What is Sofosvel (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) used for?

Sofosvel is a fixed dose combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir used in the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV). Sofosbuvel can be used in HCV infection of any genotype (HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6). Sofosvel contains two active ingredients - sofosbuvir (a HCV nucleotide analog NS5B polymerase inhibitor) and velpatasvir (an HCV NS5A inhibitor).

How should I use Sofosvel (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir)?

Sofosvel tablets contain 400mg of Sofosbuir and 100mg of Velpatasvir. Each box contains 6 tablets.

Sofosvel is usually taken for twelve weeks.

Sofosvel is adminstered alone in the treatment of HCV without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A).

The anti-viral drug Ribavirin is prescribed with Sofosvel to treat HCV with decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B and C).

In either case, the most common dosage is one tablet per day of Sofosvel.

What are the side effects of Sofosvel (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir)?

The most common side effects of Sofosvel are:

• headache
• tiredness

When Sofosvel is combined with ribavirin to treat Child-Pugh B and C hepatitis C infection, common side effects inlcude:

• anemia
• nausea
• insomnia
• diarrhea

When Sofosvel is used by a patient who is also taking amiodarone, serious side effects can occur including a slowing of the heart rate which can potentially be fatal or require use of a pacemaker. If you are taking Sofosvel and amiodarone, tell your doctor immediately if you notice:

• fainting or near-fainting
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• feeling unwell
• weakness
• extreme tiredness
• shortness of breath
• chest pains
• confusion
• memory problems

Please Note

Prior to your treatment with Sofosvel, your doctor needs to be aware off any of the follwing:

• if you have liver problems
• if you have kidney problems
• if you have any other medical condition
• if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
• if you are taking any other medicines (particularly tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or amiodarone)