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What Is Daclatasvir Resistance?
Daclatasvir is a pill used to fight hepatitis C. It works by stopping the virus from copying itself. Sometimes the virus changes – it mutates – and those changes can make daclatasvir less effective. That’s what we call daclatasvir resistance.
If resistance shows up, the patient may not clear the virus as expected. Knowing this early helps doctors adjust the plan before the infection gets tougher to treat.
How Do Doctors Spot Resistance?
Doctors look at a few clues. First, they measure the virus level (viral load) before, during, and after treatment. If the load isn’t dropping or starts climbing again, that’s a red flag.
Second, they can order a genetic test on the virus. The test checks for specific mutations in the NS5A gene, the part of the virus that daclatasvir targets. The most common resistance‑causing mutations are Y93H, L31M, and Q30R. When the lab reports any of these, doctors know the drug may not work well.
What Happens When Resistance Is Found?
When resistance shows up, the usual move is to add or swap another drug. Sofosbuvir, another antiviral, is often paired with daclatasvir to give a stronger punch. If the virus is still stubborn, adding ribavirin or switching to a different NS5A inhibitor can help.
Some patients may need a longer treatment course, like 24 weeks instead of the standard 12. The goal is to give the immune system enough time to finish the job.
It’s also key to check for other health issues that could affect the outcome – liver cirrhosis, HIV co‑infection, or kidney problems can all make treatment harder.
Overall, catching resistance early, confirming it with a gene test, and adjusting the regimen quickly gives the best chance of a cure.
If you or someone you know is on daclatasvir, keep an eye on the lab results and talk to the doctor as soon as anything looks off. Simple steps like these keep hepatitis C under control and improve the odds of a full recovery.
Daclatasvir and Hepatitis C: Patient Guide to Overcoming Drug Resistance
- By : Tamsin Riverton
- Date : Sep 6 2025
A clear, patient‑focused guide explaining how Daclatasvir works, why resistance occurs, and what treatment options exist for Hepatitis C patients facing drug‑resistant virus.