amiodarone, which can cause slow heart rate.

  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
    Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir)
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
    Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir)

  • Summary of Harvoni vs. Zepatier

    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 Combo
    Prescription only

    Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) is a combination medication containing two antiviral medications, elbasvir and grazoprevir. It's one of the first choice treatment options for hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 4.

  • Indications of Harvoni vs. Zepatier

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

  • Pros and Cons of Harvoni vs. Zepatier

    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 Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full regimen for some people and can cure hepatitis C
    •Doesn't interact with stomach acid medications like Epclusa and Harvoni
    •Can be taken by people with kidney problems, even those on hemodialysis
    •Usually has mild side effects
    •Good option for people taking amiodarone, since it doesn't contain sofosbuvir which can cause slow heartbeat
    Cons
    •Doesn't treat all the types of hepatitis C like other antiviral combos such as Epclusa or Mavyret
    •People with hepatitis C type 1 need to have resistance testing before starting therapy
    •Can't be used in people with cirrhosis or moderate to severe liver problems
    •Some people who have hepatitis B and C have had their hepatitis B come back after taking hepatitis C treatment
    •Some people need to take Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) with an antiviral medication called ribavirin, which can have a lot of side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Harvoni vs. Zepatier

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (14%)
    •Fatigue or tiredness (13%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fatigue (11%)
    •Headache (10%)

  • Warnings of Harvoni vs. Zepatier

    Common Side Effects for
    •HEPATITIS B REACTIVATION
    •SLOW HEART RATE
    •RIBAVIRIN RISKS
    Common Side Effects for
    •HEPATITIS B REACTIVATION
    •CHANGE IN LIVER TESTS
    •RIBAVIRIN RISKS
    •MEDICATION INTERACTIONS

  • Prices with our coupons for Harvoni vs. Zepatier

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