Sofokast Plus

Sofokast plus (Daclatasvir 60mg + Sofosbuvir 400mg) is a combination antiviral drug indicated for patients with chronic Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection genotype 1 or 3. When used together, the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir shows characteristics like,

• • Reduction in liver damage

• • Slowing down the chances of procuring liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)

• • Improvement in the quality of life of patients

Both daclatasvir and sofosbuvir have a complex effect on the body. There are certain proteins (Table 1) that aid in multiplication (RNA replication and virion assembly) and the growth of viral cells. The FDC drug (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) acts by blocking the activities of these special proteins, thereby decreasing the viral toll.

Administration of Sofokast plus (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg):

The drug is administered orally in the form of 1 tablet (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir combination) once daily for 12 weeks. It can be taken with or without food.

Suggested dosage of Sofokast plus (Daclatasvir 60mg + Sofosbuvir 400mg) in HCV patients:

Type 1:

• • Lacking cirrhosis: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir)

• • Cirrhosis with a functional system: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir)

• • After transplant operation: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) and ribavirin

Type 3:

• • Lacking cirrhosis: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir)

• • Cirrhosis with a functional or without a functional system: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) and ribavirin

• • After transplant operation: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) and ribavirin

Note: The duration and frequency of dosage can be changed based on the genotype of HCV and the initial experience of the patients. It is mostly dependent on the doctor’s judgement.

Table 1: Other properties of the FDC combination drug:

Properties

Daclatasvir 60 mg

Sofosbuvir 400 mg

Protein inhibited

Non-structural protein 5A (NS5A)

Non-structural protein 5B (NS5B)

Absorption in the system (Bioavailability

2 hours

30 minutes to 2 hours

Binding affinity with cancer cells

99%

61 to 65%

Excretion time

12 to 15 hours for 50% drug molecule

40 minutes to 27 hours

When should Sofokast plus (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg) be avoided or used cautiously?

If patients,

• • Are suffering from or have had a history of Hepatitis B viral infection

• • Feel their heartbeat is very slow (bradycardia) (Caution: Immediately consult your doctor)

• • Had a liver transplant before the initiation of dosage

• • Have complications in the liver other than HCV infection

• • Are suffering from heart problems

• • Have kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis

• • Are suffering from HIV infection or other severe medical conditions

• • Are pregnant and planning to breastfeed

If patients are taking any other drugs, interactions with them may lead to,

• • Comprised efficacy

• • A need for modified dosages

• • A higher rate of side effects

Side-effects of (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg):

Serious side-effects:

• • Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

• • Hepatitis B viral re-infection

Side effects in combination with ribavirin:

• • Headache

• • Tiredness (Fatigue)

• • Lack of sleep (Insomnia)

• • Nausea

Uncommon side-effects:

• • Diarrhea

• • Severe rashes on the skin

• • Fever

• • Chills

• • Low consumption of the diet

• • Pain in the muscles (Myalgia)

• • Physical weakness (Asthenia)

• • Skin itchiness (Pruritus)

Note: These are not all possible side effects of (Daclatasvir 60mg + Sofosbuvir 400mg), please ask your doctor for more information regarding the same.