What is SoviHep (Sofosbuvir) used for?

Sovihep (Sofosbuvir) is used by patients who have contracted chronic hepatitis C in genotype 1, 2, 3 and 4. It needs to be taken with Ribavirin (in all 4 genotypes) and Pegylated interferon (in genotypes 1 and 4). Sofosbuvir is safe for patients awaiting liver transplantation and by patients who have HCV/HIV-1 co-infection.

Sofosbuvir prevents the hepatitis C virus from replicating.

How should I use SoviHep (Sofosbuvir)?

Sovihep comes as a 400mg tablets, and usually one tablet each day will be the starting dose. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Sofosbuvir must be used as part of a combination treatment to be effective.

Sovihep and the other drugs are usually taken for a period of 12 weeks - 24 weeks.

• For HCV genotype 1 or 4 Sovihep (Sofosbuvir) should be taken with Ribavirin and Pegylated Interferon for 12 weeks.
• For HCV genotype 2 takes Sovihep (Sofosbuvir) should be taken with Ribavirin for 12 weeks (without interferon).
• For HCV genotype 3 takes Sovihep (sofosbuvir) should be taken with Ribavirin for 24 weeks (without interferon).

Your doctor will monitor your progress, and may change your dosage during treatment.

What are the side effects of SoviHep (Sofosbuvir)?

You may experience some mild side effects when taking Sovihep. Generally they will be temporary. If you suffer from any of the following, contact your doctor if they become troublesome or last for an extended period:

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Dizziness

If you have unusual experiences or problems not listed above, you should contact your doctor or health care provider immediately.

Please Note

Do not take Sovihep (Sofosbuvir) by itself. It should only be taken in combination with ribavirin and/or pegylated interferon depending on the genotype of hepatitis C you have contracted.

hepatitis C treatments should not be taken while you are pregnant. Doing so can harm your unborn baby. Taking Sovihep (Sofosbuvir), Ribavirin and Pegylated interferon can cause serious birth defects. Do not use Sofosbuvir when you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Contraception must be used during treatment and for 6 months after stopping treatment to prevent pregnancy. If a pregnancy occurs while either partners are taking these medicines, tell your doctor immediately.

You may have to pregnancy test before starting treatment. You must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be allowed to use this medicine with ribavirin.

Tell your doctor if you are on any other drugs (prescription or over-the-counter medicines) or and herbal treatments or nutritional supplements. Tell your doctor if you are breast feeding, or decide to change dosage or stop taking Sovihep (Sofosbuvir), you should discussed with your doctor before hand.