Harvoni

Harvoni is used in combination to treat chronic infection with Hepatitis C virus in adults.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Tablet

Before using Harvoni, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies

If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age-specific problems

The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children.

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, therefore its safety and efficacy have not been established in older age group. However, geriatric population is more prone to having kidney, liver and heart problems.

Drug Interactions

Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

This medication should be used cautiously with following drugs:

• Aluminum Hydroxide
• Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
• Calcium Carbonate
• Aluminum Phosphate
• Amiodarone
• Carbamazepine
• Dexlansoprazole
• Cimetidine
• Digoxin
• Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
• Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
• Esomeprazole
• Famotidine
• Fosphenytoin
• Lansoprazole
• Magnesium Carbonate
• Magaldrate
• Magnesium Hydroxide
• Magnesium Trisilicate
• Magnesium Oxide
• Nizatidine
• Oxcarbazepine
• Omeprazole
• Pantoprazole
• Phenytoin
• Phenobarbital
• Rabeprazole
• Rifabutin
• Ranitidine
• Rifapentine
• Rifampin
• Rosuvastatin
• Sodium Bicarbonate
• Simeprevir
• St John's Wort
• Tipranavir
• Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

• Kidney disease, severe
• Liver cirrhosis, decompensated

To use Harvoni properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. In order to clear up the infection completely, this combination should be used for the full time of treatment even if you feel better.

This medication should be used according to a regular schedule to keep a constant amount in the body. To avoid adverse effects, this drug should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide. 

Missed dose

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage

This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

Before using Harvoni, there are some precautions you must take. Do not take this combination with other products containing Sofosbovir. It is important for your doctor to monitor your response to the medicine and look for any side effects.

Therefore, regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. 

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Harvoni. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients, but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with the following side effects:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Trouble sleeping

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if you have overdosed on this drug. If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.