Harvoni is a once-daily tablet used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, primarily genotype 1 (the most common type in Australia).

It combines two direct-acting antivirals:

• Ledipasvir: a NS5A inhibitor that blocks a protein the hepatitis C virus needs to replicate
• Sofosbuvir: a NS5B polymerase inhibitor that blocks the virus from copying its genetic material

Harvoni can cure hepatitis C in the majority of patients, typically in 8 or 12 weeks, without the need for interferon injections in most cases.

Take one tablet once daily, with or without food. Take it at the same time each day.

The treatment duration depends on your liver health, HCV genotype, and whether you have been treated before: typically 8, 12, or 24 weeks.

Complete the full course even if you feel well. Stopping early can allow the virus to rebound.

What If You Forget To Take Harvoni

If you remember within 18 hours of your usual dose time, take it as soon as possible and continue your normal schedule. If it has been more than 18 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next one as usual. Never take two doses at once.

Contact a poison control centre or your doctor if you accidentally take more than prescribed.

• Store below 30°C
• Keep in the original packaging
• Keep out of reach of children

Harvoni is generally well tolerated.

Common side effects:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Insomnia

Important monitoring:

• If you also take amiodarone (a heart medicine), there is a risk of serious slowing of the heart rate. This combination requires close monitoring
• If you have hepatitis B as well, stopping treatment can cause a hepatitis B flare

Blood tests may be done during and after treatment to confirm the virus is cleared.

Several important interactions should be checked:

• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium: can interfere with Harvoni absorption. Timing relative to your dose matters — check with your pharmacist if you use these regularly
• Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole): can reduce Harvoni levels in the blood. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before combining
• Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St John's Wort: significantly reduce drug levels and should generally be avoided during treatment
• Amiodarone: may cause serious slowing of the heart rate when taken alongside Harvoni. This combination requires specialist review before proceeding

Always tell all your doctors you are on Harvoni before any new medicine is started.

What does 'cured' of hepatitis C mean?

A cure (sustained virological response, or SVR) is defined as having no detectable hepatitis C virus in your blood 12 weeks after completing treatment. For the vast majority of people, this is permanent. However, you can be re-infected in the future if exposed again, as past infection does not give immunity.

Do I still need to see my doctor after treatment?

Yes. Your doctor will check your viral load 12 weeks after finishing treatment to confirm SVR. If you had significant liver scarring before treatment, ongoing monitoring is still recommended even after cure, as the risk of liver cancer remains slightly elevated.

Ace provides accurate and independent information medically reviewed on prescription medications. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.