Compare Viekira Pak vs. Harvoni

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

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A combination of 4 different medications that treats hepatitis C infection.

Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) is a drug regimen consisting of four pills; it's effective against genotype 1 hepatitis C virus, but may not be the best option if you have severe liver problems.

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.

Upsides
  • Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) effectively treats 95% to 100% of people with genotype 1 Hepatitis C.
  • The common side effects are manageable and include feeling nauseous, tired, itching or rash.
  • Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) can also be used to treat genotype 1 hepatitis C if you have a liver transplant.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) can only treat genotype 1 hepatitis C and must be taken twice a day.
  • You might have to take to take Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) with an additional medication called ribavirin. This may not be a good option if you are uncomfortable swallowing pills.
  • If you take medications containing ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), you will need another form of birth control during and for 2 weeks after using Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir).
  • Should not be used if you experienced severe rash after taking ritonavir (Norvir).
  • Your doctor will need to take frequent blood tests during the first 4 weeks and periodically after to monitor your liver function.
  • 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).
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Used for
  • Hepatitis C infection genotype 1
  • Hepatitis C infection genotype 1, 4, 5, and 6
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$27584.80
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Lowest price
$31285.70
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Reviews
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Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Nausea
    16%
  • Itching
    13%
  • Trouble sleeping
    12%
  • Weakness/Lack of energy
    9%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • Hepatitis B reactivation
    • Hepatitis B infection
  • Serious liver problems and complications
    • Moderate to severe liver disease (Child Pugh B or C)
  • Raised liver blood tests
    • Taking estrogen containing medications
  • Ribavirin warnings
  • Drug interactions
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
    • Taking rifampin
    • Taking St. John's wort
  • Ribavirin combination treatment
    • Taking ribavirin with Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir)
Learn more about Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)