DACLATASVIR
Background and Date of Approval
Daclatasvir is an antiviral drug that belongs to a group of medicines called hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitors. FDA approved it initially on 2015 for its medical use.
Uses
Daclatasvir is an orally available drug. It is used along with another medication to treat a certain type of chronic hepatitis C (an ongoing viral infection that damages the liver). It works by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C from spreading inside the body.
How is it administered?
Daclatasvir is a prescription medicine available as a tablet. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Daclatasvir based on the disease condition and other factors such as body weight and age. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet at the same time, with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water.
Side Effects
The common side effects of daclatasvir are nausea, headache, tiredness, and dizziness. Other side effects are decreased heart rate, liver failure, and reactivation of the hepatitis B virus.
Warnings
This medicine may reactivate the hepatitis B vaccine. If you have ever had a hepatitis B virus infection, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during or after treatment of the hepatitis C virus with this medicine. The Hepatitis B virus becoming active again (called reactivation) may cause serious liver problems, including liver failure and death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you if you are at risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation during treatment and after you stop taking it.
Precautions
Do not take Daclatasvir if you are allergic to Daclatasvir or other ingredients. This medicine must always be used in combination with other medicines against hepatitis C infection. Inform your doctor if you have an irregular heartbeat or liver injury before initiating the treatment. Report to your doctor if you have shortness of breath, lightheadedness, palpitations, and fainting while taking this medicine. Daclatasvir is not recommended for patients below 18 years of age. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use effective contraception during the treatment. The common side effects of this treatment are headache, tiredness, anemia, and nausea. Inform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional, and supplements and herbal products. Certain medications interact with Daclatasvir and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
Word of Advice
Store at room temperature (20°C and 25°C). Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you forgot to take the tablet, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Take all of the medicine and complete the course of therapy even if you feel better after the first few doses. Do not take extra doses or medicine to make up for a missed dose. Avoid pregnancy during combination treatment with daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin for 6 months of stopping treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
References
Daclatasvir - Summary Of Product Characteristics; Revised 2020. Accessed May 16, 2023. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/daklinza-epar-product-information_en.pdf Daclatasvir - Highlights of Prescribing Information; Revised 2017. Accessed May 16, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/206843s006lbl.pdf Yash Gandhi et al; Daclatasvir: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacokinetics; Clinical Pharmacokinetics; Published on Aug 2018; Accessed May 16, 2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29353349/ Gillian M Keating; Daclatasvir: A Review in Chronic Hepatitis C; Drugs; Published on Sept 2016; Accessed May 16, 2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27550544/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can daclatasvir be used to treat all types of hepatitis C?
Daclatasvir is approved for treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the genotype of the virus. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider who can determine the appropriate treatment regimen based on the specific genotype and individual patient factors.
Can daclatasvir interact with other medications?
Daclatasvir can interact with several medications, including certain antiretroviral drugs, antifungal agents, and certain antibiotics. To prevent potential interactions, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
Can daclatasvir prevent the transmission of hepatitis C?
Daclatasvir is primarily used to treat chronic HCV infection in individuals who are already infected. It is not recommended for use as a preventive measure to avoid HCV transmission. Prevention strategies, such as practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing needles, and following appropriate infection control measures, should be implemented to reduce the risk of HCV transmission.
Can I take daclatasvir while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea?
There are no known interactions between daclatasvir and caffeine. However, be sure to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the medication's label regarding the timing and conditions of daclatasvir administration.
Can daclatasvir be taken with food?
Daclatasvir can be taken with or without food. Taking it with a meal may help improve its absorption, but specific instructions may vary depending on the treatment regimen. It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider or refer to the medication's instructions for use.