Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for hepatitis C in adults and some children. Harvoni comes as oral tablets and pellets that are typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on the severity of your condition.
Harvoni belongs to a drug class called direct-acting antivirals. Harvoni is available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Harvoni, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Harvoni, including details about its uses, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Harvoni provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Harvoni, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Read on for details about Harvoni’s forms, strengths, and dosages.
Harvoni forms
Harvoni comes in two oral forms:
- tablets
- pellets in unit-dose packets (the amount of medication given in a single dose)
Harvoni strengths
Harvoni comes in the following strengths:
- tablets:
- 90 milligrams (mg) ledipasvir/400 mg sofosbuvir (90 mg/400 mg)
- 45 mg ledipasvir/200 mg sofosbuvir (45 mg/200 mg)
- pellets:
- 45 mg ledipasvir/200 mg sofosbuvir (45 mg/200 mg)
- 33.75 mg ledipasvir/150 mg sofosbuvir (33.75 mg/150 mg)
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for hepatitis C
The recommended Harvoni dosage for hepatitis C in adults is one 90 mg/400 mg tablet once per day.
Note: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe ribavirin in combination with Harvoni.
Children’s dosage
Harvoni is used to treat hepatitis C in children ages 3 years and older. Your child’s doctor will determine your child’s dosage based on their body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
The following table shows the recommended Harvoni dosages in children by body weight:
| Body weight in kg | Body weight in lb | Dosing options | Dosage |
| 35 kg or more | about 77 lb or more | • one 90 mg/400 mg tablet • two 45 mg/200 mg tablets • two 45 mg/200 mg pellet packets | 90 mg/400 mg once per day |
| 17 kg to less than 35 kg | about 37 lb to less than 77 lb | • one 45 mg/200 mg tablet • one 45 mg/200 mg pellet packet | 45 mg/200 mg once per day |
| less than 17 kg | less than about 37 lb | • one 33.75 mg/150 mg pellet packet | 33.75 mg/150 mg once per day |
Long-term treatment
Harvoni is not meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. You’ll take Harvoni for 8–24 weeks, depending on your hepatitis C virus genotype and your liver function.
Your doctor will explain how long you’ll need to take Harvoni based on your specific situation.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Harvoni and its dosage.
Is the dosage of Harvoni similar to the dosage of Epclusa?
Yes, the dosage of Harvoni is similar to the dosage of Epclusa. Both medications have two active ingredients and come as oral tablets and pellets. Similar to Harvoni, Epclusa is typically taken once per day for 12 weeks. To learn more about Epclusa’s dosage, refer to this article.
For details about Harvoni’s dosage, see the “Harvoni dosage” section just above.
If you’d like to know more about how Harvoni and Epclusa compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What is the best time of day to take Harvoni?
There’s no best time of day to take Harvoni. You may take Harvoni any time of day, but it may be helpful to take it at the same time each day. This helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body so Harvoni can work effectively. It may also help you get into a routine so you don’t miss any doses.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about when to take Harvoni.
The Harvoni dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the severity of your condition
- your hepatitis C virus genotype
- the form of Harvoni you take
- body weight (for children), which may change
- your age
- other medical conditions you may have
Talk with your doctor if you’d like more information on how they determine your Harvoni dosage.
Harvoni comes as tablets and pellets that you swallow, with or without food.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
If you or your child has difficulty swallowing Harvoni pellets, you may mix the prescribed dose with a small amount of non-acidic food. Examples include mashed potatoes, pudding, chocolate syrup, or ice cream. Be sure to consume the mixture within 30 minutes of preparing it. Swallow the entire mixture without chewing, as the medication tastes bitter.
For more details on taking Harvoni pellets, refer to the full instructions.
If you have questions about how to take Harvoni, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Harvoni in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Harvoni, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you do not take more Harvoni than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. To learn about Harvoni’s side effects, see this article.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Harvoni
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Harvoni. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Harvoni for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Harvoni without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Harvoni that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Harvoni. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Harvoni. For information about other aspects of Harvoni, refer to this article.
- Drug comparison. Find out how Harvoni compares with other drugs, including Epclusa.
- Cost. If you’d like to learn about Harvoni and cost, see this article.
- Details about your condition. Learn more about the condition that Harvoni treats in this article.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.
