Sofosbuvir - Oral

Sofosbuvir is used together with other medicines to treat long-term infection of the liver known as hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through exposure to infected blood (blood-to-blood contact).

Take Sofosbuvir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Sofosbuvir is available as a tablet and oral pellets or granules in a sachet.

If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.

If you are taking the oral pellets or granules in a sachet, you may take it directly by pouring the sachet contents into the mouth and swallowing without chewing. You may drink water after swallowing the pellets or granules if needed. You may also take the oral pellets or granules with food by sprinkling the sachet contents on one or more spoonful of non-acidic soft foods (e.g. mashed potatoes, pudding, chocolate syrup, ice cream) at or below room temperature. Gently mix with a spoon and take the mixture within 30 minutes without chewing.

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Sofosbuvir, take another dose. If you vomit more than 2 hours after taking this medicine, do not repeat the dose and take the next dose at your normal scheduled time.

Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of infection and treatment plan.

Take Sofosbuvir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

If you miss a dose and it is within 18 hours of your usual dose schedule, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. If it is more than 18 hours, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Sofosbuvir with ribavirin (another medicine for hepatitis C infection) if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with these medicines, alert your doctor immediately.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with these medicines. You must use proven birth control methods during Sofosbuvir with ribavirin therapy and for a period of time after stopping the treatment. Your doctor will discuss the use of birth control methods.

Do not take Sofosbuvir with medicines used to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures), TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) and herbal medicine. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• diabetes
• current or previous hepatitis B infection (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids)
• had a previous liver transplant or awaiting a liver transplant

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Sofosbuvir to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count, or other blood tests) may be done while you are being treated with Sofosbuvir. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

Sofosbuvir may cause dizziness, tiredness, disturbance in attention or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, constipation, indigestion, dry mouth, fever, rash, itchy skin, dry skin, hair loss, cough, joint pain, muscle pain or spasms, back pain, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Sofosbuvir with the following medicines:

• certain medicines for epilepsy e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB)
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• amiodarone (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
• rifapentine (another medicine to treat TB)
• oxcarbazepine (another medicine for epilepsy)
• modafinil (medicine to treat narcolepsy, a long-term sleep disorder that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sofosbuvir.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.