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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Harvoni is, which are used to treat Hep C. These drugs lessen the amount of Hep C virus in your body. They may help your liver recover and helps your immune system fight the infection.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus , and it can lead to severe liver damage. The hepatitis C virus can be spread through contaminated blood. To cure Hepatitis C, more people have prescribed HARVONI. This prescribed medication is used to treat adult patients with chronic Hepatitis C (hep C) genotype 1, 4, 5, or 6 infections with or without cirrhosis (compensated).
HARVONI is usually taken once a day by mouth with or without food as instructed by your doctor. The dosage depends on your age, medical condition, and response to the treatment.
HARVONI works best when the amount of drugs in your body is kept at a constant level. To make it easy, take the drug at the same time every day.
After taking HARVONI, if you vomit within 5 hours, tell your doctor.
Even if symptoms disappear after a short period, continue taking HARVONI for the full length of time prescribed. The infection may return if you stop the medication too early.
Take an antacid at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking HARVONI if you're taking an antacid. Antacids modulate the absorption of ledipasvir.
If you are taking medication for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers, ask your healthcare provider about how to take these medications safely. Other acid-lowering drugs may prevent ledipasvir from working.
HARVONI is a combination of two different antiviral medications, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir.
Ledipasvir
The hepatitis C virus is made up of genetic material and a protective protein coat. The virus uses the protein NS5A to replicate its genetic material and create more virus particles. Ledipasvir inhibits NS5A, preventing viral replication.
Sofosbuvir
Hepatitis C viruses also use the protein NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to replicate its genetic code. Sofosbuvir binds to this protein and stops it from functions.
Before taking HARVONI, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
If you are having surgery, tell your healthcare provider about the products you use. This includes prescribed drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products.
This treatment is used only when needed during pregnancy. During pregnancy, HARVONI with ribavirin must not be taken by either the pregnant woman or her male partner. It may cause danger to an unborn baby. If at least one sexual partner is using these medications, condoms, or birth control pills must be used. This applies for six months after stopping the medication as well. If you think you or your partner may be pregnant or become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor first. If this treatment is used with ribavirin, breastfeeding is not advisable.
Drug interactions are more likely to change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. You must tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any prescription, over-the-counter, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or vitamin-containing drugs and supplements.
Don't take HARVONI if you are taking any of these drugs:
Several drugs that might have serious interactions with Harvoni are the following:
Don't take HARVONI with other products that have sofosbuvir.
The most common side effects when taking HARVONI include:
Tell your healthcare provider promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen.
If you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, itching or swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble in breathing, call medical help immediately. However, a severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
HARVONI can also cause Hepatitis B virus reactivation. If you had hepatitis B before, there's a possibility that the hepatitis B virus will become active again during and after treatment with HARVONI.
This is more likely to cause serious side effects, including liver problems and death. Your healthcare provider will conduct blood tests to check for hepatitis B infection before starting HARVONI.
In clinical trials, 94% of people who took HARVONI were cured of hepatitis C after three months. That's how effective this treatment is. The result reached 100% after six months of medication in patients who have severe hep C. HARVONI is approved to treat chronic hepatitis C genotype 1.
All treatments for the hep C virus are expensive. The wholesale HARVONI cost is $1,125 per pill. A 12-week treatment cost more than $90,000. Several private insurance cover HARVONI, at least in part. Before starting your therapy, discuss your coverage of HARVONI with your insurance company.
Some medications manufacturers have an assistance program to help those who can't afford the medication. Your healthcare provider might know some programs that can help you cover the cost of treatment.
Tiredness is one of the side effects of HARVONI. The longer you take the drug, your tiredness increases. Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing tiredness while taking this drug and how you can increase your energy level.
Some people experience headaches when taking medication. For a small number of people, they experience insomnia or trouble sleeping. Those side effects are more likely to get worse the longer you take HARVONI.
Taking HARVONI may cause the patients to feel irritable, depressed, or suicidal. These effects might occur due to sofosbuvir. If a patient has a history of depression or other mental illness, these effects may occur. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects mentioned.
People who take HARVONI reported experiencing some stomach problems such as nausea and diarrhea. Your doctor may recommend some over-the-counter treatments if you have these side effects.
You should still be able to take the normal amount of this drug if you have reduced liver function. Make sure to tell your doctor about your medical records, including your liver condition.
Your doctor may prescribe the normal dosage for you if you have mild kidney disease. You can take HARVONI without any problems. However, if you have any severe kidney problems, your body might not be able to process the drug well. This may lead to an increase in the amounts of the drug in your body and an increased risk of side effects. Discuss with your doctor about whether this medication is a good choice for you. Be sure to tell them all of your medical records.
Slow heart rate or bradycardia is a serious side effect of HARVONI. This usually occurs when you're taking amiodarone while taking HARVONI up to two weeks after you start taking these drugs.
Bradycardia can be life-threatening. Call your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of bradycardia.
The risk of Hep C returning after use of this medication is extremely low. HARVONI is a powerful treatment to cure Hep C. It is rare for Hep C to return.
Formula |
C71H83F3N11O15P |
PubChem CID |
72734365 |
Trade names |
Harvoni, Hepcinat-LP |
ATC code |
J05AP51 (WHO) |
KEGG |
D10578 |
Molar mass |
1418.476 g/mol |