Hepcinat LP is a combination prescription medication formulated for the treatment of adults with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). It contains Ledipasvir 90 mg, which is a drug used to treat and cure an infection caused by the HCV. It combines with Sofosbuvir 400 mg; both the active pharmaceutical ingredients are direct acting antiviral with a different mode of actions. It is also effective in treating HCV in people who are co-infected with HIV. The fixed dose combination medication is included in the model list of essential medicines by World health organization (WHO).

Ledipasvir is a NS5A inhibitor and is active against genotypes 1a, 1b, 4a, and 5a. On the other hand, Sofosbuvir is an NS5B polymerase inhibitor which deals with HCV genotype 1-4.

This combination therapy regimen is associated with higher cure rates, fewer adverse effects, and shorter treatment duration as compared to other treatments. It is one and all oral treatment without the use another pharmaceutical agent called ribavirin, which is associated with frequent adverse effects.

Uses of the drug:

Hepcinat LP comprises of two active ingredients namely Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir in a single tablet. It is useful in treating chronic HCV infection in adults of 18 years and older.

HCV is responsible for causing an infectious liver disease called Hepatitis C. This virus makes copies of it to survive by a process called replication. It has at least six different strains that are known as genotypes. Being a directing acting antiviral medication, Hepcinat LP directly blocks the ability of HCV to make copies of it. The Hepatitis C medication can cure a person of HCV, but there are chances that the person could get the infection again.  

Working of the drug:

This hepatitis C treatment has Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir as the two active substances. Both of them acts together in a way they block two different proteins that the HCV required for further development and allows the infection to be permanently eliminated from the body.

Manufacturer:

Hepcat LP is a well tolerated antiviral medication that is indicating a new era of an oral treatment regimen for HCV. It is safe and effective for almost all people with HCV. It can be given to a special group of people those who are co-infected with HIV. This single tablet regimen for hepatitis C is manufactured by Natco Pharma, India.

Before you take the drug:

Do not take the drug if you:

• Are hypersensitive to Ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, or any other ingredients of the formulation. If this condition applies to you, discontinue taking the combination drug.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Have liver disorders other than Hepatitis C virus
• Have severe kidney issues, or you have dialysis
• Are suffering from HIV infection
• Have had a liver transplant once in your lifetime
• Have ever had hepatitis B virus infection
• Are pregnant or planning to conceive
• Are a nursing mother or plan to breastfeed

Dosage:

How much to take the drug?

Take one table of Hepcinat LP once daily. Your health care provider will tell you for how many weeks you need to continue taking it for getting rid of HCV.

How long to take it?

The duration of using hepatitis C tablets is based on the condition of the patient, past treatment experience as well as the absence or presence of severing hepatic impairment. Speak to your health care specialist about this.

Overdose:

If you take too many hepatitis C tablets by mistake, contact your health care professional, he/she will advise you further. While visiting the clinic, keep the packet of tablets with you so that you can easily describe what you have accidentally consumed.

Missed dose:

If you miss taking a dose of Ledipasvir Sofosbuvir tablets, consume it as soon as you remember. In case, it’s already been 18 hours of missing the dose, do not take the missed tablet, wait and take the next dose at your regular time. Avoid taking this single regimen tablet two times a day. If you find yourself unsuccessful in following the treatment as directed, talk to your health care provider right away.

Side effects of the drug:

• However, the hepatitis C medication is well tolerable and safe, but like other medication, it can also cause unwanted effects in some people. Some serious Hepcinat LP responses may include bradycardia or slow heart rate. Continous use of this combination drug may cause slowing of heart rate in some individuals. In some cases, this side effect has led to the death of patients or the need for a pacemaker. This especially happens in patients who take Hpecinat LP with amiodarone (a medication used to treat heart issues). If you develop slow heart rate and you take amiodarone, get medical attention right away. You may develop the following symptoms:
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Memory problems
  • Feeling sick
  • Dizziness
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting

The common side effects of this fixed dose combination therapy include tiredness, fatigue, headache, and nausea.

All these that are mentioned above are the possible side effects of Hepcinat LP.

Common drug interactions:

There are some medications that can interact with Hepcinat LP. Some can increase while other can decrease the levels of drugs in the body. Increase levels of a drug in a bloodstream can cause new or more severe adverse effects. On the other hand, decreased levels will make the pharmaceutical drug less effective. Such medications include:

• Amiodarone
• Simeprevir
• Rifampicin
• Rosuvastatin
• Amiodarone
• St. John’s wort
• Tenofovir
• Ritonavir
• Antacids
• Emtricitabine

Please tell your health care provider about all the medications that you take including herbal and vitamin supplements.

Warning:

Things to remember:

A serious slowing heart rate can occur when amiodarone is used along with Hepcinat LP to treat heart problems. The use or amiodarone is contraindicated in patients using Hepatitis C medication.