What is Harvoni?
Harvoni Containing both Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir is an antiviral medication option that prevents Hepatitis C from spreading and multiplying within the human body. Harvoni can be used to treat Hepatitis C in children over 12 and adults. Patients must weigh at least 75 pounds before they can be put on a Harvoni treatment plan.
Harvoni is used to manage some effects of HIV but cannot be used in the treatment of this disease.
Harvoni is only compatible with specific hepatitis genotypes, and must not be shared even between people with Hepatitis C.
What you need to know before taking Harvoni
The components in Harvoni may cause an allergic reaction in some people. You should not take Harvoni if you are allergic to either ledipasvir or sofosbuvir.
Some medication may be incompatible with Harvoni. Proper consultation with a physician regarding any medication you are or may have recently been taking may be required before taking up a treatment plan.
Other considerations
You may also need to tell your doctor if you have ever had liver problems, kidney diseases, hepatitis B or HIV/AIDS.
If you are pregnant, Harvoni will not harm your unborn baby. Harvoni can sometimes be used with ribavirin, which may cause the death of the unborn baby. Always check with your doctor first.
This treatment plan runs between 3-8 months, with patients required to only take one pill a day. For maximum efficiency, you should take Harvoni at around the same time.
Side effects of Harvoni
Harvoni commonly causes side effects such as fatigue, headaches, and lethargy. It may also cause weakness, extreme disorientation, confusion, chest pains, and slow heartbeats when combined with Amiodarone.
Other prescription medication vitamins and supplements, and herbal products may also react adversely with Harvoni and should not be used simultaneously.
You need to consult your doctor and inform them of any concurrently running treatment plans before taking Harvoni.
Getting on a treatment plan for Harvoni
This medication might prove to be outside your potential budget limit. You can still access the medication at a reduced fee thanks to copay discounts available on select manufacturer websites. You can also get Information on Harvoni cost and prescription help on these websites, which will help you to determine your eligibility for a discount.
Important additional information
You should engage in responsible behavior to prevent its transmission onto people who may not have it. You should always have protected sex, as well as avoid sharing combs, razors, toothbrushes and other personal effects that may contribute to the transmission of the disease.
If you miss a dose, you should not compensate by doubling up on your next dose. Instead, try to take the dose as soon as you remember it. In case you overdose, contact a hospital immediately.
In the event that you want to stop your treatment, you should contact a doctor for guidance. Quitting your treatment instantly will reduce the effectiveness of other antivirals on your hepatitis C and may increase the risk of infection and illness.