What you need to know about this tablet drug for hepatitis C (Sofosbuvir; Velpatasvir)

Has your doctor told you or someone you know that you have Hepatitis C? If so, you may have been prescribed this medicine, which is a combination of two drugs called Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir, as a treatment. This is a medicine that fights viral infections, especially the hepatitis C virus. It also comes in the form of pellets, which is easy to give, especially to young children. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, this is an antiviral drug. That is, it controls the multiplication, or spread, of the hepatitis C virus in the body, and helps eliminate the virus from the body over time. This is a combination of two active drugs, Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before starting this treatment, it is essential to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them about them.

• If you have diabetes .
• If you have heart disease .
• If you are infected with HIV or AIDS .
• If you have previously had an organ transplant .
• If you have other liver conditions besides hepatitis C.
• If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine (Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir) or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant , or planning to have a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, the doctor will determine the most suitable and safest treatment method for you.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to take it exactly as prescribed, at the right time, and in the right dose . Do not skip doses for any reason. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.

There are two ways to take this medicine, which comes in the form of pellets:

How to take without food:

1. Put the entire amount of granules in the medicine packet into your mouth.

2. Swallow them whole without chewing .

3. You can drink some water after swallowing.

How to take it mixed with food:

1. Mix the granules in the medicine packet with a mild, low-acid food (for example, pudding, ice cream, yogurt).

2. Finish eating the food within 15 minutes of mixing.

3. When eating, be sure to swallow the medicine without chewing it .

This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 3 years of age. However, there are special precautions for it, so if you are giving it to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Some other medications you are taking may affect this treatment. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Below are some medications that may interact with this medication.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Medical tests: Your doctor will need to see you regularly to see how well your treatment is working. He or she will also order blood work. Don't skip these tests.
• Hepatitis B risk: If you have previously had hepatitis B, the virus may reactivate when taking this medication. So be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
• Pregnancy warning: This medicine is sometimes given with another medicine called ribavirin. Ribavirin is a medicine that can cause serious birth defects. So if you or your partner are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about it while taking this medicine.
• Diabetics: This medicine may change your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or diabetes medication.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.

If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.

How to store the medicine?

• Keep away from children and pets .
• Store at room temperature, below 30 degrees Celsius .
• Keep the medicine in the original package it came in until you are ready to take it.
• Do not use expired medicine.
• Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of unused or expired medications.

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