Sofosbuvir
Pronounced
"soe-FOS-bue-vir"
Uses
Sofosbuvir is used with other antiviral medications (such as ribavirin, peginterferon, daclatasvir) to treat chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. It works by reducing the amount of hepatitis C virus in your body, which may help your liver recover. Chronic hepatitis C infection can cause serious liver problems such as scarring (cirrhosis), or liver cancer.
Sofosbuvir in combination with other antiviral medications reduces the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body and helps the body's immune system fight the infection. It is not known if this treatment can prevent you from passing the virus to others. Do not share needles, and practice "safer sex" (including the use of latex condoms) to lower the risk of passing the virus to others.
Sofosbuvir must be used in combination treatment to have the best effect. Do not use sofosbuvir alone to treat hepatitis C.
Warning
Although this medication is used to treat hepatitis C, it may rarely make another liver problem called hepatitis B get worse. Before starting this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had hepatitis B. Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of liver disease, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine or yellowing eyes/skin.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking sofosbuvir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Also read the drug information for your other antiviral medication(s).
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight.
If you are using the pellet form of this medication, gently shake the packet before use. To take this medication without food, open the packet and pour the pellets directly into your mouth. Swallow the pellets without chewing. You may drink water after swallowing the pellets if needed. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than one packet. If you are taking this medication with food, open the packet(s) and pour the pellets into a small bowl with one or more spoonfuls of non-acidic soft food (such as pudding, mashed potato, ice cream). The soft food should be at or below room temperature. After gently mixing, take all of the mixture without chewing within 30 minutes.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Continue to take sofosbuvir and your other antiviral medication(s) for the full length of time prescribed, even if your symptoms disappear after a short time. Stopping any of the drugs too early may result in a return of the infection.
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