Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir (Epclusa®)

Who is this leaflet for?

This leaflet provides an overview of treatment and important information for patients starting on treatment with Epclusa® for hepatitis C infection.

What are sofosbuvir and velpatasvir and what do they do?

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (also known as Epclusa®) are antiviral medications used in combination to treat hepatitis C virus infection, which can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir stop replication of the hepatitis C viruses by directly affecting the mechanisms used by the virus to make copies of itself. They are therefore known as direct acting antivirals (DAA).

How do I take my Epclusa® tablets?

Epclusa® comes as a tablet containing 400mg of sofosbuvir and 100mg of velpatasvir. You should take one tablet once a day with or without food. The duration of treatment will depend on your hepatitis C genotype and the extent of your liver disease. The usual duration of treatment is 12 weeks.

Do not stop taking Epclusa® without discussion with your doctor or liver nurse specialist. You need to complete the full course of treatment to ensure the best chance of treating your hepatitis C virus infection.

It is very important that you do not miss doses of Epclusa®. If you do miss a dose, but remember within 18 hours since you should have taken your dose, then take your normal dose. If it has been more than 18 hours, then skip the missed dose, but take your next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you are sick within 3 hours of taking your Epclusa® tablet, you should take an additional dose. If you are sick more than 3 hours after taking your Epclusa® tablet, you do not need to take another dose until your next scheduled dose.

Are there any side effects of Epclusa®?

Like all medicines, Epclusa® can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.

Very common side effects: headaches and / or fatigue however these are not usually severe.

Common side effects: rash.

If you experience any side effects, please contact your doctor, pharmacist or liver nurse specialist. This includes any possible side effects not listed above. Some patients may require a dose adjustment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The effects of Epclusa® during pregnancy are not known and it is not known whether Epclusa® can pass into breast milk.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or you wish to plan a pregnancy whilst taking Epclusa®, this should be discussed carefully with your doctor first.

Do not breastfeed during treatment with Epclusa®.

Do I need to have any tests or be monitored because I take Epclusa®?

You will need blood tests before, during and after your treatment with Epclusa®. These will be used to determine how long you should take Epclusa® for, to check for side effects and to check the level of hepatitis C virus in your blood to ensure Epclusa® is working. These will be explained at your clinic appointment.

Are there any problems taking Epclusa® with any other medications?

Epclusa® can be affected by other medication, and may also affect medicines itself. Make sure your doctor, liver nurse specialist or pharmacist are aware of the medication you are currently taking; taking Epclusa® with some medicines may stop them from working properly, and your doctor may need to change you to a different medicine, adjust the dose you are taking or adjust when you take a medicine.

Only take medicines prescribed for you by your doctor and check with your doctor, liver nurse specialist or pharmacist before taking any new medicines. This includes medicines initiated by your GP or medicines / remedies bought over the counter.

Who I can contact to discuss Epclusa®?

Hepatitis C nurse specialists: 01223 596094

Specialist pharmacist: 01223 217611

Further information

Further information about your tablet can be found in the patient information leaflet found in the tablet / capsule box or on the container.

If you have any other questions about your medication, please contact the medicine helpline on 01223 217502.