Hepcinat Plus

Description

Hepcinat plus (Daclatasvir 60mg + Sofosbuvir 400mg) is a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) combinational drug indicated for patients with chronic Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. It is specifically used against HCV genotype 1 or 3.

The fixed-dose combination (FDC) of daclatasvir 60 mg and sofosbuvir 400 mg has a complex effect on the body. Both the drugs act by blocking the activities of special proteins (Sofosbuvir: NS5B and Daclatasvir: NS5A). Both these proteins are crucial for multiplication (RNA replication) and the growth of viral cells. Subsequently, the action leads to a decrease in viral toll in the body.

When used together, the FDC of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir shows characteristics like,

• Reducing the damages associated with liver
• Slowing down the chances of procuring liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
• Improving the quality of life of patients

Administration of Hepcinat plus (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg):

The drug is administered orally in a form of 1 tablet (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir combination) once daily. It can be taken with or without food. 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 genotype 1 and 3 is shown in the table below.

When should Hepcinat plus (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg) be avoided or used cautiously?

Interactions with other drugs:

If patients were taking other drugs before or along with the FDC.

There are certain disadvantages like,

• The efficacy gets comprised
• Dosages need to be modified
• Shows a higher rate of side-effects

Others warnings:

• If patients are suffering from or had a history of Hepatitis B viral infection
• If patients had a liver transplant before the initiation of dosage
• If patients have complications in the liver other than HCV infection
• If patients are suffering from heart problems
• If patients have kidney disease or undergoing dialysis
• If patients are suffering from HIV infection or other severe medical condition
• If patients are pregnant and planning to breastfeed

Side-effects of Hepcinat plus (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg):

Serious side-effects:

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

Side-effects in combination with ribavirin:

• Headache
• Tiredness (Fatigue)
• Lack of sleep (Insomnia)
• Nausea

Uncommon side-effects: 

• Diarrhea
• Severe rashes on the skin
• Fever
• Chills
• Low consumption of diet
• Pain in the muscles (Myalgia)
• Physical weakness (Asthenia)
• Skin itchiness (Pruritis)

Note: These are not all possible side-effects of Hepcinat plus (Daclatasvir 60mg + Sofosbuvir 400mg), please ask your doctor for more information regarding the same.