Sovaldi

UsesSovaldi (Sofosbuvir) is an antiviral drug for hepatitis C. It works by blocking the enzyme needed by the virus to multiply (RNA polymerase), which helps to drastically reduce the presence of the virus in the body. Clinical trials demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of hepatitis C, and it has recently attracted a great deal of attention due to reports of its high cure rate. This medication is not prescribed for monotherapy. Instead, doctors will require patients to take a combined treatment regimen along with other antiviral agents (such as ribavirin). The main ingredient in this medication is a prodrug which is metabolized into its active form in the body. Following this, it begins to work by blocking the viral RNA polymerase. As a direct result of this, the hepatitis C virus is effectively prevented from replicating its RNA, thus blocking a critical step in the reproductive cycle of the virus. The virus is thereby prevented from spreading, and this helps aid the liver`s recovery process. Some patients have even been cured of the virus.

Dosage and AdministrationSovaldi (Sofosbuvir) comes as 400mg strength tablets for oral administration. Your doctor will decide the correct dosage and duration of treatment based on your individual circumstances. In general, the dosage for adults treating chronic hepatitis C is 400mg taken once per day. Treatment usually lasts for 12 to 24 weeks, however, patients affected by hepatocellular carcinoma who are awaiting a liver transplant may need to continue taking it for as long as 48 weeks. Patients will also be instructed by their doctor with about other medicines that need to be taken to treat their infection.

Side effectsPatients undergoing treatment with Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) should be aware of the possible side effects. These can include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Poor appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• A mild itching sensation

Other side effects may also occur. Ensure that your doctor is informed if any reactions are noticed. In addition to the commonly reported side effects, adverse reactions that are severe may also occur. See your doctor for immediate medical assistance if you notice abnormal behavioural changes, fever, symptoms of an infection, swelling of the gums, sores on the body or any other serious side effects that have not been listed here.

PrecautionsThis antiviral medicine will not prevent the transmission of the virus from the infected patient to others. Appropriate measures (such as the use of condoms) must therefore be taken to ensure that the virus is not spread to anybody else.

Birth defects or other serious problems may occur if this medicine is taken by pregnant women or women whose male partner is taking the medicine. Effective contraception will be required to ensure that pregnancy does not occur.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.

Main Use	Active Ingredient	Marketed Name
Hepatitis C treatment	Sofosbuvir	Sovaldi

Uses
Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) is an antiviral drug for hepatitis C. It works by blocking the enzyme needed by the virus to multiply (RNA polymerase), which helps to drastically reduce the presence of the virus in the body. Clinical trials demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of hepatitis C, and it has recently attracted a great deal of attention due to reports of its high cure rate. This medication is not prescribed for monotherapy. Instead, doctors will require patients to take a combined treatment regimen along with other antiviral agents (such as ribavirin).

The main ingredient in this medication is a prodrug which is metabolized into its active form in the body. Following this, it begins to work by blocking the viral RNA polymerase. As a direct result of this, the hepatitis C virus is effectively prevented from replicating its RNA, thus blocking a critical step in the reproductive cycle of the virus. The virus is thereby prevented from spreading, and this helps aid the liver`s recovery process. Some patients have even been cured of the virus.

Dosage and Administration
Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) comes as 400mg strength tablets for oral administration. Your doctor will decide the correct dosage and duration of treatment based on your individual circumstances. In general, the dosage for adults treating chronic hepatitis C is 400mg taken once per day. Treatment usually lasts for 12 to 24 weeks, however, patients affected by hepatocellular carcinoma who are awaiting a liver transplant may need to continue taking it for as long as 48 weeks. Patients will also be instructed by their doctor with about other medicines that need to be taken to treat their infection.

Side effects
Patients undergoing treatment with Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) should be aware of the possible side effects. These can include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Poor appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• A mild itching sensation

Other side effects may also occur. Ensure that your doctor is informed if any reactions are noticed. In addition to the commonly reported side effects, adverse reactions that are severe may also occur. See your doctor for immediate medical assistance if you notice abnormal behavioural changes, fever, symptoms of an infection, swelling of the gums, sores on the body or any other serious side effects that have not been listed here.

Precautions
This antiviral medicine will not prevent the transmission of the virus from the infected patient to others. Appropriate measures (such as the use of condoms) must therefore be taken to ensure that the virus is not spread to anybody else.

Birth defects or other serious problems may occur if this medicine is taken by pregnant women or women whose male partner is taking the medicine. Effective contraception will be required to ensure that pregnancy does not occur.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.