Ledipasvir

1 medicine

Ledipasvir is an antiviral, usually combined with sofosbuvir as Harvoni, that clears chronic hepatitis C infection. In people who also have hepatitis B, it can trigger a serious reactivation of that virus, so hepatitis B status must be checked before starting.

Harvoni

Ledipasvir, Sofosbuvir

90/400mg

Harvoni is a antivirals medication containing Ledipasvir + Sofosbuvir, available as 90/400mg tablets.

from $8.58 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Ledipasvir is an NS5A inhibitor, almost always combined with sofosbuvir in a single tablet (Harvoni), to treat chronic hepatitis C.
  • One tablet is taken once daily, usually for 8 to 12 weeks, and most people are cured of hepatitis C by the end of treatment.
  • Before starting, you need a blood test for hepatitis B. This combination can cause hepatitis B to reactivate, sometimes leading to serious liver damage.
  • Seek urgent care for yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness, or a very slow heartbeat if you also take amiodarone.

What ledipasvir treats

Ledipasvir, combined with sofosbuvir, treats chronic hepatitis C virus infection, aiming to bring the virus down to undetectable levels and keep it there after treatment ends.

How ledipasvir works

Ledipasvir attaches to a protein called NS5A that the hepatitis C virus needs to assemble new copies of itself. Blocking that protein stops the virus from replicating, and combined with sofosbuvir it clears the infection in most people.

Before you take it

  • Tell your prescriber if you have ever had hepatitis B, even in the past; you will need monitoring during and after treatment.
  • Do not take amiodarone with this combination. Together they have caused severe, sometimes fatal slow heart rates.
  • Antacids, H2 blockers, and high-dose proton pump inhibitors reduce how much ledipasvir your body absorbs; your prescriber will advise on timing or alternatives.
  • Certain anticonvulsants and rifampin can lower ledipasvir levels enough to make treatment fail.

Side effects

Common effects include headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual fatigue, possible signs of hepatitis B reactivation.
  • A very slow heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting, especially if you take amiodarone.
  • Severe rash or skin blistering.

Safety essentials

  • Anyone with current or past hepatitis B infection needs monitoring during and after treatment; reactivation can occur weeks into therapy and needs prompt attention.
  • Never combine this medicine with amiodarone; the pairing has caused life-threatening slow heart rates.
  • Space out antacids, H2 blockers, and high-dose proton pump inhibitors around your dose, since they reduce absorption.
  • Complete the full course even if you feel well. Stopping early can let the virus return and make it harder to treat.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.