Treatment FAQ

how long is the sovaldi treatment

by Mr. Jaquan Cartwright Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Sovaldi is taken once daily, with or without food, for 12 to 24 weeks. Some people will use Sovaldi with a drug called ribavirin (RBV), which is taken twice daily with food. The type and length of treatment depends on HCV genotype, treatment history, whether a person has cirrhosis, and the other drugs used with it.

Precautions

Sovaldi is used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children who are at least 3 years old. Sovaldi must be given in combination with other antiviral medications (usually ribavirin with or without peginterferon alfa).

What is Sovaldi used to treat?

For adults the usual dose of SOVALDI is one 400 mg tablet each day. For children 3 years of age and older, your healthcare provider will prescribe the right dose of SOVALDI tablets or oral pellets based on your child’s body weight. Tell your healthcare provider if your child has problems with swallowing tablets.

How many Sovaldi can you take in a day?

Treatment with Sovaldi was as effective (67% patients – 171 out of 256 – had no sign of the virus) as peginterferon-based treatment (67% of patients – 162 out of 243). The third study involved 278 patients with genotypes 2 or 3 hepatitis C virus who could not take or did not want to have treatment with interferon.

How effective is Sovaldi for hepatitis C?

In this study, patients given Sovaldi together with ribavirin for 12 weeks were compared with patients given peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for 24 weeks. Treatment with Sovaldi was as effective (67% patients – 171 out of 256 – had no sign of the virus) as peginterferon-based treatment (67% of patients – 162 out of 243).

How effective is Sovaldi together with ribavirin and peginterferon?

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How long does HCV treatment take?

Treatment is usually 8-12 weeks long but can be as much as 16 weeks long in certain situations. Some patients with more damage to their liver may require 24 weeks of treatment, but this is uncommon. The duration depends on the medication, and specific HCV factors in particular patients.

Does Sovaldi cure hep C?

Official answer. Yes, Sovaldi does cure hepatitis C in most people when it is used in combination with at least one other hepatitis C treatment. A cure is defined as a sustained virologic response (SVR) for a certain period (usually 12 weeks) and is usually written as SVR12.

How effective is Sovaldi?

Effectiveness for HCV types 1 and 4 In clinical trials of people with type 1 HCV who had never been treated for HCV before, 90% were successfully treated after taking Sovaldi for 12 weeks.

How long does hepatitis treatment last?

Most of the time, these meds remove all traces of the virus from your blood within 12 weeks. This is called sustained virologic response (SVR), and it's what doctors look for to tell if you're cured. How long you'll need treatment can vary. It may range from 8 to 24 weeks.

How much is Sovaldi cost?

Sovaldi is expensive. The wholesale cost of Sovaldi is $1000 per 400mg tablet. This means a 12-week treatment course of Sovaldi would cost around $84,000 and a 24-week course, $168,000.

Is Sovaldi safe?

It is not known if SOVALDI is safe and effective in children under 3 years of age with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection, or with HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection. It is not known if SOVALDI is safe and effective in people who have had a liver transplant.

What is the drug Sovaldi used for?

Sovaldi is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection. Sovaldi may be used alone or with other medications. Sovaldi belongs to a class of drugs called Hepatitis B/Hepatitis C Agents; HCV Polymerase Inhibitors.

What are the side effects of Sofosbuvir?

Sofosbuvir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:diarrhea.headache.muscle pain.difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.irritability.itching.rash.

Is Harvoni generic?

Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version.

How long is hepatitis B treatment?

It's usually given by injection once a week for 48 weeks. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, such as a fever and muscle and joint pain, after you start to take the medicine, although these should improve with time. Tests will be carried out during treatment to see how well it's working.

How long does it take to get over hepatitis?

Most people feel better within three months of becoming infected with hepatitis A virus, and almost everyone completely recovers within six months. About 15 percent of people infected with hepatitis A virus will have prolonged or relapsing symptoms for six to nine months.

Can hepatitis be cured permanently?

Infants and children are more likely to develop a chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis B infection. A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there's no cure if you have the condition. If you're infected, taking certain precautions can help prevent spreading the virus to others.

1. How it works

Sovaldi is a brand (trade) name for sofosbuvir. It may be used to treat certain genotypes of the hepatitis C virus in adults and children over the age of three.

2. Upsides

Sovaldi may be used to treat genotype 2 or 3 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis in adults or children over the age of 3 years in combination with ribavirin.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

4. Bottom Line

Sovaldi may be used to treat certain genotypes of the hepatitis C virus in adults and children over the age of three. It must be given in combination with other treatments and cannot be used alone to treat HCV. Most courses are for 12 weeks, but 24 weeks is needed to treat HCV genotype 3.

