Where is Daclatasvir used?
Daclatasvir is used for the treatment of hepatitis C (Hep C). It is a disease of the liver that is caused by a virus. A virus is a very tiny germ that makes copies of itself to survive by a process called replication. The Hep C virus has at least six different strains, those are called genotypes. This medication is specifically indicated to use together with Sofosbuvir. This may also be used with or without Ribavirin.
Daclatasvir is a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medication. DAAs are a group of oral treatment that directly blocks the ability of the hepatitis C virus to make copies of it. This medication is an NS5A replication complex inhibitor. This treatment has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How does Daclatasvir work?
Daclatasvir binds to the N-terminus of NS5A. It also inhibits both virion assembly and viral RNA replication. It interferes with a protein that is needed to complete the Hep C virus life cycle in the liver cell.
How is Daclatasvir taken?
The dose and dosing instruction will depend on your condition and response to the treatment.
This medicine is usually taken one tablet a day. Each dose is taken along with Sofosbuvir. You may take each dose with or without food. The suggested treatment duration is 12 weeks.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit of it. Take it at the same time each day or exactly as it is directed. Follow the prescription of your doctor very carefully.
This medicine works best when the total of it in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this medicine at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Continue to take Daclatasvir and your other antiviral medication until the full prescription is done, even if your symptoms disappear after a short time. Stopping any of the medications ahead of time may result in a return of the infection.
What are the possible side effects of Daclatasvir?
Common side effects:
- Fatigues
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Low levels of iron in the blood (anemia)
Call for medical help or your doctor if you have any unusual side effects.
What are the precautions in taking Daclatasvir?
- Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you have any medical history, allergies, or current treatments or medications including vitamins, herbal products, and food supplements.
- You must not breastfeed if you are taking this medication.
- This is not recommended for use in pregnant women. This should only be used when needed. If you get pregnant while taking this medicine, call your doctor right away.
- This may have the potential of serious heart problems when taken Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir together with Amiodarone. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits that this medication has.
- Do not share this with others even if they have the same condition as yours. Let them consult their doctor first.
- Do not use this longer than the prescription.
- Call for emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of an overdose.
