LediHep

LediHep (Ledipasvir 90 mg plus Sofosbuvir 400 mg) is a combinational drug intended for patients suffering from Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection with genotype 1 or 4. The combination imparts unique properties in HCV patients like,

• •  A sustained virologic response (SVR) in between 93% to 99% after 12 weeks of treatment

• •  Assist in HCV infection along with infection caused by HIV

Both ledipasvir and sofosbuvir are direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs assisting in reducing the viral load in the body. Both the molecules selectively inhibit a crucial protein used for multiplication (RNA replication and virion assembly) of viral cells. The HCV NS5A protein is inhibited by ledipasvir whereas sofosbuvir inhibits the HCV NS5B protein.

Note: Earlier therapy mentioned in the table includes a failed therapy which consists of,

• •  Peginterferon/ribavirin

• •  Peginterferon alfa/ribavirin/HCV protease inhibitor

Other properties of the FDC combination drug:

Once swallowed, ledipasvir takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to completely absorb (bio-available) whereas sofosbuvir takes 30 minutes to 2 hours roughly. After entering the system, the binding affinity of ledipasvir (99.8%) is greater than sofosbuvir (61% to 65%). Once all activities are done, the approximate time for 50% of the drug to be expelled out from the body is 47 hours and 40 minutes to 27 hours for ledipasvir and sofosbuvir respectively.

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

• •  If the patient has taken the ledipasvir and sofosbuvir combinational drug, within 4 hours avoid taking any antacid (acidity) drug

• •  Avoid having intercourse (sex) without condoms, HCV may spread to your partner if you are under treatment

• •  If patients are suffering from or had a history of Hepatitis B viral infection

• •  If patients feel their heartbeat is very slow (bradycardia), immediately consult your doctor

• •  If patients are taking any sort of non-prescribed or prescribed drugs, herbal medicines, or dietary supplementary

• •  If patients are allergic to food, medicines or other substances

• •  If patients are suffering from kidney disease or undergoing dialysis or other severe medical condition

• •  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 pregnant and planning to breastfeed

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

Most common side-effects:

• •  Headache

• •  Tiredness (Fatigue)

Severe side-effects: Slow heart-rate (bradycardia)

Severe allergic reactions:

• •  Rashes and itching on the skin

• •  Difficulty in breathing (Dyspnea)

• •  Chest tightness

• •  Swelling in the mouth, face, lips, or tongue

Uncommon side-effects:

• •  Diarrhea

• •  Nausea

• •  Lack of sleep (Insomnia)

• •  General weakness

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