Daclahep

Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is an anti-viral agent indicated for patients with different variants of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. Hepatitis C is caused by a single-stranded (ss) RNA virus which is categorized in 9 distinct genotypes. Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is used for patients with chronic HCV infection caused by genotype 3.

Daclatasvir reduces the viral load by making the process of multiplication (RNA replication and assembly) tougher for the HCV. The following actions are done by stopping the activities of the polymerase enzyme. Hence, it is popularly known as HCV polymerase inhibitor.

Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is given along with other antiviral medications (sofosbuvir/ribavirin) used for HCV infection. The administration of drug combination varies according to the genotype of HCV. Based on the American Association of the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) 2017, combining daclatasvir with other anti-HCV agents helps in difficult-to-treat patients including,

• Advanced scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
• Recurring HCV infection after liver transplant
• HIV-1 infection along with HCV infection

Administration of Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir):

Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is given orally in a form of 60 mg dose once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is taken along with sofosbuvir or ribavirin. Once swallowed, daclatasvir absorbs (bio-available) within 2 hours of administration. It has a high binding affinity (99%) to HCV cells and gets metabolized in the liver via different types of proteins. Finally, more than 50% of daclatasvir gets eliminated from the body in between 12 to 15 hours.

The duration and frequency of dosage can be changed based on the genotype of HCV and initial experience of the patients. It is mostly dependent on the doctor’s judgement. The recommended dosage for HCV infection is shown in the table below.

Table: Recommended dosage for Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) in HCV patients.

When should Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) be avoided or used cautiously?

• If patients had Hepatitis B viral infection in prior testing
• If patients are found with resistant-type (mutated virus) HCV in prior testing
• If patients had a liver transplant before the initiation of dosage
• If patients are suffering from heart problems
• If patients have complications in the liver other than HCV infection
• If patients are pregnant and planning to breastfeed
• If patients were taking other drugs before or during the daclatasvir administration. Interactions with these drugs could cost the efficacy of daclatasvir, unnecessary modifications in dosage, and a higher rate of side-effects

Side-effects of Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir):

Serious side-effects:

• Hepatitis B viral infection
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Side-effects in combination with sofosbuvir:

• Tiredness (Fatigue)
• Headache

Side-effects in combination with sofosbuvir and ribavirin:

• Low count of red blood cells (RBCs) (Anemia)
• Tiredness (Fatigue)
• Headache
• Nausea

Uncommon side-effects: 

• Difficulty in sleeping (Insomnia)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Severe rashes on the skin
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Weakness
• Dizziness

Note: These are not all possible side-effects of Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir), please ask your doctor for more information regarding the same.