Harvoni is a prescription medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It is a combination of two antiviral agents, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, and is effective against various genotypes of the virus.
Key points about Harvoni:
Indications:
Chronic hepatitis C: Approved for adults and children aged 12 years and older.
Genotype: Effective for genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 6.
Mechanism of action:
Ledipasvir: Inhibits the NS5A protein, which is important for viral replication and assembly.
Sofosbuvir: A nucleotide analog that inhibits the NS5B polymerase enzyme, preventing the virus from replicating.
Treatment duration:
8 to 12 weeks: Depends on factors such as the genotype of the virus, liver health, and previous treatment history.
Efficacy:
High cure rate: Clinical studies have shown that many patients have cure rates greater than 90%.
Administration:
Harvoni is usually taken orally once a day, with or without food.
Side effects:
Common side effects can include fatigue, headache, and nausea, but Harvoni is generally well tolerated.
Considerations:
It is important for patients to discuss their treatment plan with a healthcare provider, who can provide individualized guidance based on their specific situation and health condition.