Sofosbuvir

Key points

• Sofosbuvir blocks the NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an enzyme hepatitis C needs to copy itself, and it does this no matter which hepatitis C genotype a person has.
• Every sofosbuvir tablet in this catalogue combines it with a second antiviral rather than selling it alone.
• Sofosbuvir-containing combination medicines carry a boxed warning: everyone must be tested for hepatitis B before starting treatment, because HBV reactivation, including fatal cases, has been reported in people with HCV/HBV coinfection who were not also on HBV treatment.

Common questions about Sofosbuvir

What is Sofosbuvir prescribed for?

Sofosbuvir combination tablets are prescribed for Chronic Hepatitis C, a long-term infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. In this catalogue that means one of three tablets: Harvoni, Velpanat or Hepcinat Lp.

What’s the difference between Harvoni, Velpanat and Hepcinat Lp?

Harvoni and Hepcinat Lp are both a 90mg/400mg ledipasvir and sofosbuvir tablet; Velpanat instead pairs sofosbuvir with velpatasvir. Harvoni’s originator is Gilead Sciences, Velpanat is manufactured by Natco Pharma, and Hepcinat Lp is listed with Natco Pharma Limited as its originator. Sofosbuvir itself sits in this catalogue’s Antivirals category.

Can I take amiodarone with a sofosbuvir medicine?

Taking amiodarone alongside a sofosbuvir-containing medicine carries a risk of serious, sometimes fatal, bradycardia (a slowed heart rate). It usually starts within days of beginning treatment, but has been seen as late as two weeks in. If you’re taking or have recently taken amiodarone, seek medical advice urgently if you notice a slow or irregular heartbeat.

Further reading

• VOSEVI- sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir tablet, film coated
• Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir Gilead 90 mg/400 mg film-coated tablets (previously known as Harvoni)