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Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir

Generic Name : Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir are provided here.

Understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir

India :


Epclusa

Why is Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir Prescribed? (Indications)

The sofosbuvir and velpatasvir combination is an antiviral drug combination that is prescribed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infections. Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir belong to the nucleotide hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase inhibitor and HCV NS5A replication complex inhibitor groups, respectively.

The combination is used with or without ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infections of genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The drug combination stops the replication of the HCV virus.

When should Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir not be taken? (Contraindications)

The combination is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the drug, with the use of certain prescription drugs including amiodarone, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially when administered with ribavirin.

What is the dosage of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir?

The recommended dose of the drug combination is one tablet containing 400mg of sofosbuvir and 100mg of velpatasvir to be taken once daily for 12 weeks. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis are also administered ribavirin.

How should Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir be taken?

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir come in the form of a tablet to be taken by mouth. The tablet can be taken either with food or on an empty stomach.

What are the warnings and precautions for Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir?

•There must be at least a 4 hours’ gap between the intake of antacids and the sofosbuvir and velpatasvir drug combination to avoid interaction.

Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment and effective birth control measures have to be followed for at least 6 months after stopping the sofosbuvir and velpatasvir drug combination along with ribavirin.

The baby should not be breastfed while taking the sofosbuvir and velpatasvir combination with ribavirin as they might harm the baby.

What are the side effects of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir?

General: Weakness, nausea, re-activation of hepatitis B infection.
Central Nervous System: Headache, symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness when taken with amiodarone, depression, problems with sleep.

What are the other precautions for Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir?

The drug combination should be avoided in patients with severe kidney disease.

What are the Drug Interactions of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir?

The sofosbuvir and velpatasvir drug combination should be avoided with:

Antacids and Proton pump inhibitors:

Concurrent administration of antacids or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and pantoprazole along with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir should be avoided. There must be at least a gap of 4 hours.

Antiarrhythmic Drugs:

Amiodarone when taken along with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir may decrease the heart rate.

HMG CoA reductase Inhibitors:

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir might increase the concentration of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors like atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and may increase the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of skeletal muscle).

Anticonvulsant Drugs:

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir concentration is decreased by anticonvulsant drugs like carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin.

Antitubercular Drugs:

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir concentration is decreased by the antitubercular drugs like rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine.

HIV Medications:

Concomitant administration of the sofosbuvir and velpatasvir combination with HIV medications like efavirenz, tipranavir/ritonavir and tenofovir should be avoided.

What are the storage conditions for Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir?

Store the medicine in the original container at room temperature. Protect from excess heat, light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
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