This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir is an antiviral medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for treating chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Mechanism of Action of undefined
The active substances in the Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir work together by blocking two different proteins that the virus needs to grow and reproduce itself, allowing the infection to be permanently eliminated from the body.
Uses of undefined
Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir is indicated to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C virus infection in adults and children three years of age and older.
undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available
It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined
Warnings
This drug is contraindicated for individuals with decompensated cirrhosis or severe liver disease. In such cases, alternative treatment options should be considered. This drug should not be used if you have any known allergy or hypersensitivity to Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir or other ingredients in the medication. Your liver function may change with the treatment of hepatitis C and, therefore, affect other medications (e.g., medicines used to suppress your immune system, etc.). Your doctor may need to monitor your other medicines and make dose adjustments closely. If you have liver disease other than hepatitis C, are awaiting a liver transplant, have a current or previous infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), or receive ongoing treatment for HIV infection. It's important to inform your doctor. They will consider these conditions before starting treatment.
Precautions
Talk to your doctor immediately before taking this drug if you have diabetes. You may need closer monitoring of your blood glucose levels or adjustment of your diabetes medication after starting this drug. Some diabetic patients have experienced low sugar levels in the blood (hypoglycemia) after starting treatment with medicines like Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir. The doctor will test your blood before, during, and after your treatment with this medicine. So that your doctor can confirm that your treatment has worked and you are free of the hepatitis C virus, do not breastfeed during treatment with this tablet. It is unknown whether this drug passes into human breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not give this tablet to children under three years of age. The use of this drug has not yet been studied. This tablet can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. It's necessary to inform your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to ensure no potential interactions.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir are allergic reactions, headache, nausea, tiredness and rashes.
Word Of Advice
It is always advised to take this tablet exactly as your doctor said. If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose, you should immediately contact your doctor or the nearest emergency department for advice. Keep the tablet bottle with you to describe what you have taken easily. This medicine contains lactose as an inactive ingredient that the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It can cause symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. If you have lactose intolerance, inform your doctor before starting this therapy.
Do not stop taking this tablet unless your doctor tells you to. Complete the entire course of treatment to give the medicine a great chance to treat your hepatitis C virus infection. Talk with your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse if you have further doubts regarding Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir.
Frequently Asked Question
References
- Gilead Sciences Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2021] [Accessed on 16 May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11849.pdf
- Sharon Safrin, Antiviral Agents, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 863-894.
- Q.M. Anstee, D.E.J. Jones, Liver and biliary tract disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 921-988.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.