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Epclusa

  • Generic Name: sofosbuvir and velpatasvir fixed-dose combination tablets
  • Brand Name: Epclusa

side effects drug center epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir fixed-dose combination tablets) drug - patient side effects and images

 

PROFESSIONAL

CONSUMER

SIDE EFFECTS

Epclusa Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Epclusa

Generic Name: sofosbuvir and velpatasvir

What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)?

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is a combination antiviral medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children at least 6 years old or weighing at least 37 pounds (17 kilograms).

This medicine is sometimes given in combination with another antiviral medicine called ribavirin in people who also have advanced cirrhosis.

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir treats specific genotypes of hepatitis C, and only in certain people. Use only the medications prescribed for you. Do not share your medicine with other people.

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is sometimes used in people who also have HIV. This medicine is not a treatment for HIV or AIDS.

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening symptoms such as:

If you also take a heart rhythm medicine called amiodarone: Taking amiodarone with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir can cause dangerous side effects on your heart. Get medical help right away if you take these medicines and you have:

  • very slow heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath;
  • confusion, memory problems; or
  • weakness, extreme tiredness, light-headed feeling (like you might pass out).

Common side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • tiredness;
  • nausea, diarrhea; or
  • sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)?

If you have ever had hepatitis B, this medicine can cause the condition to come back or get worse. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is sometimes used in combination with other medication. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication in your combination therapy.

Epclusa Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to sofosbuvir or velpatasvir.

When taking sofosbuvir and velpatasvir with other medicine: To make sure all medicines are safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is sometimes used in combination with ribavirin. Both men and women using ribavirin should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Ribavirin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or death to an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

You should not take ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sex partner is pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of ribavirin.

Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ribavirin.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)?

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using this medicine.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.

Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with chronic hepatitis C should remain under the care of a doctor.

You should not stop using sofosbuvir and velpatasvir suddenly. Stopping suddenly could make your hepatitis C harder to treat with antiviral medicine.

If you have ever had hepatitis B, using sofosbuvir and velpatasvir can cause this virus to become active or get worse. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after you stop.

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Epclusa Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Epclusa)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose (Epclusa)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)?

Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HCV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What other drugs will affect sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)?

When you start or stop taking sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

If you also take omeprazole (Prilosec) or an antacid, do not take it for at least 4 hours after you have taken your dose of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (with food).

Many drugs can affect sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Epclusa)?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about sofosbuvir and velpatasvir.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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