All about Sofosbuvir

Commonly available under the brand name Sovaldi, Sofosbuvir has been categorized as a nucleotide analog inhibitor of NSB polymerase that is the primary enzyme that is responsible for mediating Hepatitis C virus RNA replication. This antiviral medication is prescribed in combination with other medications such as Ribavirin and Daclatasvir for the treatment of all genotypes of chronic Hepatitis C. The objective of this medication is to help the immune system fight the infection so that the amount of Hepatitis C virus decreases in the blood. 

How is it taken? Dosage and Usage

The medication is meant for oral administration. You can take it with or without food, as recommended by your doctor. For adults with chronic Hepatitis C, the daily dose is Sofosbuvir 400mg in combination with another antiviral treatment regimen. However, the dosage can be altered depending upon the extent of your disease. For children, the dosage is prescribed based on their weight. 

It is crucial to take Sofosbuvir 400 mg at evenly spaced intervals, i.e., at the same time each day because, if the amount of medication dosage is maintained at a constant level in the body, treatment will be the most effective. 

Precautionary Measures 

1. If you are allergic to anything, it is essential to mention about that to the doctor before starting treatment because the active or inactive ingredients of the medication can trigger your allergies and develop toxicities.
2. Patients with a history of kidney and liver diseases or diabetes need to inform the details to their doctor. 
3. Before starting to take Sofosbuvir tablets 400mg with Ribavirin, make sure to tell your doctor if you're pregnant because this combination therapy can harm the fetus. 
4. Breastfeeding is also to be strictly avoided while you're undergoing treatment with this medication because the ingredients can pass through breast milk and harm the baby. 

The positive aspects of Sofosbuvir

• Patients taking Sofosbuvir tablets 400mg do not have to face any food restrictions. 
• There are very few adverse effects of this medicine, which can be managed quite easily. They are not consistent or fatal, as well. 
• Although it is advised to inform your doctor about all the medications that you've been taking at present, Sofosbuvir is known to interact minimally with most drugs. 
• It also offers a high genetic barrier to resistance in patients diagnosed with advanced liver diseases. 

Sofosbuvir Side Effects

• Nausea
• Headache 
• Dizziness or tiredness
• Diarrhea 
• Itchy and pale skin
• Rashes

However, if you face symptoms like irregular heartbeats, sudden sweating, low blood sugar, and blurred vision accompanied dizziness, it needs to be treated as a medical emergency because Hepcinat lp is known to interfere with your diabetes treatment. 

Although you will not experience any diet restriction and a normal lifestyle can be expected with the ongoing treatment, your doctor will monitor your health regularly via medical tests to check the disease progression and observe the adverse effects of any toxicities or complications. 

Final Words

Usually, treatment with Sofosbuvir continues in cycles. According to clinical trials conducted, over 67% of patients were cured after 12 weeks of therapy. Patients with genotype 2 conditions have seen a 95% success rate with this medicine. The average cure rate ranges from 30-97%, basing on the type of Hepatitis C virus that is being dealt with. 

Sofosbuvir 400mg price in India is 19,900 INR for 28 tablets. Since the Sofosbuvir price is relatively high, discount offers can be availed with bulk purchases. It is advised to have proper medical insurance papers that can cover the expense of treatment (by reimbursement). Always choose a reputed pharmacy that asks for a prescription if you have chosen to purchase the drug online. 

FAQ

What is the brand name of Sofosbuvir? 

Sovaldi is the brand name of Sofosbuvir, which is used in order to treat hepatitis C.

What kind of drug is Sofosbuvir? 

Sofosbuvir specifically is in the nucleotide analog which works in order to block the hepatitis C NS5B protein. 

How should Sofosbuvir be taken? 

Comes as a tablet, Sofosbuvir should be taken by mouth. It usually should be taken either with or without food once daily. Sofosbuvir should be taken at around the same time each day.

What are the commonly reported side effects due to Sofosbuvir? 

The commonly reported side effects due to Sofosbuvir include headache, feeling tired, trouble sleeping and nausea. 

What if Sofosbuvir used during pregnancy? 

Use of Sofosbuvir may be resulting in harm to the baby. 

How long do I have to take Sofosbuvir?

Patients with HCV genotype-2 should take sofosbuvir together with ribavirin alone for the 12 weeks. Genotype-3 is difficult to treat, so these patients is either extend sofosbuvir together with ribavirin to 24 weeks, or can take sofosbuvir with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the 12-weeks

NOTE: The piece of information provided about "All about Sofosbuvir" in this article is just for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified healthcare practitioner.