Dacikast

Dacikast 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) inhibitor drug specified for patients with chronic Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. It is employed in patients suffering from HCV genotype 1 or 3.

After entering the system, daclatasvir initiates its action by blocking the activities of a special protein (NS5A) responsible for multiplication (RNA replication and virion assembly) of viral cells. This leads to a reduction in HCV load in the body.

Preferably, Daclatasvir is administered in combination with other anti-HCV agents. Combining these therapies, assist in attaining a sustained virologic response (SAR) after 12 weeks of daily therapy.

Advantages:

• Reducing complications associated with liver
• Decreasing the chances of getting liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
• Advanced scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
• HIV-1 infection along with HCV infection
• Recurring HCV infection after the liver transplant operation
• Improvement in the quality of life of patients

Initial testing before starting the therapy:

HBV infection: Test all patients if they had a history of or have Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection.

Resistance of NS5A protein in HCV genotype 1 with Cirrhosis: It is important to test patients who may develop resistance to daclatasvir’s properties of NS5A protein inhibition further hindering the activities of the drug molecule.

Administration of Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir):

Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is given orally in a form of 60 mg dose once daily with or without food for 12 weeks. Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) is taken along with sofosbuvir or ribavirin. Once swallowed, within 2 hours of administration, daclatasvir get readily-absorbed (bio-available). With a high binding affinity (99%) to HCV cells, it can carry out its activities in a better way. Furthermore, it gets metabolized in the liver via different types of proteins and approximately 50% of daclatasvir gets eliminated from the body in between 12 to 15 hours.

Suggested dosage regimen of Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir):

Type 1:

Lacking cirrhosis/cirrhosis with a functional system: Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) plus sofosbuvir

Cirrhosis with an unfunctional system/HCV after transplant operation: Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) plus sofosbuvir and ribavirin.

Type 3:

Lacking cirrhosis: Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) plus sofosbuvir

Cirrhosis with a functional/unfunctional system/HCV after transplant operation: Daclahep 60 mg (Daclatasvir) plus sofosbuvir and ribavirin.

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.

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

• If patients had Hepatitis B viral infection
• 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

Effect of other drug interactions with Daclatasvir:

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. Based on the interactions with other drugs, the dose may be reduced to 30 mg or increased to 90 mg based on the requirements.

Side-effects of Dacikast 60 mg (Daclatasvir):

Serious side-effects:

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

Side-effects in combination with sofosbuvir:

• Tiredness (Fatigue)
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

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)
• Severe rashes on the skin
• Dizziness
• High desire to sleep (Somnolence)

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