Which first-line treatment is used for hepatitis C?

Sofosbuvir and ledipasvir represent a combination therapy used as a first-line treatment for hepatitis C, specifically for genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 6. This combination is highly effective due to its direct-acting antiviral properties, which inhibit key enzymes necessary for the hepatitis C virus to replicate.

This combination addresses the virus's lifecycle more effectively than older treatments, leading to higher rates of sustained virologic response, which is the goal of hepatitis C treatment, indicating that the virus is no longer detectable in the patient's blood after completing therapy.

While ribavirin and interferon alpha were historically used in the treatment of hepatitis C, their use has declined significantly due to the associated side effects and lower efficacy compared to newer therapies like the sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination. Harvoni is a branded formulation that contains sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, but it is just one part of the broader class of direct-acting antiviral medications. Thus, while identifying sofosbuvir and ledipasvir directly addresses the query regarding first-line treatments effectively, it is crucial to recognize their role in advancing hepatitis C management as opposed to older therapies.