- What is sofosbuvir, and how does it work?
- What brand names are available for sofosbuvir?
- Is it available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for it?
- What types of hepatitis C infections does it treat (uses)?
- Sofosbuvir side effects
- How do I use or take sofosbuvir (dosage)?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with sofosbuvir?
- Is it safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about this drug?
What is sofosbuvir, and how does it work?
- Sofosbuvir is an oral, direct-acting antiviral agent used for treating infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- Other direct-acting hepatitis C treatments include:
- After administration sofosbuvir is first converted to an active form. The active form of sofosbuvir interferes with multiplication of the ribonucleic acid (RNA) of HCV leading to reduced numbers of hepatitis C virus in the body.
- Sofosbuvir is effective for treating infection with HCV genotype 1,2,3, or 4, and in clinical trials, 50% to 90% of individuals treated with the drug cleared the hepatitis C virus from their blood.
Do I need a prescription for it?
Yes, you need a prescription from your doctor or health care professional for this drug.
QUESTION
Hepatitis C virus causes an infection of the ______________. See AnswerWhat types of hepatitis C infections does it treat (uses)?
Sofosbuvir is used in combination with ribavirin (Rebetol, Copegus) or ribavirin plus interferon to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, 3, or 4 infection.
Sofosbuvir side effects
The most common side effects reported by patients include:
Other side effects include:
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Rash
- Muscle pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Reduced blood cells,
- Severe depression, and
- Increases in bilirubin levels
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How do I use or take sofosbuvir (dosage)?
The recommended dose of sofosbuvir is one 400 mg tablet once daily with or without food for 12 to 24 weeks.
Which drugs or supplements interact with sofosbuvir?
Rifampin and St. John's wort may reduce blood levels of sofosbuvir by increasing its metabolism (break-down) in the intestine. Therefore, sofosbuvir should not be combined with rifampin or St. John's wort. Other drugs that also may reduce blood levels of sofosbuvir include:
- carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR
- Equetro, Carbatrol)
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin-125)
- phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine (Tripetal)
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- rifapentine
- tipranavir (Aptivus)/ritonavir (Norvir)
Sofosbuvir and amiodarone should not be combined with another direct-acting antiviral agent because combining them may significantly reduce heart rate, especially in people who are taking beta-blockers or have underlying heart problems.
SLIDESHOW
What Is Viral Hepatitis? How You Catch Hepatitis A, B, and C See SlideshowIs it safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- There hasn't been enough research and evaluation of sofosbuvir in pregnant women. However, ribavirin, which is combined with sofosbuvir should not be used if you're pregnant. Your male partner shouldn't use it either.
- Researchers don't know if sofosbuvir is secreted into breast milk.
What else should I know about this drug?
- This drug is available in 400 mg tablets.
- Keep the tablets stored at room temperature below 30 C (86 F).
- The FDA approved Sovaldi in December 2013.
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Summary
Sofosbuvir, brand name Sovaldi, is an antiviral medication prescribed for the treatment of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 infection. It is used in combination with ribavirin plus interferon or ribavirin (Rebetol, Copegus). Common side effects include:
Drug interactions, dosing, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed with your treating physician prior to taking this medication.
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Liver (Anatomy and Function)
The liver is the largest gland and organ in the body. There are a variety of liver diseases caused by liver inflammation, scarring of the liver, infection of the liver, gallstones, cancer, toxins, genetic diseases, and blood flow problems. Symptoms of liver disease generally do not occur until the liver disease is advanced. Some symptoms of liver disease include jaundice, nausea and vomiting, easy bruising, bleeding excessively, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, shortness of breath, leg swelling, impotence, and confusion. Treatment of diseases of the liver depends on the cause.
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Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G)
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Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C)
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information