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About SOFOSBUVIR

SOFOSBUVIR belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. SOFOSBUVIR is used in combination with other antiviral medicines. Hepatitis C is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through contact with the infected person’s blood.

SOFOSBUVIR contains Sofosbuvir, which lowers the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body and removes the virus from the blood over a period of time.

Take SOFOSBUVIR as prescribed. You are advised to take SOFOSBUVIR for as long as your doctor has advised it based on your medical condition. In some cases, SOFOSBUVIR may cause common side effects such as fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tired and irritable, dizziness or loss of appetite. Most of these side effects of SOFOSBUVIR do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Sofosbuvir or any other medicines. Avoid pregnancy during treatment with SOFOSBUVIR as it may harm the unborn baby when used in combination with ribavirin. You or your partner must use an effective birth control method during and after this treatment. However, contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment or in the months following your treatment with SOFOSBUVIR. Drive only if you are alert, as SOFOSBUVIR may cause dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision and reduced attention.

Uses of SOFOSBUVIR

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection

Medicinal Benefits

SOFOSBUVIR contains Sofosbuvir, an antiviral drug used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It works by lowering the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body and removing the virus from the blood over a period of time. Thus, it helps in reducing the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body. SOFOSBUVIR is commonly used in combination with other antiviral medicines such as Ribavirin (for children and adults) and Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (for adults).

Directions for Use

Take SOFOSBUVIR as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of SOFOSBUVIR

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Feeling tired and irritable
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Loss of appetite

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Sofosbuvir or any other medicines. If you are currently taking rifampicin (antibiotic), carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin (anticonvulsants), or St. John’s wort (herbal medicine used to treat depression), avoid taking SOFOSBUVIR. If you are currently taking or have taken amiodarone (the medicine to treat irregular heartbeats) in the last few months, inform your doctor before taking SOFOSBUVIR as it may result in a life-threatening slow heartbeat; your doctor may prescribe alternate treatments, or if SOFOSBUVIR is prescribed, additional heart monitoring may be recommended. Avoid pregnancy during treatment with SOFOSBUVIR as it may harm the unborn baby when used in combination with ribavirin. You or your partner must use an effective birth control method during and after this treatment. However, contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment or in the months following your treatment with SOFOSBUVIR. Drive only if you are alert, as SOFOSBUVIR may cause dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision and reduced attention. You are advised to take proper precautions if you are infected with the hepatitis C virus infection to prevent the spread of infection to others. 

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: SOFOSBUVIR may interact with anticonvulsants (oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), wakefulness-promoting agents (modafinil), antibiotics (rifapentine, rifabutin, rifampin), anti-HIV drug (tipranavir) and medicine used to treat irregular heartbeats (amiodarone).

Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid taking SOFOSBUVIR with St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) or a product containing St. John’s wort (herbal medicine used to treat depression).

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have diabetes or liver problems other than hepatitis C (if you are awaiting liver transplantation), inform your doctor before taking SOFOSBUVIR.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • OXCARBAZEPINE
  • CARBAMAZEPINE
  • PHENYTOIN
  • PHENOBARBITAL
  • MODAFINIL
  • RIFABUTIN
  • RIFAMPICIN
  • TIPRANAVIR
  • AMIODARONE
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      consult your doctor

      The interaction of alcohol with SOFOSBUVIR is unknown. If you have any concerns regarding this, please discuss them with your doctor.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      unsafe

      SOFOSBUVIR is commonly used together with ribavirin. Ribavirin can harm the unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to avoid pregnancy during this therapy. However, contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment or in the months following your treatment with SOFOSBUVIR.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      consult your doctor

      It is unknown whether SOFOSBUVIR is excreted in human milk. Therefore, if you are a breastfeeding mother, please inform your doctor before taking SOFOSBUVIR.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      caution

      SOFOSBUVIR may cause dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision and reduced attention in some patients. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy, tired, have blurred vision or reduced attention after taking SOFOSBUVIR.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      consult your doctor

      If you have a liver problem, inform your doctor before taking SOFOSBUVIR.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      caution

      If you have kidney problems or if you are on kidney dialysis, inform your doctor before taking SOFOSBUVIR.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      caution

      If you have any concerns regarding the use of SOFOSBUVIR in children, please consult a doctor.

    Habit Forming

    No

    Diet & Lifestyle Advise

    • Include plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa and barley.
    • Eat lean protein such as skinless chicken, fish, beans and egg whites.
    • Include healthy fats like avocados, olive oil and nuts.
    • Eat low-fat or non-fat dairy products to minimise damage to the liver.
    • Drink plenty of water for better processing of food by the body.
    • Avoid sugary foods such as cake, cookies, packaged baked food or soda. Also, avoid heavy salt foods.
    • Avoid foods containing saturated fats such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, sour cream, butter and other high-fat dairy products, as they may lead to weight gain and result in fatty liver.
    • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as they may increase the risk of liver damage.

    Special Advise

    • Your doctor will recommend blood tests before, during and after your treatment with SOFOSBUVIR to decide what other medicines you should take with SOFOSBUVIR and for how long and also to confirm that your treatment has worked for you.
    • If you are using warfarin or other blood thinners, inform your doctor. Your doctor may increase the frequency of your blood tests to check how well your blood can clot.

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    Hepatitis C: It is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through contact with the infected person’s blood, sharing needles, using a razor or any other personal items or even transfer from mother to baby during birth. The symptoms may not appear immediately. Some may take between 2 to 12 weeks to appear. Few people may have mild to moderate symptoms such as dark urine, loss of appetite, fever, joint pain, or stomach discomfort. The complications of untreated chronic hepatitis C include liver cancer or liver cirrhosis (scarring).

    FAQs

    How does SOFOSBUVIR help?

    SOFOSBUVIR contains Sofosbuvir, which lowers the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body and removes the virus from the blood over a period of time. Thus, it helps in reducing the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body.

    Is hepatitis C virus infection contagious?

    Hepatitis C virus infection is contagious and spreads from one person to another through contact with an infected person’s blood. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sharing personal items or needles containing an infected person's blood.

    Is SOFOSBUVIR safe for diabetic patients?

    SOFOSBUVIR should be used with caution in diabetic patients as it may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) after starting the treatment. Therefore, if you have diabetes, inform your doctor before taking SOFOSBUVIR. Your doctor may monitor you closely, check your blood sugar levels or adjust your diabetes medication after starting SOFOSBUVIR.

    Available Medicines for

    SOFOSBUVIR