Has your doctor diagnosed you or someone close to you with Hepatitis C? If so, you may have been prescribed a medication called Daclatasvir. The name may sound a bit unfamiliar, so you may have a lot of questions on your mind, such as, "What is this medication? What will happen with it? What should I be concerned about?" Don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this medication in a very simple and friendly way.
Simply put, what is Daclatasvir?
Daclatasvir is an antiviral drug. Its main function is to control the spread and growth of the hepatitis C virus in the body. In other words, this drug is like a specially trained soldier who fights against the hepatitis C virus.
But remember this: This medicine is specifically designed to treat hepatitis C virus only. It will not cure other viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or cough.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health before starting this medication. This information will help determine the best treatment for you. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Health condition/fact | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you have diabetes | This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. |
| If you have heart disease | Some heart medications may interact with this medicine. |
| If you have HIV or AIDS | This medicine may interact with medications taken for HIV. |
| If you have liver diseases other than hepatitis C | The treatment regimen may need to be changed or the dosage adjusted. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should discuss with your doctor whether this medicine may affect the fetus. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | You should be aware of whether the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| If you have allergies to any medicine or food | To prevent an allergic reaction to daclatasvir or any of its ingredients. |
How should I use the medicine exactly?
- Take this pill with a glass of water .
- You can take this before or after meals. That's okay.
- The most important thing is to take your medicine at the right time every day. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Remember: It is very important to take this medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. You may feel sick for a few days. But do not stop taking the medicine even if you feel sick. Doing so can cause the virus to become more severe and resistant to treatment.
What do I do if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if you remember during the day. But if you remember the next day, don't worry about the missed dose. Forget it and just take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
This is a very important part. Daclatasvir can interact with some other medications. This means that taking them together can either decrease or increase the effectiveness of daclatasvir, or cause dangerous side effects.
Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, and supplements).
| Never take daclatasvir with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| carbamazepine, phenytoin | (Types of medicine given for fit) |
| rifampin | (An antibiotic given for tuberculosis) |
| St. John's Wort | (A herbal remedy used for conditions such as depression) |
| Problems can also occur with these medications (medical advice is essential) | |
| amiodarone | (for heart rate problems) |
| Types of medications for HIV/AIDS | (e.g. efavirenz, nevirapine) |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | (e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin) |
| Antifungal drugs | (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) |
| digoxin, warfarin, dexamethasone | (Medicines given for various medical conditions) |
Important: This list is not exhaustive, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
Special points to be considered while taking the medicine
Hepatitis B reactivation
This is very important. If you have had hepatitis B in the past , the hepatitis B virus that was inactive when you took a medicine like daclatasvir can become active (reactivate) in your body again. Therefore, if you have had hepatitis B before, your doctor will monitor you with blood tests throughout your treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Feeling of weakness
- Appetite
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Light-colored stools
If you have diabetes
If you are diabetic, your blood sugar levels may change while taking this medicine. So check your blood sugar levels regularly. If necessary, you may need to change your diabetes medication or diet. Talk to your doctor about this.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like all medicines, daclatasvir can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
|
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Take the medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, for the full duration. Do not stop taking it halfway.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking.
- If you develop symptoms of a liver problem, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, extreme tiredness, or allergic symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, talk to your doctor. Don't make decisions based on guesswork.
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