Compare Viekira XR vs. Harvoni

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

ADVERTISEMENT
A combination of 3 different medicines that treats hepatitis C infection.

Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) is a once daily drug regimen consisting of 3 pills a day that are effective against genotype 1 hepatitis C virus, but may not be a good option if you have 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
  • Unlike Viekira Pak, Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) is only three pills that is taken all at once.
  • Similar to Viekira Pak, Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) has a 95% to 100% cure rate.
  • Common side effects are manageable and include feeling nauseous, tired, itching, or rash.
  • Viekira XR (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 XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir) is a combination of 3 different medications which may be hard to take if you don't like swallowing a lot of pills.
  • You may need to take an additional medication called ribavirin with Viekira XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir).
  • If you are taking ethinyl estradiol-containing medications, you will need another form of birth control during and for 2 weeks after using Viekira XR (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).
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
  • Hepatitis C infection genotype 1
  • Hepatitis C infection genotype 1, 4, 5, and 6
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$31285.70
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
6possible side effects
  • Fatigue
    34%
  • Nausea
    22%
  • Itching
    18%
  • Skin reactions
    16%
  • Trouble sleeping
    14%
  • Weakness/Lack of energy
    14%
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
  • HIV resistance
    • HIV infection
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 XR (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir)
Learn more about Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)