5. Tips

Before you start taking Sovaldi your doctor will test you for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This because treating HCV may reactivate an underlying hepatitis B infection (HBV). Any underlying HBV infection should be treated before Sovaldi is started.

6. Response and effectiveness

The sustained virologic response (SVR) at 12 weeks (SVR12) for Sovaldi in combination with ribavirin for treatment-naive genotype 2 HCV patients was 95% and 5% relapsed. The SVR24 for Sovaldi in combination with ribavirin for treatment-naive genotype 3 HCV patients was 93%.

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with Sovaldi may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Sovaldi. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does.

How long does sofosbuvir last?

Genotype 3: sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 24 weeks. For the treatment of patients with HCV-HIV-1 coinfection: the recommendations are the same as listed above. For patents with genotype 1 HCV who are not eligible to receive interferon: sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 24 weeks can be considered.

What is Sofosbuvir used for?

Sofosbuvir is a nucleotide analog inhibitor of hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase —the key enzyme mediating HCV RNA replication. Sofosbuvir is a prodrug and after ingestion it is rapidly converted to GS-331007, the predominant circulating drug that accounts for greater than 90% of the systemically active drug. The compound GS-331007 is efficiently taken up by hepatocytes, whereby cellular kinases convert GS-331007 to its pharmacologically active uridine analog 5’-triphosphate form (GS-461203). This triphosphate compound mimics the natural cellular uridine nucleotide and is incorporated by the HCV RNA polymerase into the elongating RNA primer strand, resulting in chain termination. The active form GS-461203 targets the NS5B catalytic site and acts as a non-obligate chain terminator. The active compound (GS-461203) does not inhibit host DNA polymerases, RNA polymerases, or mitochondrial RNA polymerase.

What is the drug GS-7977?

The drug sofosbuvir was previously known as GS-7977 and was originally developed by Pharmasset as compound PSI-7977. Indications. The following indications for sofosbuvir relate to patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Sofosbuvir is indicated for treatment of patients with chronic HCV.

Is Sofosbuvir a drug?

Sofosbuvir has a number of ideal properties, including once daily dosing, no meal restrictions, few adverse effects, minimal drug-drug interactions, high genetic barrier to resistance, and relatively good safety and efficacy in patients with advanced liver disease. The use of sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin was the first FDA-approved all oral therapy for hepatitis C. Of note, the activity against genotype 3 appears less than with genotype 2 and treatment of genotype 3 infection requires a longer all-oral course of treatment than with genotype 2. Sofosbuvir is primarily used now in fixed-dose combinations.

Is Sofosbuvir a fixed dose?

Sofosbuvir is primarily used now in fixed-dose combinations. Adverse Effects. Sofosbuvir is generally well-tolerated. The most common adverse effects observed with sofosbuvir, when used in combination with ribavirin, have been fatigue and headache. Sofosbuvir is pregnancy category B.

Is Sofosbuvir a pregnancy drug?

The most common adverse effects observed with sofosbuvir, when used in combination with ribavirin, have been fatigue and headache. Sofosbuvir is pregnancy category B. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact (1) Gilead Sciences, Inc. at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or (2) the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Does Gilead Sciences have a patient assistance program?

Gilead Sciences has an active sofosbuvir patient assistance program for eligible patients with hepatitis C who do not have insurance and are not covered by Medicaid or Medicare. Information regarding the Gilead Sciences sofosbuvir patient assistance program can be obtained at the Support Path website or by calling 1-855-769-7284 .

What is Sovaldi used for?

SOVALDI is a prescription medicine used with other antiviral medicines to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C virus (HCV): genotype 2 or 3 infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis in combination with ribavirin.

How many tablets are in a bottle of Sovaldi?

Each bottle contains 28 tablets ( NDC 61958-1501-1), a silica gel desiccant and polyester coil with a child-resistant closure.

What is the NEUTRINO trial?

NEUTRINO was an open-label, single-arm trial that evaluated 12 weeks of treatment with SOVALDI in combination with peginterferon alfa 2a and ribavirin in treatment-naïve subjects with genotype 1, 4, 5 or 6 HCV infection compared to pre-specified historical control.

What is Sofosbuvir used for?

