What is Sofosbuvir?
Sofosbuvir was a ground-breaking new medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C patients. Sofosbuvir possesses a number of desirable characteristics, including once daily dosing, no meal restrictions, few adverse effects, few drug-drug interactions, a high genetic barrier to resistance, and relatively good safety and efficacy in patients with advanced liver disease.
Sofosbuvir mechanism of action
Sofosbuvir is a nucleotide analog inhibitor that inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of the HCV NS5B (non-structural protein 5B). Sofosbuvir is incorporated into HCV RNA by the NS5B polymerase and acts as a chain terminator following intracellular metabolism to form the pharmacologically active uridine analog triphosphate (GS-461203). More precisely, sofosbuvir inhibits HCV replication by binding to the two Mg2+ ions found in the GDD active site motif of the HCV NS5B polymerase and thereby preventing further replication of HCV genetic material.
Sofosbuvir Dosage
Tablet-400mg
Infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) that persists for an extended period of time Indicated as a component of a combination antiviral regimen in patients with HCV monoinfection or HCV/HIV-1 coinfection. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the viral genotype and the patient population.
- 400 mg PO qDay plus ribavirin and peginterferon alfa for 12 weeks; sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 24 weeks may be considered in genotype 1 patients who are ineligible for peginterferon-based therapy.
- 400 mg PO qDay in combination with ribavirin for 12 weeks in genotype 2.
- 400 mg PO qDay in combination with ribavirin for 24 weeks in genotype 3.
Administration
Take this medication orally with or without food, usually once daily, as directed by your doctor. The dosage is determined by the severity of your medical condition and your response to treatment. The dosage is also weight-dependent in children.
Sofosbuvir side effects
Side effects are possible with sofosbuvir. Inform your physician if any of the following symptoms are severe or persist:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Achy muscle
- Sleep deprivation or inability to sleep
- Irritability
- Itching
- Rash
Drug interaction
It is generally not recommended to combine this medication with any of the following, but may be necessary in some cases. If your doctor prescribes both medications together, he or she may adjust the dose or frequency with which you take one or both.
- Abametapir
- Alpelisib
- Amiodarone
- Berotralstat
- Bosentan
- Capmatinib
- Carbamazepine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexlansoprazole
- Efavirenz
- Enzalutamide
- Esomeprazole
- Etravirine
- Fexinidazole
- Fosphenytoin
- Lansoprazole
- Lumacaftor
- Mitotane
- Modafinil
- Nafcillin
- Nevirapine
- Omeprazole
- Oxcarbazepine
- Ozanimod
- Pantoprazole
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Prednisone
- Primidone
- Rabeprazole
- Rifabutin
- Rifapentine
- Rimegepant
- Rosuvastatin
- Salvia officinalis
- Tipranavir
- Topotecan
- Ubrogepant
- Warfarin
Precautions/ safety information
Consult your physician immediately if you experience chest pain or discomfort, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, shortness of breath, slow or irregular heartbeat, or unusual fatigue. Other medications should not be taken unless your doctor has approved them.
Storage
Sofosbuvir should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 25 degrees Celsius), and always below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Keep sofosbuvir in the container it was delivered in and tightly close the container.
Contraindications
When used alone, sofosbuvir does not have any known contraindications. When combined with ribavirin, peginterferon alfa/ribavirin, or other agents, the contraindications for these agents apply.
Pregnancy or lactation
Breastfeeding while taking sofosbuvir may not be recommended. Consult your physician regarding any potential dangers.
