Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Epclusa

Brand Names: Canada

Epclusa

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat hepatitis C infection.
• This drug may be used with ribavirin. If your child is also taking ribavirin, talk with the doctor about the risks and side effects that may happen.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child has ever had liver problems other than hepatitis C.
• If your child is taking another drug that has the same drug in it.
• If your child takes any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this drug, like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, seizures, and others. There are many drugs that must not be taken with this drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• It is not known if this drug stops the spread of diseases like hepatitis that are passed through blood. Be sure needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors are not shared.
• Slow heartbeat and the need to get a pacemaker have happened when amiodarone was given with sofosbuvir and certain other hepatitis C drugs. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Slow heartbeat has happened up to 2 weeks after starting hepatitis C treatment. Your child will need to be watched closely if your child will be taking amiodarone with hepatitis C treatment. Follow what your child’s doctor has told you to do. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has signs of slow heartbeat like chest pain, confusion, dizziness, passing out or near-passing out, memory problems, shortness of breath, tiredness, or weakness.
• If giving this drug to your child and your child’s weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this drug may need to be changed.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

• It is not known if this drug stops the spread of diseases like hepatitis that are passed through having sex. Be sure your child does not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

For all patients taking this drug:

• Feeling tired or weak.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach.
• Diarrhea.
• Trouble sleeping.

Young children:

• Throwing up.
• Spitting up the drug.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Give this drug with or without food.
• Do not give antacids within 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking this drug.
• If your child takes cimetidine, dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, famotidine, lansoprazole, nizatidine, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, or ranitidine, ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist how to give it with this drug.
• Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.
• It is important that your child does not miss or skip a dose of this drug during treatment.

Tablets:

• If your child has trouble swallowing, talk with the doctor.

Oral pellets:

• If giving this drug to a child younger than 6 years of age, give this drug with food to help it taste better.
• Do not open until you are ready to use.
• This drug may be put right into your child’s mouth. Do not let your child chew the pellets. If given with food, sprinkle the pellets on 1 or more spoonfuls of non-acidic soft food like pudding, chocolate syrup, mashed potato, or ice cream. The soft food needs to be at or below room temperature. Have your child swallow without chewing.
• Give your child the dose within 15 minutes after mixing. Throw away any part not used within 15 minutes of mixing.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give more than 1 dose in the same day, unless the doctor tells you to.
• If you are not sure what to do if your child misses a dose, call the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store in the original container at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2021-06-24

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