EPCLUSA (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir)

What is this medication?

EPCLUSA (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir)
Antihepaciviral, NS5A Inhibitor; NS5B RNA Polymerase Inhibitor

EPCLUSA is a fixed-dose combination of Sofosbuvir, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleotide analog NS5B polymerase inhibitor, and Velpatasvir, an HCV NS5A inhibitor, and is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis with decompensated cirrhosis for use in combination with Ribavirin.

ALERT: WARNING
Test all patients for evidence of current or prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before initiating treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. HBV reactivation has been reported in hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HBV co-infected patients who were undergoing or had completed treatment with HCV direct acting antivirals and were not receiving HBV antiviral therapy. Some cases have resulted in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Monitor HCV/HBV co-infected patients for hepatitis flare or HBV reactivation during HCV treatment and post-treatment follow-up. Initiate appropriate patient management for HBV infection as clinically indicated.

How does this medication work?

EPCLUSA is a fixed-dose combination of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir which are direct-acting antiviral agents against the hepatitis C virus.  Velpatasvir inhibits the HCV NS5A protein that is necessary for viral replication.  Sofosbuvir is a prodrug that is converted to its pharmacologically active form GS-461203.  The active form inhibits NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, also essential for viral replication, and acts as a chain terminator.

How should I take this medication?

Oral: Take one tablet (sofosbuvir 400 mg/velpatasvir 100 mg) once daily for 12-24 weeks in combination with other agents that vary with virus genotype.

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day with or without food unless otherwise directed.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Before starting EPCLUSA (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Bradycardia has occurred in patients taking  amiodarone, particularly those receiving beta blockers, or those with underlying cardiac comorbidities and/or advanced liver disease. Seek medical evaluation immediately for symptoms of bradycardia such as near-fainting or fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, malaise, weakness, excessive tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or memory problems.

Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance so avoid starting any new medications without consulting prescriber.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible.  However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose.  Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times.  Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C).  Protect from light.  Keep the container tightly closed.  Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Fatigue, headache, insomnia, chills, irritability, pruritus, skin rash, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, anemia, neutropenia, asthenia, myalgia, flu-like symptoms, fever, increased serum creatine kinase, increased serum lipase.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for EPCLUSA (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir), only common ones.