Sofosbuvir

Sofosbuvir is a medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children aged 3 years and older. It works by blocking a protein that the hepatitis C virus needs to replicate and grow, thereby helping to reduce the virus in the body and allowing your immune system to heal the liver. This medicine must be used in combination with other antiviral medicines as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken once daily, ideally at the same time each day, with or without food. Some people may experience side effects, including headaches, nausea, fatigue, trouble sleeping, irritability, and loss of appetite. Lab tests may also show lower haemoglobin or higher bilirubin levels. If you are diabetic, this medication may lower your blood sugar levels, so monitor your glucose and speak to your doctor about adjusting your diabetes medications if needed. Certain medications should not be taken with Sofosbuvir, such as modafinil, St. John's wort, rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital, as they can reduce its effectiveness. Others, like amiodarone, may cause serious heart issues when combined, so close monitoring is needed. Some medicines may require dose adjustments or extra monitoring, such as ciclosporin, tacrolimus, and warfarin. Be sure to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should avoid using this medicine, especially if taken with ribavirin, as it can harm the unborn baby. Breastfeeding is also not recommended, as it is unclear if the medicine passes into breast milk. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, moisture, children, and pets. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Let your doctor know if you have had hepatitis B in the past, have serious kidney problems or are on dialysis, or recently stopped taking amiodarone. Also, avoid drinking alcohol unless your doctor approves. This medicine is not known to affect your ability to drive. However, if you experience dizziness, tiredness, or blurred vision, avoid driving or operating machinery.