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.
Hepatitis C infection genotype 1, 4, 5, and 6
Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) contains 2 antiviral medications that work together to stop the hepatitis C virus from making copies of itself in the body.
Source: FDA
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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
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
Make sure you take your prescribed dose every day at the same time with or without food. Make sure you continue to take the medication until your provider instructs you to stop.
If you happen to be hospitalized during your course of heptitis C treatment, make sure you bring your antiviral medications with you to the hospital. Most hospitals do not have hepatitis C medications in stock because they are expensive. They have procedures in place to administer your home medications so that your treatment will not be interupted.
Tell your hepatitis C provider about all the medications you are taking. Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) interacts with a lot of common medications like famotidine (Pepcid), omeprazole (Prilosec), cholesterol-lowering statins, and HIV antiretrovirals. The interacting medications may need their dose lowered or scheduled around your Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) dose.
Headaches are a common side effect. You can use over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat them, but be sure to take less than 2000 mg a day to prevent liver damage. NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are not recommended in people with severe liver problems.
Do not chew the oral pellets. They can either be taken directly from the packet or sprinkled on non-acidic soft food. Non-acidic soft food include: pudding, chocolate syrup, mashed potatoes, and ice cream.
Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: History of hepatitis B infection
Some people who have both hepatitis B and C have had their hepatitis B reactivate or flare up after starting treatment for hepatitic C. This can cause liver problems if not caught and treated. You should be tested for hepatitis B before you start Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir). Tell your provider if you've ever had hepatitis B or been treated for it in the past.
Risk factors: Amiodarone | Beta blockers | Heart disease | Liver disease
There have been cases of slow heartbeat and fatal heart problems when people take amiodarone (Pacerone) and Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) together. It usually happens right after Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is started, but can also happen weeks after the combination is taken. It's more likely to happen in people also taking beta blockers or with severe liver problems. Tell your provider if you are taking or have recently taken amiodarone. They may choose a different hepatitis C medication for you, or closely monitor your heartbeat. Go to the emergency room right away if you take these medications together and feel faint, dizzy, weak, or have trouble breathing.
Risk factors: Taking ribavirin with Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
People with certain types of liver problems may need to take an antiviral medication called ribavirin in addition to Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir). Ribavirin can have a lot of side effects and should not be taken during pregnancy. Make sure to review this medication with your provider and pharmacist before starting your hepatitis C treatment.
Adults: 1 tablet once a day with or without food. The standard tablet contains 90 mg of ledipasvir and 400 mg of sofosbuvir.
Children: dose is based on the child's weight
Hepatitis C infection genotype 1, 4, 5, and 6
Chronic hepatitis C infection
Hepatitis C infection genotype 1 and 4
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