Velpanat®

What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? Antiviral drugs such as sofosbuvir and velpatasvir stop the hepatitis C virus, often known as HCV, from replicating in your body. A combination medication called sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is employed in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in individuals who have HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In patients who also have severe cirrhosis, this treatment is typically administered in conjunction with ribavirin, which is also an antiviral medication. There are more applications for sofosbuvir and velpatasvir that are not included in this patient information leaflet. What is the most essential information I need to be aware of with the combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? It is possible to treat hepatitis C with a combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir with ribavirin. Ribavirin exposes an unborn child to a risk of birth abnormalities as well as possible death. If you are pregnant or if your sexual partner is pregnant, you should not take ribavirin. The same goes for men whose partners are pregnant. When taking both of these medications simultaneously, as well as for at least six months after treatment has finished, you should avoid pregnancy by using an effective method of birth control. You should go over each medicine in your combination therapy and read the medication guide or patient instructions that come with it. Do not make any adjustments to your dosage or drug regimen without first consulting your doctor. Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir pose a risk of reactivating or exacerbating hepatitis B in patients who have previously been infected with the virus. In order to monitor your liver function accurately, you will require periodic blood tests. What questions should I ask my doctor or other healthcare professional before starting treatment with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? If you have ever had an adverse reaction to sofosbuvir or velpatasvir, you should not use this drug. If you have any of the following conditions, you should let your doctor know before using this medication: a previous diagnosis of hepatitis B; if you suffer from renal disease or are already receiving dialysis; difficulties with the liver that aren't caused by hepatitis; Human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV; or If you have recently taken the medication called amiodarone to treat an irregular heartbeat (Cordarone, Pacerone). It is unknown at this time whether or not the combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir would cause damage to an unborn child. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or if you want to become pregnant in the near future. This treatment is often used in conjunction with ribavirin in some cases. Ribavirin exposes an unborn child to a risk of birth abnormalities as well as possible death. Before taking both of these drugs at the same time, as well as at regular intervals while you are being treated, you should be sure that a pregnancy test comes out negative. If you are a woman and you get pregnant, you should not use sofosbuvir and velpatasvir in combination with ribavirin. If you are a guy and your sexual partner is pregnant, you should avoid using this medicine combination at all costs. If a man is the father of an unborn kid while he is taking ribavirin, there is a possibility that the unborn child will be injured. While taking these drugs together, one or both sexual partners should use an effective method of birth control to reduce the risk of becoming pregnant. When your treatment is over, you should continue taking this method of birth control for at least another six months. Notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you become pregnant when either you or the potential father is taking sofosbuvir and velpatasvir in combination with ribavirin. It is unknown whether sofosbuvir and velpatasvir move into breast milk or whether it might cause damage to a baby who is being breastfed. When you are taking this medication, you should not breastfeed your child. What is the correct way for me to take sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? Your physician will examine your blood to determine whether or not you have any problems that would prevent you from utilizing this medication in a secure manner if you did so. The combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is typically administered once daily for a period of 12 weeks. Always make sure to follow all of the instructions on the label of your medication. Do not use this medication in greater or lower doses than indicated, nor for a longer period of time than specified. You can take this medication either with or without food. Either way is OK. In order to monitor your liver function accurately, you will require periodic blood tests. Combinations of medications are frequently used in the treatment of hepatitis C. Always follow your physician's instructions while using any medicine. You should go through and read all of the patient information, prescription guidelines, and instruction sheets that have been sent to you. Do not make any adjustments to your dosage or drug regimen without first consulting your doctor. Any individual who has chronic hepatitis C should continue to receive treatment from a medical professional. It is not recommended that you quit taking sofobuvir and velpatasvir all of a sudden. Your illness may become more difficult to manage with hepatitis C antiviral medication if you suddenly stop using the drug. Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir pose a risk of reactivating or exacerbating hepatitis B in patients who have previously been infected with the virus. Over the course of therapy, as well as for many months after you have stopped taking this medication, you will be required to have tests done to evaluate your liver's function. Keep this medication in its original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and out of the reach of children. What can I expect if I forget to take a dose? When you realize you missed a dosage, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dosage, you should skip the dose that you missed. It is not necessary to take additional medication in order to make up for a missed dosage. What should I try to steer clear of while I'm on the combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? If you also take omeprazole (Prilosec) or an antacid, wait at least four hours after taking your dosage of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir before taking another dose of either of those medications (with food). Even if you take this treatment regularly, you will not be protected from transmitting hepatitis C to other individuals. Do not engage in unprotected sexual activity, nor should you share utensils such as razors or toothbrushes. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider about effective methods of preventing the spread of HCV through sexual activity. It is never safe, even for a healthy individual, to share needles that have been used for drugs or medicine. The negative consequences of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir You should seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck. You should see your physician as soon as possible if you have: a rhythm that is sluggish; a shallow or labored breathing pattern; or a low number of red blood cells can cause symptoms such as pale complexion, weakness, fast heart rate, and difficulty focusing. If you are also taking amiodarone, you should seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms such as feeling weak, weary, or lightheaded; chest discomfort; shortness of breath; disorientation; or difficulties with your memory. The following are examples of common adverse effects: headache; fatigued sensation; nausea, diarrhea; or sleep troubles (insomnia). Which other medications might potentially interact with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? It is possible that using certain drugs at the same time might have adverse effects. Some medications have the potential to alter the blood levels of other medications that you take, which may result in an increase in adverse effects or a reduction in the efficacy of the prescriptions. Other medications, such as prescription and over-the-counter treatments, vitamins, and herbal remedies, might potentially have an adverse reaction when used with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. Talk to your primary care physician about any and all medications you are currently taking, as well as any medications you decide to start or stop taking.