Sofosbuvir is a drug to treat long-term (chronic) hepatitis C. This drug works by reducing the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body so that it helps the immune system to fight infection.
Sofosbuvir should be given together with another antiviral drug, such as ribavirin , peginterferon alfa, or daclatasvir . Sofosbuvir is sometimes used in patients with liver cancer who are going to receive a liver donor.
Although it can reduce the amount of virus in the body, sofosbuvir cannot prevent transmission of hepatitis C to other people. Prevention of hepatitis C is done by avoiding blood donation, sharing needles, or sharing medical devices or personal items that may be stained with blood.
Sofosbuvir trademarks: Epclusa, Harvoni, Hepcinat, Myhep, Myhep All, Sobuvir, Sofohep, Sofosvie, Lisof
What is Sofosbuvir
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Anti virus |
| Benefit | Treating chronic hepatitis C |
| Used by | Adults and children aged ≥3 years |
| Sofosbuvir for pregnant and lactating women |
Category N: Treatment involving sofosbuvir generally carries a risk of causing fetal defects in pregnant women. Therefore, this drug should not be used by pregnant women without consulting a doctor first.
It is not known whether sofosbuvir is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets and film-coated caplets |
Precautions Before Taking Sofosbuvir
Pay attention to the following things before taking sofosbuvir:
- Do not take sofosbuvir if you have a history of allergies to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from other liver diseases, especially hepatitis B infection .
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have diabetes , kidney disease, HIV/AIDS , or heart rhythm disturbances ( arrhythmias ).
- Tell your doctor if you have had a liver transplant or are currently on dialysis .
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. If you are a man, tell your doctor if your partner is pregnant or may become pregnant.
- Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you or your partner are taking sofosbuvir for up to 6 months afterward. Consult your doctor about the most effective contraceptive for you.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially warfarin or amiodarone . Also tell if you are using herbal products or supplements. This is to anticipate interactions between drugs.
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects after using this drug.
Dosage and Rules for Use Sofosbuvir
The dose of sofosbuvir varies for each patient. The following is the distribution of sofosbuvir doses to treat hepatitis C:
- Adult: 400 mg, 1 time daily
- Children aged ≥3 years , weight <17 kg: 150 mg, once a day
- Children aged ≥3 years , weight 17 – 35 kg: 200 mg, once a day
- Children aged ≥3 years , weight ≥35 kg: 400 mg, once a day
How to take Sofosbuvir correctly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions listed on the drug packaging before using sofosbuvir. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Sofosbuvir can be taken before or after meals. Take sofosbuvir in its entirety with water and don't bite or chew the medicine. Try to take the medicine at the same time every day so that the medicine can work effectively.
If you forget to take sofosbuvir, consume it immediately if there is a delay of ≥18 hours with the next schedule. If the next schedule is ≤18 hours, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
Do not stop taking sofosbuvir that has been prescribed by your doctor. Stopping this drug suddenly can make hepatitis C more difficult to treat.
Be sure to undergo routine health checks according to the doctor's instructions. You will need to have a blood test to check liver function while on treatment with sofosbuvir.
Store sofosbuvir in a dry and cool place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Sofosbuvir with Other Drugs
Sofosbuvir can cause interaction effects when used with certain drugs, including:
- Increased risk of potentially life-threatening bradycardia when used with amiodarone
- Increased risk of developing low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) when used with anti-diabetic drugs, such as metformin or glimepiride
- Decreased effectiveness of sofosbuvir when used with carbamazepine, phenobarbital , rifapentine, rifampicin , rifabutin, phenytoin , or St. John's Wort
- Decreased anticoagulant effect of warfarin
Side Effects and Dangers of Sofosbuvir
Side effects that can occur after consuming sofosbuvir include:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nauseous
- Itchy skin
- Sleep disturbance ( insomnia )
Check with your doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or even get worse. Immediately go to the doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or side effects in the form of:
- Anemia, which can be characterized by abnormal tiredness, fast breathing, pale skin, or palpitations
- Liver disturbances, which may be marked by upper abdominal pain, vomiting , loss of appetite, jaundice , or dark urine