Uses
Daclatasvir is used along with another medication (sofosbuvir [Solvadi]) to treat a certain type of chronic hepatitis C (an ongoing viral infection that damages the liver). Daclatasvir is in a class of antiviral medications called hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitors. It works by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C from spreading inside the body. It is not known if daclatasvir prevents the spread of hepatitis C to other people.
Side Effects Of Daclatasvir
Daclatasvir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. If you are also taking amiodarone and you experience any of these symptoms or those in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- near fainting or fainting
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- weakness or not feeling well
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- memory problems
- confusion
Daclatasvir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking daclatasvir:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to daclatasvir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in daclatasvir tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you are taking carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, Rifater), or St. John’s wort. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take daclatasvir if you are taking one or more of these medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Nexterone, Pacerone); certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac), nafcillin, rifapentine (Priftin), and telithromycin (Ketek); certain antifungals such as itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), and voriconazole (Vfend); bosentan (Tracleer); buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone, Zubsolv); certain cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) such as atorvastatin (Lipitor, in Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Flolipid, Zocor, in Vytorin); medication containing cobicistat (Stribild); dabigatran (Pradaxa); dexamethasone; digoxin (Lanoxin); efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), etravirine (Intelence); certain HIV protease inhibitors such as atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, Technivie, Viekira Pak), and saquinavir (Invirase); modafinil (Provigil); nefazodone; nevirapine (Viramune); and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with daclatasvir, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor if you have had a liver transplant, any type of liver disease other than hepatitis C, or heart disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking daclatasvir, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Daclatasvir
Daclatasvir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Daclatasvir must be taken in combination with sofosbuvir, usually for 12 weeks. Take daclatasvir at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take daclatasvir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take daclatasvir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking daclatasvir or sofosbuvir without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
