Compare Viekira Pak vs. Harvoni
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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).
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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$31285.70
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Reviews
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Side effects
4possible side effects
- Nausea16%
- Itching13%
- Trouble sleeping12%
- Weakness/Lack of energy9%
8possible side effects
- Weakness / lack of energy31%
- Headache28%
- Tiredness18%
- Muscle pain9%
- Irritability8%
- Cough5%
- Dizziness5%
- Shortness of breath3%
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
- 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)