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DownloadThis leaflet is designed to give you important information about your new medicine. It is not intended to replace the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with the medicine, but is designed to be read in conjunction with it. If you have any questions about your treatment, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
The treatment comprises of Daclatasvir (brand name Daklinza), Sofosbuvir (brand name Sovaldi) and sometimes Ribavirin. This is a tablet based treatment. The treatment aims to completely clear the Hepatitis C virus from the body. Although the treatment is very effective, it is not guaranteed to work for everyone. These medications are taken in combination and should not be used alone.
Daclatasvir The recommended dose is one tablet once a day of Daclatasvir 60 mg (this dose may vary and will be decided by your doctor). Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or crush the tablet as it has an unpleasant taste. Can be taken with or without food.
Sofosbuvir The recommended dose is one tablet (400mg) once a day with food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, crush or split the tablet as it has a bitter taste.
Ribavirin A tablet that must be taken with food. These tablets are to be taken in the morning and evening each day. Your nurse/ doctor will tell you exactly how many tablets to take (the number of tablets depends on your weight and blood results).
There are no specific types or amounts of food that need to be taken with your tablets. You can take it with a substantial snack, with a main meal or up to 30 minutes after a main meal.
Daclatasvir
Daclatasvir, like all other medicines, has some side effects. Most of these are minor and will settle within a few days or weeks
Sofosbuvir
Sofosbuvir, like all other medicines, has some side effects. Most of these are minor and will settle within a few days or weeks.
Ribavirin
It is always important to make your doctor and pharmacist aware of any medicines you take to ensure that they are compatible with your treatment. This includes any recreational, over-the-counter or herbal medications. Before starting any new medications you must check they are safe to take with your clinic nurse, doctor or pharmacist.
Important Information
You must not stop, or allow anyone else to stop, your treatment unless discussed with the doctor or nurse in charge of your Hepatitis C treatment.
There are no special storage instructions for Daclactasvir, Sofosbuvir or Ribavirin; however they should be kept in a safe place, away from children.
To lessen the side effects of treatment we advise you aim to drink two litres of water a day, keep skin well moisturised, avoid alcohol, use sunscreen and eat little and often. If you experience any side effects, and either they are troubling you or you develop any new symptoms after you start your treatment, tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist who will advise you what to do.
Further Information
British Liver Trust: telephone 0800 652 7330
Liver4Life: telephone 08000 743494
Hepatitis C Trust: telephone 0845 223 442.
Special Requirements
If you have a special requirement or you have vision, mobility or access issues please call 01273 664541 for further advice/information. If you have a question about any of your medicines, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Contact
Hepatology Nurses Telephone: 01273 664541.
What if I…
Get a headache or just need a pain killer? Paracetamol can be taken with Daclactasvir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin. We do not advise Ibuprofen (or medications in this family, called NSAIDS) in patients with significant liver scarring or cirrhosis.
Get hayfever or have other allergies?
The antihistamine Loratidine can be taken with Daclactasvir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin. If you feel your allergy is related to Daclactasvir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin or any other medicines, speak to your clinic doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any medicines. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using any nasal sprays or getting any injections, to check for possible interactions with Daclactasvir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin and any other medicines you are taking.
Get diarrhoea?
For short-term diarrhoea relief, you can use Loperamide. Remember to drink plenty of fluids. If you get a lot of diarrhoea and it lasts more than a few days, contact your clinic to ask for advice.
Get heartburn, reflux, indigestion?
Antacids and over-the-counter heart burn remedies may be taken with Sofosbuvir, Daclactasvir and Ribavirin.
Am prescribed or take something for my mood, such as an antidepressant or St John’s wort?
Check with your clinic doctor/nurse or pharmacist before taking these. St John’s wort can reduce the levels of Daclactasvir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin within your body, meaning they may be less effective at suppressing the virus. We therefore advise not taking this; other antidepressants are safe to take and should be discussed with your nurse.
Currently take, or would like to take, supplements, including calcium or iron?
Most supplements can be taken with Daclactasvir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin, but always check with your clinic doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking them.
Miss a dose?
Treatment works best if there is a constant amount of the drugs in your body. It is really important that you take the tablets regularly. However, occasionally you may forget a dose. Don’t worry if this happens, just follow the guidance below. If you are having problems remembering to take your medicines, speak with your clinic nurse and they may be able to help you.
Am sick after taking my medication?
If you are sick (vomit) after taking Sofosbuvir it may affect the amount of medication in your blood and make it work less well.
If you are sick (vomit) less than two hours after taking Sofosbuvir, take another tablet. If you are sick (vomit) more than two hours after taking Sofosbuvir, WAIT until your next scheduled tablet – there is no need to take an extra dose.
There is no specific guidance for what to do if you vomit after taking Daclatasvir – please contact your nurse who will advise on a case by case basis should this occur.
Get pregnant or my partner gets pregnant whilst on treatment?
Contact the nurses as soon as possible who will advise you on the best course of action.
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: January 2016
Review Date: December 2022
