What is the mechanism of action of Harvoni?

Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir) works in 2 ways to kill the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Ledipasvir works by interfering with a protein that is needed by the virus to replicate itself. Sofosbuvir interferes with the reproduction of genetic material of the hepatitis C virus, by inhibiting an enzyme which is also needed by the virus to replicate itself. After 12 weeks of Harvoni treatment, Harvoni will eliminate HCV in 95% of people who take it, technically curing them.

What is the mechanism of action of Harvoni?

Harvoni contains ledipasvir and sofosbuvir so it has a dual mechanism of action to target HCV.

Ledipasvir works by interfering with a protein, called HCV NS5A that is needed by the virus to replicate itself. This protein is the main target for ledipasvir, which is one of the reasons Harvoni has few side effects, as ledipasvir works directly on the virus, not on human cells.

Sofosbuvir interferes with the reproduction of genetic material of HCV, by inhibiting an RNA-dependent polymerase called HCV NS5B, which is also needed by the virus to replicate itself. Sofosbuvir is actually a prodrug, which means it is metabolized in the body to its active component and incorporated into the DNA of the HCV virus. Sofosbuvir also works directly on viral RNA and does not inhibit human DNA or RNA.

After a period of time, Harvoni will eliminate the hepatitis C virus in 95% of people who take it, which means Harvoni treatment is a cure for HCV. A cure is defined as a lack of detection of the hepatitis C virus in the blood for 12 weeks. However, a person can become reinfected with the hepatitis C virus if they are exposed to it again.

Harvoni prevents HCV from multiplying in the body and is usually taken for 12 weeks (or 24 weeks in HCV genotype 1 treatment-experienced people with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A).

What are the side effects of Harvoni?

The most common Harvoni side effects are:

• Fatigue, tiredness, lack of energy
• Headache
• Cough
• Muscle pains
• Shortness of breath
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea.

Reactivation of hepatitis B has also been reported with Harvoni in people who have a current or prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before initiating treatment with Harvoni.