Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir
About Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir
Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hepatitis C is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through contact with the infected person’s blood.
Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, which work together to stop the hepatitis C virus from spreading in your body.
Take Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir as prescribed. You are advised to take Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir for as long as your doctor has advised it based on your medical condition. In some cases, Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir may cause common side effects such as headache, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting, rash, lack of energy, irritability, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects of Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about several important details. This includes any allergies to Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir or any of its components, or other medications, as well as all prescription, non-prescription, vitamins, and supplements you're currently taking. Additionally, let them know if you're using antacids, H2 blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors. It's also crucial to share any history of liver transplant, HIV, liver problems, kidney disease, or dialysis. Furthermore, inform them if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Uses of Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir
Medicinal Benefits
Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir is used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children over 6 years. This medication stops the hepatitis C virus from spreading in the body, helping to combat the infection and prevent further liver damage.
Directions for Use
Swallow Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir as a whole with glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Lack of energy
- Irritability
- Depression
- Staying asleep
Drug Warnings
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir or any of its components. If you are currently taking rifampicin (antibiotic), carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin (anticonvulsants), or St. John’s wort (herbal medicine used to treat depression), avoid taking Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir. If you are currently taking or have taken amiodarone (the medicine to treat irregular heartbeats) in the last few months, inform your doctor before taking Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir, as it may result in a life-threatening slow heartbeat; your doctor may prescribe alternate treatments, or if Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir is prescribed, additional heart monitoring may be recommended. Avoid pregnancy during treatment with Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir, as it may harm the unborn baby when used in combination with ribavirin. You or your partner must use an effective birth control method during and after this treatment. However, contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment or in the months following your treatment with Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir. Drive only if you are alert, as Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir may cause dizziness, tiredness, and reduced attention. You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with the hepatitis C virus to prevent the spread of infection to others.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir may interact with anticonvulsants (oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), wakefulness-promoting agents (modafinil), antibiotics (rifapentine, rifabutin, rifampin), anti-HIV drugs (tipranavir), St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum), and medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats (amiodarone).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have diabetes or liver problems other than hepatitis C (if you are awaiting liver transplantation), inform your doctor before taking Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of alcohol with Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir is unknown. If you have any concerns regarding this, please discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeSofosbuvir+velpatasvir is often used with ribavirin, which can harm an unborn baby. To avoid this risk, it's crucial to prevent pregnancy during and after treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir or soon after, contact your doctor right away.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir is excreted in human milk. Therefore, if you are a breastfeeding mother, please inform your doctor before taking Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir.
Driving
cautionSofosbuvir+velpatasvir may cause dizziness, tiredness, and reduced attention in some patients. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy, tired, or reduced attention after taking Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease inform your doctor if you have liver impairments or problems before taking Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir.
Kidney
cautionPlease inform doctor if you have kidney impairments/problems or if you are on kidney dialysis before taking Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir.
Children
cautionSofosbuvir+velpatasvir is usually used in children 6 years of age and older. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir in children, please consult a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa and barley.
- Eat lean protein such as skinless chicken, fish, beans and egg whites.
- Include healthy fats like avocados, olive oil and nuts.
- Eat low-fat or non-fat dairy products to minimise damage to the liver.
- Drink plenty of water for better processing of food by the body.
- Avoid sugary foods such as cake, cookies, packaged baked food or soda. Also, avoid heavy salt foods.
- Avoid foods containing saturated fats such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, sour cream, butter and other high-fat dairy products, as they may lead to weight gain and result in fatty liver.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as they may increase the risk of liver damage.
Special Advise
- Your doctor will recommend blood tests before, during, and after your treatment with Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir to decide what other medicines you should take with Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir and for how long and also to confirm that your treatment has worked for you.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis C: It is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through contact with the infected person’s blood, sharing needles, using a razor or any other personal items, or even transfer from mother to baby during birth. The symptoms may not appear immediately. Some may take between 2 to 12 weeks to appear. Few people may have mild to moderate symptoms such as dark urine, loss of appetite, fever, joint pain, or stomach discomfort. The complications of untreated chronic hepatitis C include liver cancer or liver cirrhosis.
FAQs
Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir is used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, which work by stopping the hepatitis C virus from spreading in the body.
Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. It is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Hepatitis C virus infection is contagious and spreads from one person to another through contact with an infected person’s blood. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sharing personal items or needles containing an infected person’s blood.
No, Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir is not a protease inhibitor. It is an antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis C infection.
The common side effects of Sofosbuvir+velpatasvir may include headache, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting, spitting up the medicine, rash, lack of energy, irritability, depression, and sleep difficulties. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. If they persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
