What Is Sovaldi?
Sovaldi is an antiviral medication that utilizes sofosbuvirus. It’s used in hepatitis C patients to put a halt to the replication of the hepatitis C virus’s RNA. Generally, patients are given this drug in combination with an antiviral medication such as ribavirin that boosts the cure rate. Those with chronic hepatitis C won’t benefit from monotherapy with Sovaldi. However, used in conjunction with a therapy program, patients will see amplified results. Not every patient will respond with the same antiviral. Patients require different antivirals depending on the genotype of the hepatitis. The severity of the hepatitis also determines which antiviral is used with it as well. Some patients may require multiple antivirals, which is determined by the severity. Patients can expect to take the drug and other medications for 12 to 24 weeks.
What Should a Patient Tell a Doctor Before Taking Sovaldi?
It’s important for a patient to understand the risks of taking Sovaldi. A patient should inform the physician of any liver problems he or she has besides hepatitis C. Those who have had a liver transplant may not respond well to the drug. Patients who have kidney problems may not be able to take the drug either. The doctor must know if the patient has had HIV or another virus. The physician needs to know about any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements taken by the patient to ensure a drug interaction won’t occur. Common drugs that may interact with Sovaldi include amiodarone, St. John’s Wort, rifampin or another antiviral. The physician needs to know if the patient is pregnant, plans to become pregnant or is breastfeeding.
How Should a Patient Take Sovaldi?
Currently, Sovaldi is only available as a 400-mg tablet, which may be taken once each day. It’s important for a patient to take it at the same time every day. Patients may take the medication with or without food.
What Happens if a Patient Misses a Dose?
If the patient misses a dose, he or she should take it as soon as he or she remembers. If a patient misses an entire day, he or she should skip the dose and continue on with the rest of the doses as usual. A patient should never take two doses of Sovaldi in one day.
What Happens if a Patient Overdoses on Sovaldi?
Generally, no side effects will occur if a large dosage of the drug is ingested. In clinical trials, the highest recorded overdose was 1,200 mg, and no side effects occurred. Effects of dosages at higher levels aren’t known. It’s important for the patient, or whoever took too much, to contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if an overdose occurs.
How Should a Patient Store Sovaldi?
Patients should store medications in an area where temperatures are less than 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Warnings Are Associated With Sovaldi?
Women patients incur a great risk of birth defects and even the death of an unborn child when Sovaldi is taken with ribavirin or pegylated interferon. When on this medication, women must use two forms of birth control simultaneously.
Are Generics Available?
No generic versions of Sovaldi are available at this time on the U.S. market. However, coupons are available to help patients with the high cost of the medication. You may also request a co-pay card via the manufacturer. You can find coupons below for Sovaldi.