Sofosbuvir is an inhibitor of the HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which is essential for viral replication . Sofosbuvir is a nucleotide prodrug that undergoes intracellular metabolism to form the pharmacologically active uridine analog triphosphate (GS-461203), which can be incorporated into HCV RNA by the NS5B polymerase and acts as a chain terminator. In a biochemical assay, GS-461203 inhibited the polymerase activity of the recombinant NS5B from HCV genotype 1b, 2a, 3a and 4a with IC 50 values ranging from 0.7 to 2.6 micromolar. GS-461203 is neither an inhibitor of human DNA and RNA polymerases nor an inhibitor of mitochondrial RNA polymerase.

Is Sofosbuvir a P-GP?

Sofosbuvir is a substrate of drug transporter P-gp and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) while the predominant circulating metabolite GS-331007 is not. Drugs that are P-gp inducers in the intestine (e.g., rifampin or St. John’s wort) may decrease sofosbuvir plasma concentration, leading to reduced therapeutic effect of SOVALDI, and thus concomitant use with SOVALDI is not recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ].

Can you reduce Sovaldi?

Dosage reduction of SOVALDI is not recommended. If a patient has a serious adverse reaction potentially related to peginterferon alfa and/or ribavirin, the peginterferon alfa and/or ribavirin dosage should be reduced or discontinued, if appropriate, until the adverse reaction abates or decreases in severity.

Is Sofosbuvir soluble in water?

Sofosbuvir is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a solubility of ≥ 2 mg/mL across the pH range of 2-7.7 at 37 °C and is slightly soluble in water. SOVALDI tablets are for oral administration. Each tablet contains 400 mg of sofosbuvir.

How long does it take for Sovaldi to go away?

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long does it take to get tired from Sovaldi?

In clinical trials, after 12 weeks of treatment with Sovaldi and ribavirin, about 38% of people felt fatigued. In comparison, about 59% of people taking Sovaldi, ribavirin, and pegylated interferon felt fatigued. Of people taking only a placebo (no active drug), 24% reported fatigue.

How long does it take to get HCV treatment?

Clinical trials included children ages 3 years and older who had HCV types 2 or 3. Children with HCV type 2 were treated for 12 weeks, while children with HCV type 3 were treated for 24 weeks. All of the children took ribavirin with Sovaldi. These studies did not include comparison groups of children who didn’t receive HCV treatment.

What are the side effects of Sovaldi?

Can occur with Sovaldi: nausea. trouble sleeping.

How often can you take Sovaldi and Harvoni?

Both Sovaldi and Harvoni come as tablets that are taken by mouth once daily. They each also come as pellets, which can be sprinkled on food and taken by mouth.

What type of HCV is Sovaldi?

In adults, Sovaldi can be used to treat: HCV types 1, 2, 3, and 4 in people who’ve never been treated for HCV. HCV types 2 and 3 in people who’ve tried other treatments in the past that didn’t work for them.

What is Sovaldi used for?

Sovaldi is a brand-name prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus, which affects your liver, can sometimes lead to serious conditions, such as liver failure. Sovaldi is used to treat the following types of chronic (long-lasting) HCV in adults:

How does Sovaldi work?

Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) is a direct-acting antiviral medication. It stops an enzyme that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) needs for replication. Without the enzyme, HCV can't make more viruses in your body.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Sovaldi?

Avoid alcohol while taking Sovaldi (sofosbuvir). It's not known if alcohol interacts with the medication, but alcohol and hepatitis C can both damage the liver. Why is Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) so expensive? There are a few possible explanations for the high price tag of Sovaldi (sofosbuvir).

Can you take Sovaldi with other antiviral medications?

Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) needs to be taken with other antiviral medications for the treatment of hepatitis C. If your provider instructs you to stop your HCV treatment, all the antivirals should be stopped at the same time so the virus doesn't become resistant to any of the medications.

Is Sovaldi a generic?

Even though Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) is brand name only on it's own, it is actually available in generic antiviral combinations such as Epclusa and Harvoni. What is Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) used for? Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Can you take Sovaldi while pregnant?

In addition to Sovaldi (sofosbuvir), many people may need to take an antiviral medication called ribavirin. Ribavirin can have a lot of side effects and should not be taken during pregnancy. Make sure to review this medication with your provider and pharmacist before starting your hepatitis C treatment.

Does Sovaldi cause fatigue?

Since Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) is always taken with other medications it is difficult to know what side effects this specific medication causes. Many of these side effects may be caused by other hepatitis C medications, such as ribavirin and peginterferon. Fatigue, tireness (38%)

Can you take Sovaldi with food?

