Uses
The combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is used alone or with ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere) to treat chronic hepatitis C (an ongoing viral infection that damages the liver) in adults and children 6 years of age and older or who weigh at least 37 lbs (17 kg). Sofosbuvir is in a class of antiviral medications called nucleotide hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase inhibitors. Velpatasvir is in a class of antiviral medications called HCV NS5A replication complex inhibitors. The combination works by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C from spreading inside the body.
Side Effects Of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir
Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- rash
- lack of energy
- feeling irritable
- feeling depressed
The combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking sofosbuvir and velpatasvir:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in sofosbuvir and velpatasvir tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Nexterone, Pacerone); atorvastatin (Lipitor, in Caduet); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril); digoxin (Lanoxin); efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla); oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar, Trileptal); phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); proton-pump inhibitors such as dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium, in Vimovo), lansoprazole (Prevacid, in Prevpac), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (AcipHex): rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, Rifater); rifapentine (Priftin); rosuvastatin (Crestor); tenofovir DF (Viread, in Atripla, Complera, Stribild, Truvada, others); tipranavir (Aptivus) when taken with ritonavir (Norvir); topotecan (Hycamtin); and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Your doctor may need to change the doses of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- if you are taking antacids, take them 4 hours before or 4 hours after sofosbuvir and velpatasvir.
- tell your doctor if you are taking a medication for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers (H2 blockers) such as cimetidine, ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid, in Duexis), or nizatidine. Your doctor may tell you to take this medication 12 hours before or 12 hours after sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, or at the same time that you take sofosbuvir and velpatasvir.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or have or have ever had any type of liver problem other than hepatitis C.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking it, call your doctor.
Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir Dosage
The combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is taken usually with or without food once a day for 12 weeks. Take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sofosbuvir and velpatasvir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take it even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sofosbuvir and velpatasvir without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your sofosbuvir and velpatasvir prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information on sofosbuvir and velpatasvir has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
