DaciHep 60 mg (Daclatasvir)

Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection is a liver disease caused by single-stranded (ss) RNA viruses categorized into 9 distinct genotypes. DaciHep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) with its potent inhibitory action against HCV viral cells are widely employed. It is specifically targeted against HCV genotype 1, 2, 3 or 4.

DaciHep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is preferred to be taken with other anti-HCV drugs. Combining other anti-HCV agents with daclatasvir allows reliable assistance in patients with advanced liver scarring (cirrhosis), HIV-1 coinfection, and HCV infection after liver transplant surgery.

How DaciHep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) works its action?

Daclatasvir is a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drug i.e. it specifically targets the protein (NS5A) which guides the process of multiplication of viral cells (RNA replication and virion assembly). In turn, the process leads to a decrease in the number of HCV cells.

Administration of DaciHep 60 mg:

DaciHep 60 mg is taken via mouth (orally) with or without food as a 60 mg dose once daily. Daclatasvir is not recommended alone hence either ribavirin or peginterferon (anti-HCV agents) is utilized for a sustainable response. Spontaneously, once daclatasvir enters our system, it gets absorbed immediately within 2 hours and proceeds its action by binding (99% affinity) with HCV viral cells. Furthermore, it gets metabolized in the liver through different reactions and once everything is done, it is expelled (50%) from the body in between 12 to 15 hours of administration.

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

Note:

1. Ribavirin is taken orally whereas interferon is given through an injectable solution.
2. 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.

Side-effects of DaciHep 60 mg:

The side-effects of DaciHep 60 mg varies based on the other anti-HCV drug used along with Dacihep 60 mg (Daclatasvir). The common side-effects of the drug are headache and tiredness (Fatigue) whereas when it is used in combination with ribavirin, low count of red blood cells (Anemia), nausea, and difficulty in sleeping (Insomnia) get added.

Serious side-effects:

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

Uncommon side-effects: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Severe rashes on the skin

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

When should DaciHep 60 mg be avoided or used cautiously?

Prior testing:

• Check if patients have or had Hepatitis B viral infection
• Check if patients have resistant-type HCV (mutated virus) to carry out necessary precautions.

Liver problems:

• Liver transplant before the initiation of dosage
• Other liver complications along with HCV infection

Drug interactions:

See if patients were taking any 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.

Heart problems:

If patients are suffering from heart problems like slow heart rate due to the addition of other anti-HCV agents or other drugs (amiodarone).  Immediately consult your doctor if the situation worsens or patients are seen with symptoms like chest pain, confusion, shortness of breath (Dyspnea), dizziness, and fainting.

Pregnancy-related issues:

As DaciHep 60 mg is used along with ribavirin, there are high chances of birth defects in a child it is used during pregnancy. In such cases, it is either not recommended or pregnancy is restricted for 6 months after stopping DaciHep (Daclatasvir).

DaciHep 60 mg is also available in these countries: (South East Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Kosovo, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Venezuela and Korea.) and many more…