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Daclatasvir: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Daclatasvir is a direct-acting antiviral (NS5A inhibitor) approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

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About Daclatasvir

Indications of Daclatasvir

Daclatasvir is a direct-acting antiviral (NS5A inhibitor) approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It is never used as monotherapy.

  • FDA-approved use: Daclatasvir in combination with sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, is indicated for chronic HCV genotype 1 or 3 infection in adults.
  • Guideline-supported use: Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir regimens are also recommended by international HCV treatment guidelines for genotype 2 and 4 infection, and in patients with compensated or decompensated cirrhosis (with ribavirin added in decompensated disease).
  • Combination requirement: Daclatasvir must always be combined with sofosbuvir (and sometimes ribavirin); it has no established antiviral effect when used alone.
  • Special populations: Regimens containing Daclatasvir are used in HIV/HCV coinfected patients under specialist supervision.

Dosage & Administration of Daclatasvir

Indication / SituationRecommended Regimen
Chronic HCV genotype 1 or 3 (adults, no cirrhosis or compensated cirrhosis)Daclatasvir 60 mg orally once daily with sofosbuvir 400 mg once daily for 12 weeks
Decompensated cirrhosis or post-liver transplantDaclatasvir 60 mg once daily with sofosbuvir and weight-based ribavirin for 12 weeks, per specialist guidance
With strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole)Reduce Daclatasvir dose to 30 mg once daily
With moderate CYP3A4 inducersIncrease Daclatasvir dose to 90 mg once daily
Strong CYP3A4 inducersConcurrent use of Daclatasvir is contraindicated (see Contraindications)

Daclatasvir tablets should be swallowed whole with or without food, at approximately the same time each day. The full prescribed course of Daclatasvir combination therapy must be completed exactly as directed, without stopping, skipping, extending doses, or sharing the medicine with others, to maximize cure rates and reduce the risk of viral resistance. If a dose is missed and remembered within 20 hours of the usual time, take it as soon as possible; if more than 20 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule.

Side Effects of Daclatasvir

Adverse effects of Daclatasvir are generally reported for the combination regimen rather than daclatasvir alone.

  • Common (with sofosbuvir): headache, fatigue.
  • Common (with sofosbuvir + ribavirin): headache, fatigue, anemia, nausea.
  • Less common: diarrhea, insomnia, irritability, arthralgia, rash, pruritus.
  • Serious (rare but important): serious symptomatic bradycardia (particularly with concurrent amiodarone and sofosbuvir - see Contraindications); hepatitis B virus reactivation in HCV/HBV coinfected patients (see Precautions and Warnings).

Contraindications of Daclatasvir

Daclatasvir is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Daclatasvir or any component of the formulation.
  • Concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St. John's Wort), as this significantly reduces Daclatasvir plasma concentrations and risks loss of antiviral efficacy.
  • When Daclatasvir is used as part of a regimen with sofosbuvir and amiodarone, due to the boxed-warning risk of serious symptomatic bradycardia; this combination should be avoided unless no alternative treatment is available, and only with cardiac monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions about Daclatasvir

What is Daclatasvir used for?

Daclatasvir is used together with sofosbuvir (and sometimes ribavirin) to treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection in adults. It is never effective when taken alone.

Can I take Daclatasvir by itself, without other medicines?

No. Daclatasvir must always be combined with sofosbuvir, and sometimes ribavirin, as directed by your physician. Taking Daclatasvir alone allows the virus to become resistant and will not cure hepatitis C.

What should I avoid while taking Daclatasvir?

Avoid rifampin, certain seizure medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine), and St. John's Wort, as these significantly reduce Daclatasvir levels and can cause treatment failure. Also avoid combining Daclatasvir with sofosbuvir and amiodarone (a heart rhythm medicine) because of a risk of dangerously slow heart rate.

Is Daclatasvir safe during pregnancy?

Daclatasvir should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; always consult your physician first. If your regimen includes ribavirin, additional strict pregnancy precautions apply because ribavirin can cause birth defects.

What if I miss a dose of Daclatasvir?

If you remember within 20 hours of your usual dosing time, take the missed dose of Daclatasvir right away. If more than 20 hours have passed, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose.

Do I need any tests before starting Daclatasvir?

Yes. Your physician should test you for hepatitis B virus before starting Daclatasvir, because hepatitis B can reactivate, sometimes seriously, during treatment for hepatitis C.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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