Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir
About Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir
Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals. It is used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C virus infection in adults and children three years of age and older. Hepatitis C virus infection is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through contact with the infected person’s blood.
Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir contains the active ingredients ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir work together to prevent the virus from growing and reproducing. Thus, the infection can be completely eliminated from the body.
Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. In some cases, Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir may cause common side effects such as headache, tiredness, rash, dizziness, muscle pain, irritability, diarrhea, and angioedema (swelling). Most of these side effects of Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, or any of the other ingredients in this medication, do not take it. Inform your healthcare professional about your medical conditions before taking Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir, especially if you have liver problems other than hepatitis C, are awaiting a liver transplant, have a current or previous infection with the hepatitis B virus or kidney problems or are on kidney dialysis, or are receiving ongoing HIV treatment; your doctor may want to monitor you more closely.
Uses of Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir
Medicinal Benefits
Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C virus infection in adults and children 3 years of age and older. Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir contains the active ingredients ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir work together to prevent the virus from growing and reproducing. Thus, the infection can be completely eliminated from the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Rash
- Angioedema (swelling)
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain
- Irritability
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Drug Warnings
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Sofosbuvir or other medicines. Additional monitoring is required if you are currently taking antibiotics (rifampicin and rifabutin); herbal medicine used to treat depression (St. John’s wort); drugs used to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures (carbamazepine and phenobarbital); a medication used to treat high cholesterol (rosuvastatin), medicine to treat irregular heartbeats (amiodarone), so inform your doctor before taking Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir. Avoid pregnancy during treatment with Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir as it may harm the unborn baby when used in combination with ribavirin. You or your partner must use an effective birth control method during and after this treatment. However, contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during therapy or in the months following your treatment with Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir. You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with the hepatitis C virus infection to prevent the spread of infection to others.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir may interact with antibiotics (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin), herbal medicine used to treat depression (St. John’s wort), drugs used to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital), a medicine used to treat high cholesterol (e.g. rosuvastatin), and the medicine to treat irregular heartbeats (e.g. amiodarone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have diabetes or liver problems other than hepatitis C (if you are awaiting liver transplantation), kidney problems, or if you are on kidney dialysis or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir is unknown. However, as a precautionary measure, consumption of alcohol should be avoided.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is unknown how Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir will affect a pregnant woman. See your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant, or intend to become pregnant. Pregnancy must be avoided if Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir is taken together with ribavirin. It is crucial that you carefully read the ribavirin package leaflet's 'Pregnancy' section. An unborn child may suffer significant harm from ribavirin. Therefore, if there is a chance that sexual activity will result in pregnancy, extra precautions must be taken.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not breastfeed during treatment with Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir. The two active ingredients in Harvoni, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, are unknown to enter human breast milk.
Driving
cautionIf you feel tired after taking Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir, you should not participate in activities requiring concentration; for example, do not drive, ride a bike or operate machines.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver problems before taking Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir based on your liver conditions.
Kidney
cautionLedipasvir+sofosbuvir has not been fully tested in patients with severe kidney problems. So, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir. your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir.
Children
safe if prescribedLedipasvir+sofosbuvir is given to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C virus infection in children three years of age and older. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir in children, discuss them with your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include plenty of vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, and barley.
- Eat lean protein such as skinless chicken, fish, beans and egg whites.
- Include healthy fats like avocados, olive oil and nuts.
- Eat low-fat or non-fat dairy products to minimise damage to the liver.
- Drink plenty of water for better processing of food by the body.
- Avoid sugary foods such as cake, cookies, packaged baked food or soda. Also, avoid heavy salt foods.
- Avoid foods containing saturated fats such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, sour cream, butter and other high-fat dairy products, as they may lead to weight gain and result in fatty liver.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as they may increase the risk of liver damage.
Special Advise
- Your doctor will recommend blood tests before, during and after your treatment with Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir to decide what other medicines you should take with Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir and for how long and confirm that your treatment has worked for you.
- If you are using warfarin or other blood thinners, inform your doctor. Your doctor may increase the frequency of your blood tests to check how well your blood can clot.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis C: It is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through contact with the infected person’s blood, sharing needles, using a razor or any other personal items or even transfer from mother to baby during birth. The symptoms may not appear immediately. Some may take between 2 to 12 weeks to appear. Few people may have mild to moderate symptoms such as dark urine, loss of appetite, fever, joint pain, or stomach discomfort. The complications of untreated chronic hepatitis C include liver cancer or liver cirrhosis (scarring).
FAQs
Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir is used to treat Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir contains the active ingredients ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir work together to prevent the virus from growing and reproducing. Thus, the infection can be completely eliminated from the body.
Hepatitis C virus infection is contagious and spreads from one person to another through contact with an infected person’s blood. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sharing personal items or needles containing an infected person's blood.
In patients receiving continuing HIV therapy, Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir should be used with caution because your doctor may wish to monitor your condition regularly. Tell your doctor if you are taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or any medicine containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate used to treat HIV infection.
Caution should be exercised while using Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir if you currently take or have taken amiodarone in the last few months. So, inform your doctor. If treatment with Ledipasvir+sofosbuvir is needed, you may require additional heart monitoring.
