Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir (Epclusa)

What is this medication for?

Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir (Epclusa) is used for the treatment of Hepatitis C, which is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take exactly as how your healthcare professional has told you.
• Do not stop your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• It is important to take this medication daily and complete the full course of medication to reduce the risk of treatment failure.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• If you are taking antacid (e.g. Gaviscon, Magnesium triscilicate), take them 4 hours before or 4 hours after Epclusa.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

• If you forget to take a dose, do it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
• Record the dates of missed doses and inform your healthcare professional at the next appointment.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You have ever had liver problems other than hepatitis C

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

The side effects for Epclusa are usually mild and generally well tolerated. They include the following:

1. Fatigue
2. Headache
3. Nausea
4. Diarrhea
5. Insomnia
6. Vomiting

a. If vomiting occurs 3 hours within taking the medication, an additional tablet of Epclusa should be taken. If vomiting occurs more than 3 hours after taking the medication, there is no need to take an additional tablet.

These symptoms may happen but should get better over time. Check with your doctor if any of these symptoms are serious or do not go away.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

If you develop signs of liver problems such as:

• Yellowing of skin, eyes or fingernails
• Tea colored urine

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Amiodarone
• Carbamazepine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Rifampicin
• Efavirenz
• St John’s wort
• Proton-pump inhibitors such as Dexlansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole and Pantoprazole

If you are taking any of the below medications, you should take them 4 hours apart from Epclusa:

• Antacids (e.g. Gaviscon, Magnesium trisilicate)

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Discard the medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.