Generic Harvoni (Sofosbuvir + Ledipasvir)

Sofosbuvir with ledipasvir is the active combination in Harvoni®, a direct-acting antiviral regimen for chronic hepatitis C. Generic versions contain the same active ingredients at the same strengths and are produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, typically at a tiny fraction of the originator price. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.

Harvoni® is the originator brand for the fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, developed by Gilead Sciences. It is prescribed as part of a defined course in the management of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. It is a prescription-only medicine used under medical supervision.

Sofosbuvir and ledipasvir are direct-acting antivirals. They target specific proteins the hepatitis C virus needs to copy itself. Taken together as a course (commonly several weeks), they are used as part of a treatment plan determined by your doctor, who will confirm your HCV genotype and monitor your progress.

This regimen is prescribed for adults (and certain adolescents) with chronic hepatitis C of relevant genotypes, as determined by a doctor based on testing and overall health.

The fixed-dose combination is usually taken as one tablet once daily, with or without food, for the full course your doctor prescribes (commonly 8–12 weeks). Completing the entire course is important even if you feel well. Some interacting medicines — including certain antacids and other drugs — need to be spaced or avoided, as your doctor will explain.

Never change your dose on your own.

Reported side effects of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir are generally mild and may include tiredness and headache. If you also take amiodarone for heart rhythm, serious slowing of the heart has been reported, so tell your doctor about every medicine you take before starting.

Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly. This is not a complete list — see the patient information leaflet.

Store as directed on the patient information leaflet, usually at room temperature away from moisture and out of reach of children. Always follow the storage guidance supplied with your medicine.

When Gilead Sciences launched Harvoni, its list price reflected the research behind a fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir and the period of market exclusivity that patents grant an originator. That exclusivity, rather than the cost of making each tablet, is the main reason the branded course carries a list price of around $94,500 per 12-week course in the United States and roughly £39,000 per course in the United Kingdom. Licensed generic versions contain the same active ingredients at the same 400 mg / 90 mg strength, but they are produced once patents allow other manufacturers to make them, so their price is a tiny fraction of the brand.

A generic costing less does not change what the medicine is or how it should be used. Treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains prescription-only, and whether sofosbuvir/ledipasvir is appropriate for you — and for how long — is a decision for a qualified clinician based on your HCV genotype, liver health, and treatment history.

Course pricing for the branded product varies widely by country. In the United States the brand is listed at around $94,500 per 12-week course; in the United Kingdom it is roughly £39,000 per course; and in Australia it is supplied at a subsidised price per course. Across all three markets, licensed generic sofosbuvir/ledipasvir is priced at a tiny fraction of the brand for the same active ingredients, strength, and tablet form.

A standard course of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir usually runs for a set number of weeks, but the exact length is set by the prescriber. Any quote you receive is for the medicine only and assumes a valid prescription; it is not a substitute for a clinician confirming that this regimen and duration suit your case.

Harvoni is one of several sofosbuvir-based regimens, and they are not interchangeable. Harvoni pairs sofosbuvir with ledipasvir in a single tablet; Epclusa combines sofosbuvir with velpatasvir; and Sovaldi is sofosbuvir on its own, taken alongside other antivirals. Each was developed for particular HCV genotypes and clinical situations, which is why the choice is a clinical one rather than a matter of price.

If you are comparing options, see our pages on generic for Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) and generic for Sovaldi (sofosbuvir). Only a prescribing clinician can decide which sofosbuvir regimen — and which course length — is right for your genotype and liver health.