When treating hepatitis C, ledipasvir, a direct-acting antiviral that blocks the hepatitis C virus from replicating. It's almost always paired with sofosbuvir, and together they form one of the most effective hepatitis C treatments available today. Ledipasvir isn’t used alone — it’s designed to work with sofosbuvir to hit the virus from two angles, making it harder for the infection to survive. This combo, sold under brand names like Harvoni, clears the virus in most patients within 8 to 12 weeks, even in those with advanced liver damage.
The standard ledipasvir dosage is one 90 mg tablet taken once daily, usually with sofosbuvir 400 mg. That’s it — no complicated schedules, no multiple daily doses. For most adults, this simple regimen works whether you’ve had treatment before or not. But dosage can change based on your liver health, whether you have cirrhosis, or if you’ve tried other drugs before. People with severe liver scarring might need to take it longer — up to 24 weeks — or add ribavirin to boost results. Kids and people with kidney problems need special checks, since ledipasvir isn’t cleared the same way in all bodies.
Side effects are usually mild: fatigue, headache, nausea. But if you’re on other meds — especially heart drugs like amiodarone — ledipasvir can cause dangerous heart rhythm changes. That’s why your doctor needs to know everything you’re taking. It’s not just about the dose; it’s about how it plays with your whole system. Some patients wonder if there are cheaper or newer options. Yes — other direct-acting antivirals like velpatasvir or voxilaprevir exist, and some can treat more hepatitis C genotypes. But ledipasvir/sofosbuvir remains a top choice for genotype 1, which is the most common in the UK and US.
What you won’t find in the package insert is how real people use it. Many patients finish treatment and feel better within weeks — energy returns, brain fog lifts, liver enzymes drop. But it only works if you take it every day. Missing doses raises the risk of the virus becoming resistant. That’s why sticking to the schedule matters more than the brand name or price tag.
Below, you’ll find real comparisons between ledipasvir and other hepatitis C treatments, stories from patients who switched meds, and how to spot if your treatment isn’t working. No fluff. Just what you need to know to make smart choices about your health.
