Uses
What is Sovaldi used for?
Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) is commonly used with other antiviral medicines to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Sovaldi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Sovaldi work (mechanism of action)?
Sovaldi prevents the hepatitis C virus from making copies of itself, thereby reducing the virus in your body.
How is Sovaldi supplied (dosage forms)?
Sovaldi is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 200 mg oral tablets
- 400 mg oral tablets
- 150 mg per packet of oral pellets
- 200 mg per packet of oral pellets
How should I store Sovaldi?
Sovaldi should be stored below 86 F (30 C). Keep the medicine in the original packaging.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Sovaldi?
The most common side effects of Sovaldi are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Low red blood cell levels (anemia)
- Decreased appetite
There may be other side effects of Sovaldi that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Sovaldi?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Sovaldi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Sovaldi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Sovaldi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation. If you have hepatitis B virus in your body or have had hepatitis B in the past, Sovaldi could make the virus active again. Keep all appointments for blood work before starting Sovaldi and during treatment. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis.
- Unusual tiredness
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Dark-colored pee
- Fever or chills
- Pain in your side
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Sovaldi?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Sovaldi.
- Sovaldi
- Sofosbuvir
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Sovaldi.
What should I know about Sovaldi before using it?
Do not take Sovaldi unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Sovaldi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Sovaldi out of the reach of children.
If you are prescribed Sovaldi oral pellets, swallow them whole to avoid a bitter taste. Do not chew them. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use them. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Make sure that you get refills before you run out of medicine. The amount of medicine in your blood will be lowered if you miss doses.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Sovaldi?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Sovaldi is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Past or current hepatitis B infection
- Liver problems other than hepatitis C infection
- Liver transplant
- Kidney problems or on dialysis
- HIV infection
- Diabetes
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Sovaldi could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Sovaldi passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Sovaldi while breastfeeding.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Sovaldi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Sovaldi, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
How can I get more information about Sovaldi?
For more information about Sovaldi, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.sovaldi.com or call them at 800-445-3235.
Interactions
Does Sovaldi interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Sovaldi and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Sovaldi.
Does Sovaldi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Sovaldi interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss with your healthcare provider if you are using any of the following before taking Sovaldi.
- Amiodarone (Pacerone and others), which is a medicine used for an irregular heart rhythm
- An anticonvulsant, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others) or oxcarbazepine (Trileptal and others) which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures
- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
- Phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia or seizures
- Rifampin (Rifadin) or rifapentine (Priftin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Rifabutin (Mycobutin), which is a medicine used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex infection
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
- A medicine for HIV or AIDS, such as ritonavir or tipranavir
- A medicine for diabetes
- Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Sovaldi, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Sovaldi. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Sovaldi?
If you or someone else has used too much Sovaldi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Sovaldi?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Missing doses of Sovaldi can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses.
Are you currently using Sovaldi (sofosbuvir)?
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