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Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is a fixed-dose combination direct-acting antiviral (DAA) indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Forms:Tablet

About Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir

Indications of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is a fixed-dose combination direct-acting antiviral (DAA) indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

FDA-approved / Established Indications

  • Treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 infection in adults and pediatric patients 3 years of age and older, without cirrhosis or with compensated (Child-Pugh A) cirrhosis, as a 12-week course of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir alone.
  • Treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection in patients with decompensated (Child-Pugh B or C) cirrhosis, when Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is used in combination with ribavirin for 12 weeks.

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is pangenotypic, meaning it is active against all major HCV genotypes (1 through 6), which is one of its principal clinical advantages over earlier genotype-specific regimens.

Not Indicated For

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is not indicated for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or other viral hepatitis. It has no role in acute (non-chronic) hepatitis C outside of specialist-directed use.

Dosage & Administration of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir

Adult Dosing

Patient GroupRegimenDuration
HCV genotype 1-6, no cirrhosis or compensated (Child-Pugh A) cirrhosisOne tablet of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir (400 mg/100 mg) once daily, alone12 weeks
HCV genotype 1-6, decompensated (Child-Pugh B or C) cirrhosisOne tablet of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir once daily plus ribavirin12 weeks

Pediatric Dosing (3 years and older)

Weight-based dosing is used, with tablet or oral pellet formulations available for children who cannot swallow tablets. Dosing should be guided by a pediatric hepatology/infectious disease specialist and current weight-band dosing tables.

Administration

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir tablets are taken orally, once daily, with or without food. When used with ribavirin, ribavirin is generally taken in two divided doses with food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not split or crushed unless a pellet/dispersible formulation is specifically used.

Renal Impairment

No dose adjustment is required in mild-to-moderate renal impairment. Data are limited in severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease; use with monitoring per specialist guidance.

Hepatic Impairment

No dose adjustment is required in mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A, B, or C); decompensated cirrhosis requires the ribavirin-containing regimen as above.

Side Effects of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is generally well tolerated. Most reported adverse effects are mild-to-moderate.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia

In patients with decompensated cirrhosis receiving Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir plus ribavirin, fatigue, anemia, nausea, and headache are more frequent, largely attributable to ribavirin.

Less Common but Serious

  • Serious symptomatic bradycardia (especially with concomitant amiodarone — see Contraindications/Precautions)
  • Reactivation of hepatitis B virus in HCV/HBV coinfected patients (see Precautions)
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Skin rash

Patients should seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as slow or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, extreme fatigue, or shortness of breath while taking Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir.

Contraindications of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, or any component of the formulation.

When Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is used in combination with ribavirin (for decompensated cirrhosis), all contraindications applicable to ribavirin also apply to that combination regimen, including pregnancy in the patient or the patient's partner, and hemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia major, sickle-cell anemia).

Coadministration with potent P-glycoprotein/CYP inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John's Wort, carbamazepine) is contraindicated because it significantly lowers Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir plasma concentrations and risks loss of virologic response.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir

What is Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir used for?

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults and children 3 years and older, across all major genotypes (1 through 6), either alone (12 weeks) or combined with ribavirin for 12 weeks in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

How long do I need to take Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir?

Most patients take Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir once daily for a full 12-week course. It is important to complete the entire course exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better, since stopping early can lead to treatment failure or the virus becoming resistant.

Can I take Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, so consult your physician first. If Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir is combined with ribavirin, that combination is contraindicated in pregnancy due to ribavirin's risks. Whether Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir passes into breast milk is unknown, so discuss breastfeeding plans with your doctor before starting treatment.

Are there any medicines I should avoid while taking Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir?

Yes. Avoid amiodarone (risk of serious slow heartbeat), rifampin, St. John's Wort, carbamazepine, and similar strong enzyme-inducing medicines, as these can make Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir less effective. Proton pump inhibitors are also not recommended; discuss all your current medicines, including antacids and statins, with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir.

What are the most common side effects of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir?

The most commonly reported side effects of Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir are headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping. Most are mild. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice a very slow or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, or signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the eyes/skin.

Will I be tested before starting Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir?

Yes. Your doctor should test you for hepatitis B virus (HBsAg and anti-HBc) before starting Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir, because hepatitis B can reactivate, sometimes seriously, in people coinfected with both hepatitis B and C who are treated with direct-acting antivirals like Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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