Description

Sofosbuvir & Velpatasvir is a once-daily oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) combo that targets hepatitis C virus (HCV) by inhibiting NS5B polymerase (sofosbuvir) and NS5A (velpatasvir). It’s pan-genotypic, treating HCV genotypes 1 through 6. 

Prescription

This is a prescription-only medication and must be used under medical supervision as part of an antiviral regimen. 

Dosage

Standard adult dose: 1 tablet (400 mg sofosbuvir + 100 mg velpatasvir) once daily, with or without food, typically for 12 weeks. In cases of decompensated cirrhosis, it’s used in combination with ribavirin. 

Therapeutic Category

A pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral agent for chronic HCV infection. 

Active Ingredients / Composition

• Active ingredients per film-coated tablet: 400 mg Sofosbuvir, 100 mg Velpatasvir.
• Inactive ingredients include copovidone, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate; film coating: iron oxide red, PEG, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide. 

Variant

Available as film-coated tablets. Also comes in oral pellet packets for pediatric use (weight-based dosage for children ≥3 years). 

Consume Type

Oral administration—swallow tablets whole; pellets may be taken as directed for younger patients.

Directions / Usage

Take once daily with or without food. Do not miss doses. For pediatric formulations, follow weight-based guidelines; pellets should not be chewed. 

Common Side Effects

Common reactions include headache, fatigue (tiredness), and nausea. When used with ribavirin in decompensated cirrhosis cases, users may experience anemia, insomnia, and diarrhea. 

Package Type

• Film-coated tablets (pink, diamond-shaped, debossed “GSI” and “7916”)
• Pellet packets for pediatric use. 

Storage Advice

Store at room temperature, shielded from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children. (Standard pharmaceutical storage; not detailed in sources.)

Safety Advice

• HBV reactivation risk: test for hepatitis B before initiating therapy. 
• Drug interactions: avoid contraindicated enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John’s wort).
• Bradycardia risk when used with amiodarone. 
• Ribavirin combination: requires effective contraception, as ribavirin is teratogenic. 
• Discontinue if experiencing allergic reactions, severe liver issues, or other serious adverse effects. (General clinical practice.)

Product Substitutes

Generic versions are available globally, often under names like Sofosvel (Bangladesh), besides Epclusa. 

Manufacturer / Marketer

Brand (Epclusa): Developed, marketed, and distributed by Gilead Sciences. Generic versions are produced by various manufacturers under licensing. 

Country of Origin

• Developed and marketed by Gilead Sciences (USA).
• Generics manufactured in countries like Bangladesh (Song’s Sofosvel), and likely others such as India.