Take Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) around the same time each day to keep the medication levels in your body consistent. It can be taken with or without food. Get your labs drawn when your provider instructs you to. This is how they will monitor your liver and make sure the medication is working against the virus.

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How It Works

Sofosbuvir is used with other antiviral medications (such as ribavirin, peginterferon, daclatasvir) to treat chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver.

May Treat: Chronic hepatitis C - genotype 1 · Chronic hepatitis C - genotype 2 · Chronic hepatitis C - genotype 3 · Chronic hepatitis C - genotype 4

Drug Class: Hepatitis C - Nucleos(t)ide Analog NS5B Polymerase Inhibitors

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

May Treat: Chronic hepatitis C - genotype 1 · Chronic hepatitis C - genotype 2 · Chronic hepatitis C - genotype 3 · Chronic hepatitis C - genotype 4

Drug Class: Hepatitis C - Nucleos(t)ide Analog NS5B Polymerase Inhibitors

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Manufacturer: GILEAD SCIENCES

Precautions

  • If available, read the patient package insert
  • Take at the same time(s) daily as directed
  • Lab tests may be ordered to monitor therapy

  • If available, read the patient package insert
  • Take at the same time(s) daily as directed
  • Lab tests may be ordered to monitor therapy
  • Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor
  • Can still spread virus to other people.
  • Success is dependent on completing therapy course
  • May make diabetics more prone to low blood sugar
  • For pellets in packet products : Store at room temperature Protect from moisture.
  • For tablet products : Store tightly closed in the original container.

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

  1. Sovaldi is a brand (trade) name for sofosbuvir. It may be used to treat certain genotypes of the hepatitis C virus in adults and children over the age of three.
  2. Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) interferes with the reproduction of genetic material of the hepatitis C virus, by inhibiting an RNA-dependent polymerase called HCV NS5B, which is also needed by the virus to r...
  1. Sovaldi is a brand (trade) name for sofosbuvir. It may be used to treat certain genotypes of the hepatitis C virus in adults and children over the age of three.
  2. Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) interferes with the reproduction of genetic material of the hepatitis C virus, by inhibiting an RNA-dependent polymerase called HCV NS5B, which is also needed by the virus to r...
  3. Sovaldi belongs to the class of medicines known as hepatitis C antivirals.

Response and Effectiveness

  1. Sovaldi may be used to treat genotype 2 or 3 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis in adults or children over the age of 3 years in combination w...
  2. Sovaldi may also be used to treat genotype 1 or 4 HCV infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis in adults in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
  1. Sovaldi may be used to treat genotype 2 or 3 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis in adults or children over the age of 3 years in combination w...
  2. Sovaldi may also be used to treat genotype 1 or 4 HCV infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis in adults in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
  3. The usual dosage of Solvaldi is one 400mg tablet, taken once daily for 12 weeks (genotypes 1,2, or 4) or 24 weeks (genotype 3) in combination with other antiviral agents.
  4. Available as tablets or oral pellets which are taken by mouth. Tablets come in two strengths (400mg and 200mg) and pellets come in two strengths (200mg and 150mg).

Interactions

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Most side effects that occur with Sovaldi are mild but the most common ones reported were headache, fatigue, itching, asthenia (lack of energy), and nausea. 2. Weight gain has not been reported in clinical trials as a …
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References

  • Sovaldi may be used to treat certain genotypes of the hepatitis C virus in adults and children over the age of three. It must be given in combination with other treatments and cannot be used alone to treat HCV. Most courses are for 12 weeks, but 24 weeks is needed to treat HCV genotype 3. Side effects are typically mild and may include headache, fa...
See more on drugs.com

Further Information

  1. Before you start taking Sovaldi your doctor will test you for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This is because treating HCV may reactivate an underlying hepatitis B infection (HBV). Any underlyin...
  2. Sovaldi pellets may be used to treat HCV in children or in those who have difficulty swallowing. Sovaldi pellets should not be chewed. Do not open the packet until ready to use. Sovaldi pelle…
  1. Before you start taking Sovaldi your doctor will test you for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This is because treating HCV may reactivate an underlying hepatitis B infection (HBV). Any underlyin...
  2. Sovaldi pellets may be used to treat HCV in children or in those who have difficulty swallowing. Sovaldi pellets should not be chewed. Do not open the packet until ready to use. Sovaldi pellets may...
  3. Sovaldi is best taken at the same time every day. Follow your physician's advice with regards to the dosage of Sovaldi and do not miss or skip doses. Take Sovaldi for the duration that is recommend...
  4. Tell your doctor if you take any other medications or supplements, including those purchase…

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