Drug Notes

Sofosbuvir (By mouth)

Sofosbuvir (soe-FOS-bue-vir)

Treats hepatitis C. Used together with ribavirin.

Brand Name(s):

Sovaldi

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Sofosbuvir is always used together with ribavirin, and it may be also be used with peginterferon-alfa. Take all of the medicines your doctor prescribed. Make sure you understand all instructions.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more than 1 tablet per day.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep this medicine in its original container.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Amiodarone can cause bradycardia (slow heartbeat) if used together with sofosbuvir and another antiviral drug, or if you have used it recently.
• Some medicines can affect how sofosbuvir works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, St John's wort, tipranavir/ritonavir
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Ribavirin may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Follow all directions about birth control.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, other liver disease, or heart disease.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Slow or uneven heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea
• Feeling irritable
• Headache, joint or muscle pain
• Tiredness, trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017