Compare Harvoni vs. Olysio

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats hepatitis C.

Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is a combination pill for hepatitis C that you only need to take once a day. Depending on the amount of liver damage you have, it's sometimes taken together with another medicine called ribavirin.

Treats hepatitis C infection.

Olysio (simeprevir) is effective in treating chronic hepatitis C, but it must be used with other antiviral medicines.

Upsides
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is a simple hepatitis C treatment that can cure 96% to 99% of those with genotype 1 who have had no prior treatment. Most people only have to take 1 pill a day for either 12 or 24 weeks.
  • The most common side effects are mild to moderate tiredness and headache.
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is also a good option for people taking HIV medications since it doesn't have drug interactions with most of these medicines.
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is approved for the treatment of hepatitis C in some people with severe liver disease and liver transplants.
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is also one of the first drugs approved to treat hepatitis C in children ages 12 to 17.
  • Most people who take Olysio (simeprevir) together with other antiviral medicines have good results, with no signs of virus found in their blood three months later.
  • Unlike some other hepatitis C medications, you can take Olysio (simeprevir) even if you are taking an acid reflux medication.
  • Can take Olysio (simeprevir) for a shorter amount of time than other hepatitis C medications.
  • Has less side effects than some hepatitis C medications.
Downsides
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) needs an acidic stomach to be absorbed properly. This means that heartburn medications can affect how Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) works, so talk to you doctor or pharmacist before starting any.
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) can cause serious drops in heart rate when it’s taken with amiodarone. If you have to take them together, your heart rate needs to be checked regularly.
  • You should be tested for hepatitis B before starting Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir), since untreated hepatitis B can become active again with medications that treat hepatitis C.
  • If you have severe liver disease or have a liver transplant, you'll have to take Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) with another medicine called ribavirin.
  • Talk to your doctor if you're currently on rosuvastatin, as you shouldn’t take it with Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir).
  • There's no generic available, so it can be very expensive.
  • Olysio (simeprevir) should not be used alone, it must be used together with other antiviral medicines.
  • There are many interactions between Olysio (simeprevir) and other drugs and herbal supplements. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications.
  • Olysio (simeprevir) can cause a rash if you're out in the sun, so you'll have to use sunblock or wear protective clothing.
  • Olysio (simeprevir) only works with one specific type of hepatitis C, unlike others that treat all 6 types.
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Used for
  • Hepatitis C infection genotype 1, 4, 5, and 6
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
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$31285.70
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Reviews
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Side effects
8possible side effects
  • Weakness / lack of energy
    31%
  • Headache
    28%
  • Tiredness
    18%
  • Muscle pain
    9%
  • Irritability
    8%
  • Cough
    5%
  • Dizziness
    5%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
See more detailed side effects
5possible side effects
  • Rash
    28%
  • Itchy skin
    22%
  • Nausea
    22%
  • Muscle pain
    16%
  • Trouble breathing
    12%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Hepatitis B reactivation
    • History of hepatitis B infection
  • Slow heart rate
    • Amiodarone
    • Beta blockers
    • Heart disease
    • Liver disease
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking rifampin
    • Taking St. John's wort
  • Ribavirin combination treatment
    • Taking ribavirin with Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Hepatitis B reactivation
    • History of hepatitis B infection
  • Slow heart rate
    • Amiodarone
    • Beta blockers
    • Heart disease
    • Liver disease
  • Drug interactions
    • Rifampin
    • St. John's wort
  • Ribavirin combination treatment
    • Taking ribavirin with Olysio (simeprevir)
  • Skin problems
    • Taking Olysio (simeprevir) in combination with rivabirin and peg-interferon alfa
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
Learn more about Olysio (simeprevir)