DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Sofosbuvir; Velpatasvir oral tablets

March 27, 2020

Sofosbuvir; Velpatasvir oral tablets

What is this medicine?

SOFOSBUVIR; VELPATASVIR (soe fos' bue veer; vel pat' us veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat hepatitis C. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • depressed mood

  • dizziness

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • irritable

  • nausea

  • tiredness

  • trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

  • amiodarone

  • antacids

  • certain antibiotics like rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine

  • certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin and rosuvastatin

  • certain medicines for diabetes

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole

  • digoxin

  • efavirenz

  • St. John's Wort

  • tipranavir

  • topotecan

  • warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes

  • heart disease

  • HIV or AIDS

  • man with a partner who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • organ transplant

  • other liver disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

See your doctor or health care professional for a follow-up visit as directed. You may need blood work while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

If you have had hepatitis B infection (HBV) in the past, taking this medicine could cause the HBV to become active again. If you have had HBV, your doctor should monitor you with blood tests. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a general ill feeling, light-colored stools, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This medicine may be given with ribavirin. Ribavirin may cause birth defects or death to an unborn child. Women taking this medicine must avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Men who are taking this medicine must avoid getting a woman pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Use 2 forms of effective birth control. Women who can still have children must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment. Take monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after this medicine is stopped. Talk to your doctor if you think that you or your partner are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.

This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

Updated:  

March 27, 2020