Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) is a prescription drug that’s used to help treat certain types of hepatitis C. The drug comes as oral tablets and oral pellets. You usually take the drug once per day.
Harvoni is used in adults and children ages 3 years and older to help treat:
- hepatitis C of genotype 1, 4, 5, or 6 without cirrhosis or with cirrhosis that has not affected liver function
- hepatitis C of genotype 1 with cirrhosis that’s affecting liver function (for this use, it’s prescribed together with ribavirin)
- hepatitis C of genotype 1 or 4 in people who’ve had a liver transplant and do not have cirrhosis or have cirrhosis that is not affecting liver function (for this use, it’s prescribed together with ribavirin)
The active ingredients in Harvoni are ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. Harvoni belongs to a group of drugs called direct-acting antivirals.
This article describes the dosages of Harvoni, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about Harvoni, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Harvoni’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Form | Recommended dosage for adults | Recommended dosage for children |
|---|---|---|
| oral tablets | one tablet of 90 mg ledipasvir/400 mg sofosbuvir once per day | based on the child’s body weight |
| oral pellets | two pellet packets of 45 mg ledipasvir/200 mg sofosbuvir once per day | based on the child’s body weight |
Keep reading for more details about Harvoni’s dosage.
What are Harvoni’s forms?
Harvoni comes in two forms: oral tablets and oral pellets.
What strengths does Harvoni come in?
Harvoni comes in the following strengths:
- oral tablets:
- 90 mg ledipasvir/400 mg sofosbuvir (90 mg/400 mg)
- 45 mg ledipasvir/200 mg sofosbuvir (45 mg/200 mg)
- oral pellets:
- 45 mg ledipasvir/200 mg sofosbuvir (45 mg/200 mg)
- 33.75 mg ledipasvir/150 mg sofosbuvir (33.75 mg/150 mg)
What are the usual dosages of Harvoni in adults?
The typical Harvoni dosage for adults with hepatitis C is one 90 mg/400 mg tablet once per day. Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
What’s the dosage of Harvoni for children?
Harvoni is used to help treat certain types of hepatitis C in children ages 3 years and older. (See the beginning of this article for a description of the types.) The dosage for children is based on body weight.
The following table highlights the recommended dosages of Harvoni for children. All weights are in kilograms (kg), and dosages are in mg. For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Dosage | Dosing options |
|---|---|---|---|
| less than 17 kg | less than 37 lb | 33.75 mg/150 mg once per day | • one pellet packet of 33.75 mg/150 mg |
| 17 to 35 kg | 37 to 77 lb | 45 mg/200 mg once per day | • one tablet of 45 mg/200 mg • one pellet packet of 45 mg/200 mg |
| 35 kg or more | 77 lb or more | 90 mg/400 mg once per day | • one tablet of 90 mg/400 mg • two tablets of 45 mg/200 mg • two pellet packets of 45 mg/200 mg |
For more information about Harvoni’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take Harvoni
You’ll swallow Harvoni tablets once per day with or without food.
If your child cannot swallow tablets, their doctor likely will prescribe Harvoni oral pellets. Harvoni pellets can be swallowed or mixed with food. If mixing them with food, use a small amount of nonacidic food. Examples are pudding, mashed potatoes, or ice cream. Ensure that your child swallows the entire mixture without chewing it to avoid a bitter taste. They should consume the mixture within 30 minutes of mixing it.
For detailed instructions on how to mix and take Harvoni pellets, read the Instructions For Use.
Is Harvoni taken long term?
No, Harvoni is not usually taken as a long-term treatment. Doctors typically prescribe Harvoni for 8 to 24 weeks. The treatment duration depends on your hepatitis C virus genotype and how well your liver functions.
If you have questions about how long you’ll take Harvoni, talk with your doctor.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Harvoni’s dosage.
How does Harvoni’s dosage compare with Epclusa’s dosage?
Harvoni and Epclusa both are used to help treat hepatitis C. Both drugs are also prescribed with another drug for some uses and alone for others. Harvoni and Epclusa both come as oral tablets and oral pellets.
The dosages of Harvoni and Epclusa are similar. The following table highlights the recommended dosages of each drug for adults. The dosages are in mg.
| Drug | Recommended dosage for adults |
|---|---|
| Harvoni | one tablet of 90 mg ledipasvir/400 mg sofosbuvir once per day |
| Epclusa | one tablet of 400 mg sofosbuvir/100 mg velpatasvir once per day |
To learn more about Epclusa’s dosage, refer to this article.
If you have more questions about how the dosages of these medications compare, talk with your doctor. They can also discuss the dosages of each drug for children.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Harvoni?
If you miss a dose of Harvoni, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at its regular time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of Harvoni side effects.
If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Harvoni than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Harvoni
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Harvoni. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.