ledipasvir and sofosbuvir

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Pronunciation: le DIP as vir and soe FOS bue vir

Brand: Harvoni

What is the most important information I should know about ledipasvir and sofosbuvir?

You should not use ledipasvir and sofosbuvir if you are also taking sofosbuvir tablets (Sovaldi).

If you have ever had hepatitis B, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir can cause this condition to come back or get worse. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.

What is ledipasvir and sofosbuvir?

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir are antiviral medications that prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) from multiplying in your body.

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir is a combination medicine used to treat hepatitis C in adults.

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ledipasvir and sofosbuvir?

You should not use ledipasvir and sofosbuvir if you are allergic to it, or if you are also taking sofosbuvir tablets (Sovaldi).

To make sure ledipasvir and sofosbuvir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • a history of hepatitis B;
  • liver problems other than hepatitis;
  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • HIV or AIDS; or
  • a heart rhythm problem for which you take a medicine called amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone).

You should not use ledipasvir and sofosbuvir with ribavirin if you have:

  • severe kidney disease;
  • a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia; or
  • if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant.

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir is sometimes used together with another medicine called ribavirin. Ribavirin can cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before taking ribavirin and every month during your treatment.

  • If you are a woman, do not take ribavirin if you are pregnant. If you are a man, do not take ribavirin if your sexual partner is pregnant. An unborn baby could also be harmed if a man fathers the child while he is taking ribavirin.
  • Use at least 2 effective forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy while either sexual partner is taking ribavirin. Keep using 2 forms of birth control for at least 6 months after treatment ends.
  • Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is taking ribavirin.

It is not known whether ledipasvir and sofosbuvir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take ledipasvir and sofosbuvir?

This medicine is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take ledipasvir and sofosbuvir with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.

You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.

Hepatitis C is often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with chronic hepatitis C should remain under the care of a doctor.

You should not stop using ledipasvir and sofosbuvir suddenly. Stopping suddenly could make your condition harder to treat with hepatitis C antiviral medicine.

If you have ever had hepatitis B, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir can cause this condition to come back or get worse. You will need liver function tests during treatment and for several months after you stop using this medicine.

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ledipasvir and sofosbuvir?

Avoid taking an antacid within 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. This especially includes antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium (Acid Gone, Aldroxicon, Alternagel, Di-Gel, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Genaton, Maalox, Maldroxal, Milk of Magnesia, Mintox, Mylagen, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Rulox, and others).

Taking ledipasvir and sofosbuvir will not prevent you from passing hepatitis C to other people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HCV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What are the possible side effects of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you also take a heart medication called amiodarone, call your doctor at once if you have:

  • extreme tiredness;
  • unusual weakness or lack of energy;
  • confusion or memory problems;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • slowed breathing; or
  • chest pain, slow heartbeats, weak pulse.

Common side effects may include:

  • weakness;
  • headache; or
  • tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ledipasvir and sofosbuvir?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, especially:

  • amiodarone;
  • ribavirin;
  • Atripla (efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir);
  • digoxin (digitalis);
  • other drugs to treat hepatitis C, such as simeprevir (Olysio) or sofosbuvir (Sovaldi);
  • ritonavir (Norvir) when used with tipranavir (Aptivus);
  • rosuvastatin (Crestor);
  • St. John's wort;
  • Stribild (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir);
  • tenofovir when used in combination with atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, or ritonavir;
  • seizure medicine --carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin;
  • stomach acid reducers --cimetidine (Tagamet), esomeprazole (Nexium), famotidine (Pepcid) lansoprazole (Prevacid), nizatidine (Axid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), ranitidine (Zantac), and others; or
  • tuberculosis medicine --rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ledipasvir and sofosbuvir.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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