Sofosbuvir
Generic name: sofosbuvir [ soe-FOS-bue-vir ]
Brand name: Sovaldi
Drug class:Miscellaneous antivirals
What is sofosbuvir?
Sofosbuvir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children who are at least 3 years old.
Sofosbuvir must be given in combination with other antiviral medications (usually ribavirin with or without peginterferon alfa). Sofosbuvir should not be used alone.
Sofosbuvir treats specific genotypes of hepatitis C, and only in certain people. Use only the medications prescribed for you. Do not share your medicine with other people.
Sofosbuvir is sometimes used in people who also have HIV, or people who have liver cancer and are going to have a liver transplant. This medicine is not a treatment for HIV or AIDS.
Warnings
If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse while using or after you stop using sofosbuvir. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.
Sofosbuvir is used in combination with other medication. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication in your combination therapy. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
Slow heartbeat and the need to get a pacemaker have happened when amiodarone was given with sofosbuvir and certain other hepatitis C drugs. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Slow heartbeat has happened up to 2 weeks after starting hepatitis C treatment. You will need to be watched closely if you will be taking amiodarone with hepatitis C treatment. Follow what your doctor has told you to do. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of slow heartbeat like chest pain, confusion, dizziness, passing out or near-passing out, memory problems, shortness of breath, tiredness, or weakness.
It is not known if this sofosbuvir stops the spread of diseases like hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors. Talk with your doctor.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use sofosbuvir if you are allergic to it. When taking sofosbuvir with other medicine: To make sure all medicines are safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To make sure sofosbuvir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
hepatitis B (you may be tested for this before you take sofosbuvir);
a liver transplant;
liver problems other than hepatitis C;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
<...
