Harvoni: Uses, Dosage, Demographics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Harvoni is a medication that is used to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. It is a combination of two drugs, sofosbuvir and ledipasvir. Harvoni is only available by prescription and must be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Uses of Harvoni Harvoni is used to treat a specific strain of hepatitis C virus (genotype 1) in adults. It is most commonly used to treat chronic hepatitis C infection in patients who have not yet received treatment or those who have failed previous treatments. Dosage and Administration The dosage and administration of Harvoni depend on several factors, including the patient's weight, age, medical history, and response to treatment. Treatment typically lasts for 12 weeks, although some patients may require longer treatment. The recommended dosage for Harvoni is one tablet (400 mg/90 mg) taken once daily with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken. Harvoni should be taken at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medication in the bloodstream. Demographics Harvoni is approved for use in adults over the age of 18. It has been shown to be effective in treating hepatitis C in both men and women, as well as patients of different races and ethnicities. However, the use of Harvoni in pediatric patients has not been established. Side Effects Like all medications, Harvoni can cause side effects. The most common side effects reported with Harvoni include headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping. These side effects are generally mild and go away after a few days or weeks of treatment. However, some patients may experience more serious side effects, such as low blood cell counts, liver problems, or severe allergic reactions. Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of these more serious side effects. Interactions Before taking Harvoni, patients should inform their healthcare provider of all other medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as well as any medical conditions they have. Harvoni can interact with certain medications, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and St. John's wort, and may increase the risk of serious side effects. Generic Options Currently, there are no generic versions of Harvoni available in the United States. However, the patent for Harvoni is set to expire in October 2020, which may lead to the availability of generic versions of this medication. Patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about generic options for Harvoni. Conclusion Harvoni is a medication that is used to treat chronic hepatitis C infection in adults. It is a combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir and is taken by mouth once daily for 12 weeks. Harvoni is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects, such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all other medications they are taking and any medical conditions they have before taking Harvoni. Currently, there are no generic versions of Harvoni available, but this may change in the future.