Hepcinat LP

Hepcinat LP (Ledipasvir 90 mg plus Sofosbuvir 400 mg) is a combination anti-viral drug intended for patients with Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. Among all specified genotypes, it is recommended specifically against HCV genotype 1 in adults.

Both ledipasvir and sofosbuvir are direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs assisting in selectively inhibiting a crucial protein used for multiplication (RNA replication and virion assembly) of viral cells, reducing the viral load in the system. The combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir provides a sustained virologic response (SVR) in between 93% to 99% after 12 weeks of treatment and assists in HCV infection, along with infection caused by HIV.

Administration of Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir 90 mg + sofosbuvir 400 mg):

The drug is administered in a fixed-dose combination i.e., 1 tablet (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir combination) once daily for 12-24 weeks. It can be taken with or without food. It is used in combination with ribavirin in certain scenarios.

Suggested dosage of Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir 90 mg + sofosbuvir 400 mg) in HCV genotype 1 patients:

1.  Therapy-naïve patients without scarring of the liver (cirrhosis): Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir) for 12 weeks
2.  Therapy-naive patients with cirrhosis and a functional system: Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir) for 12 weeks
3.  Therapy-experienced patients without cirrhosis: Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir) for 12 weeks
4.  Therapy-experienced patients with cirrhosis but without a functional system: Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir) for 24 weeks
5.  Therapy-naïve patients with cirrhosis but without a functional system: Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir) plus ribavirin for 12 weeks
6.  Therapy-naïve and therapy-experienced liver transplant patients without cirrhosis: Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir) plus ribavirin for 12 weeks

Note:

• •  Therapy-naïve: Patients without any earlier treatment
• •  Therapy-experienced: Patients who had therapy earlier, including a failed therapy comprising of peginterferon/ribavirin or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin/HCV protease inhibitor

When should Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir 90mg + sofosbuvir 400mg) be avoided or used cautiously?

• •  If patients are taking any sort of non-prescribed or prescribed drugs, herbal medicines, or dietary supplements
• •  If patients are suffering from or have a history of Hepatitis B viral infection
• •  If patients feel their heartbeat is very slow (bradycardia), immediately consult their doctor
• •  If patients are suffering from kidney disease or undergoing dialysis or other severe medical conditions
• •  If patients had a liver transplant before the initiation of the dosage
• •  If patients have complications in the liver other than HCV infection
• •  Avoid having intercourse (sex) without condoms, as HCV may spread to your partner if you are under treatment
• •  If patients are pregnant and planning to breastfeed

Side-effects of Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir 90mg + sofosbuvir 400mg):

The safety profile of FDC (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir) is better than other drugs due to its minimal side-effects. It has a therapeutic advantage over other anti-HCV agents with the absence of low red blood cell (RBC) count (anemia) and neuropsychiatric effects.

Most common side-effects:

• •  Headache
• •  Tiredness (Fatigue)

Severe side-effects: Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Uncommon side-effects:

• •  Lack of sleep (Insomnia)
• •  General weakness
• •  Diarrhea
• •  Nausea

Severe allergic reactions:

• •  Rashes and itching on the skin
• •  Difficulty in breathing (Dyspnea)
• •  Chest tightness
• •  Swelling in the mouth, face, lips, or tongue

Note: These are not all possible side effects of Hepcinat LP (ledipasvir 90mg + sofosbuvir 400mg), please ask your doctor for more information regarding the same.