Velpanat

Velpanat (Sofosbuvir 400 mg + Velpatasvir 100 mg) is a combinational anti-Hepatitis C drug used in patients with genotype 1 to 6. The combined inhibitory action of Sofosbuvir 400 mg and Velpatasvir 100 mg, allows 93-99% of overall response rate against HCV cells.

The dosage of Velpanat consists of 400 mg of sofosbuvir and 100 mg of velpatasvir combined in a single tablet. The tablet is taken orally once daily with or without food. In situations where the patients are at higher risk of liver disease, ribavirin is also added for a constant response.

Velpanat (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir) has one of the highest sustained viral response (SVR) amongst combined anti-HCV agents. However, the SVR differs based on the type of liver disease associated with HCV.

HCV Genotype

Associated condition of liver

Recommended regimen

Duration

Overall SVR rate

Genotype 1 to 6

Without cirrhosis

Velpanat (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir)

12 weeks

98-100%

Compensated cirrhosis

Decompensated cirrhosis

Velpanat (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir) plus Ribavirin

24 weeks

86-94%

Note:

• •  Compensated cirrhosis: Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) with a functional system

• •  Decompensated cirrhosis: Cirrhosis without a functional system

What should be stated to the doctor before taking Velpanat (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir)?

• •  About any complications associated with liver and kidney

• •  If you are on dialysis therapy

• •  If you have any mental problems like stress or anxiety

• •  Heart problems like increased heartbeats (bradycardia)

• •  Are pregnant or planning for pregnancy (Females taking the drug should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment or 6 months after stopping the treatment)

• •  About all the medicines that patients are consuming in the present

• •  History or current infection related to Hepatis B virus

Other properties of Velpanat (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir):

Sofosbuvir 400 mg:

• •  Absorbed within 30 minutes to 2 hours

• •  Binding with viral cells is 61% to 65%

• •  Metabolized in liver

• •  Inhibits, NS5B protein which carries out reproduction in daughter viruses

• •  Takes around 40 minutes to 27 hours for 50% of excretion

Velpatasvir 100 mg:

• •  Absorbed within 3 hours

• •  Binding with viral cells is 99%

• •  Metabolized in liver

• •  Inhibits, NS5A protein which carries out reproduction in daughter viruses

• •  Takes around 15 hours for 50% of excretion

• •  Allows a barrier for reducing chances of resistance to both drugs

Side-effects of Velpanat (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir):

Most common side-effects

Uncommon side-effects

Headache

Depression

Tiredness (Fatigue)

Severe rashes on the skin

Side-effects in HCV patients without cirrhosis or cirrhosis with a functional system:

• •  Nausea

• •  Physical weakness (Asthenia)

• •  Lack of sleep (Insomnia)

• •  Headache

• •  Tiredness

Side-effects in HCV patients with cirrhosis and an unfunctional system:

• •  Diarrhea

• •  Low count of red blood cells (RBCs) (Anemia)

• •  Lack of sleep

• •  Headache

• •  Tiredness

• •  Nausea

Note: These are not all possible side-effects of Velpanat (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir), please ask your doctor for more information regarding the same.