Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir

Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir is a medication used for the treatment of hepatitis C. It is a combination of two antiviral drugs, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. This combination therapy is marketed under the brand name Harvoni by Gilead Sciences.

Mechanism of Action

Ledipasvir is an NS5A inhibitor, which means it blocks a protein that the hepatitis C virus needs to replicate itself. Sofosbuvir is a nucleotide analogue that inhibits the NS5B polymerase, another protein necessary for the virus to reproduce.

Uses

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is used to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. It is effective against genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the virus. The medication is taken orally once a day, typically for a course of 12 to 24 weeks.

Side Effects

Common side effects of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir include fatigue, headache, and nausea. Less common but more serious side effects can include a slow heart rate and reactivation of hepatitis B in those who have previously been infected with that virus.

Contraindications

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease. It should also not be used in combination with other medications that contain sofosbuvir.

History

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was approved by the FDA in October 2014. It was the first combination pill approved to treat hepatitis C, and it has been shown to cure the infection in more than 90% of patients.

File:Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir.jpg

Chemical structure of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir

See Also

• Hepatitis C treatment
• Antiviral drug
• Gilead Sciences