What is the most important information I should know about sofosbuvir?
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.
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. Sofosbuvir is not a treatment for HIV or AIDS.
Sofosbuvir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sofosbuvir?
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.
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.
Sofosbuvir is sometimes used in combination with ribavirin. Both men and women using ribavirin should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Ribavirin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or death to an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.
You should not take ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sex partner is pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of ribavirin.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ribavirin.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using sofosbuvir. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Sofosbuvir is not approved for use by anyone younger than 3 years old.
How should I take sofosbuvir?
Sofosbuvir must be given in combination with other antiviral medications and it should not be used alone.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Do not chew sofosbuvir oral pellets. To take with food, you may mix the pellets with a non-acidic soft food (pudding, chocolate syrup, mashed potato, ice cream) that is at room temperature or below. Swallow the mixture without chewing, no more than 30 minutes after mixing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
Sofosbuvir doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse while you are using sofosbuvir or in the months after you stop. You may need liver function tests for several months after your last dose.
You should not stop using sofosbuvir suddenly. Stopping suddenly could make your hepatitis C harder to treat with antiviral medicine.
Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with chronic hepatitis C should remain under the care of a doctor.
Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not open the packet of oral pellets until you are ready to use the medicine.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking sofosbuvir?
Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.
Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent hepatitis C transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
What are the possible side effects of sofosbuvir?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening symptoms such as:
- right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite;
- dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
If you take sofosbuvir and you also take a heart rhythm medicine called amiodarone: This combination of medicines can cause dangerous side effects on your heart. Get medical help right away if you take these medicines and you have:
- very slow heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath;
- confusion, memory problems; or
- weakness, extreme tiredness, light-headed feeling (like you might pass out).
Common side effects may include:
- headache, feeling tired;
- anemia;
- nausea, loss of appetite; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect sofosbuvir?
When you start or stop taking sofosbuvir, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis.
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Many drugs can affect sofosbuvir. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about sofosbuvir.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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