Daclatasvir Guidelines: What You Need to Know About Dosing, Side Effects, and Use

When treating hepatitis C, Daclatasvir, a direct-acting antiviral used to block the hepatitis C virus from multiplying. Also known as Daklinza, it's often paired with other antivirals like sofosbuvir to cure the infection in most patients. Unlike older treatments that required injections and caused severe side effects, Daclatasvir is taken as a daily pill, with treatment lasting just 12 weeks for many people. It works by stopping the virus from making copies of itself, giving your liver a real chance to heal.

Daclatasvir isn’t used alone. It’s part of combination therapy, most commonly with sofosbuvir, another direct-acting antiviral that targets a different part of the virus. Together, they’ve cured over 95% of patients with genotype 1 or 3 hepatitis C in clinical trials. If you have liver damage or have tried other treatments before, your doctor might add ribavirin—but that’s not always needed. What matters most is matching the right combo to your virus strain, liver health, and past treatment history. The hepatitis C virus genotypes, different versions of the virus that respond differently to drugs determine your treatment plan. Genotype 1 is the most common in the U.S. and Europe, and Daclatasvir works well against it.

Side effects are usually mild: headache, fatigue, or nausea. But if you’re taking amiodarone for heart rhythm issues, you can’t use Daclatasvir—it can cause a dangerous drop in heart rate. Always tell your doctor about every medication, supplement, or herb you take. Even over-the-counter stuff like St. John’s wort can interfere. You don’t need to change your diet, but avoid alcohol. It won’t make Daclatasvir less effective, but it will keep hurting your liver. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s close to your next one. Never double up.

Daclatasvir is most effective when taken at the same time every day, with or without food. Some people feel better after a few weeks, but you still need to finish the full course. Stopping early can let the virus come back stronger. Blood tests before, during, and after treatment help track how well it’s working. You won’t feel the virus leaving, but your doctor will know from lab results.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve been through hepatitis C treatment with Daclatasvir. You’ll see how dosing changes for people with kidney issues, what to expect if you’ve had a liver transplant, and how it compares to other antivirals. These guides cut through the noise and give you exactly what you need to know—no fluff, no jargon, just clear steps to get through treatment safely and successfully.