Sovaldi

Generic name:sofosbuvir [ soe-FOS-bue-vir ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antivirals

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Jun 14, 2021.

What is Sovaldi?

Sovaldi is an antiviral medication that prevents hepatitis C virus (HCV) from multiplying in your body.

Sovaldi is used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children who are at least 3 years old.

Sovaldi must be given in combination with other antiviral medications (usually ribavirin with or without peginterferon alfa). It should not be used alone.

Sovaldi 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.

Sovaldi 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 Sovaldi. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.

Sovaldi 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.

Sovaldi can cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. Do not use Sovaldi with ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your female sexual partner is pregnant. Use at least 2 effective forms of non-hormonal birth control while using these medicines together and for at least 6 months after treatment ends.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Sovaldi if you are allergic to sofosbuvir. When taking Sovaldi 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 Sovaldi 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);

• HIV or AIDS;

• a heart rhythm problem for which you take a medicine called amiodarone; or

• if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Sovaldi is sometimes used in combination with ribavirin. Both men and women using ribavirin should use effective bi...