Daclatasvir

Daclatasvir is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of long-term hepatitis C infection (genotype 1 or genotype 3) in adults, usually along with sofosbuvir or with sofosbuvir and ribavirin. It works by blocking a special protein in the hepatitis C virus called NS5A, which is essential for the virus to multiply and spread. By stopping this protein from working, the medicine helps reduce the amount of virus in your body and supports the clearing of the infection. You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to daclatasvir or any of its ingredients. It is also not suitable if you are taking certain medicines for epilepsy (such as phenytoin or carbamazepine), tuberculosis (such as rifampin), or the herbal remedy St. John's wort. Some medicines can make Daclatasvir less effective by breaking it down faster in the body, so your doctor will check your other medications before starting treatment. Like all medicines, Daclatasvir can cause side effects. Some people may experience a slow heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion. These symptoms may also be related to the medicines it is taken with, such as sofosbuvir or ribavirin. If you feel unusually weak, lightheaded, or notice troubling symptoms, inform your doctor promptly. During treatment, let your doctor know if you have ever had hepatitis B, as hepatitis B can become active again during or after hepatitis C treatment. Watch out for signs like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or extreme tiredness, and seek medical advice if these occur. This medicine can be taken with or without food, but try to take it at the same time every day for the best results. Do not take more than prescribed, and follow your doctor's instructions closely to get the maximum benefit from the treatment.