Hepcvir (Sofosbuvir)

Description

HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET contains Sofosbuvir which belongs to the group of medicines called Antiviral agents. HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET is used with Ribavirin/ Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (antiviral medicines) to treat hepatitis C viral infection in adults and children (aged 3 years/above), which is a type of viral infection that infects the liver.

HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients allergic to Sofosbuvir.

Before taking HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have a  history of hepatitis B virus infection, and/or suffer from diabetes, heart problems, kidney problems, and/or other liver problems.

HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy since Ribavirin (antiviral medicine used with Sofosbuvir) may cause harm to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraceptive measures to avoid getting pregnant and undergo a routine pregnancy test during and after treatment (for 9 months).  If accidental pregnancy occurs, then it should be informed to the doctor immediately. The medicine is also not recommended for use in breastfeeding women since it is not known whether the medicine may pass through breast milk.

HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children (aged below 3 years) and is advised to be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years/above) after consulting the doctor.

The most common side effects of taking HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET are fever, chills, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, feeling depressed/anxious/agitated, and/or headache. Consult with your doctor if any of these symptoms worsen.

 

USES OF HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET

• Treats Hepatitis C viral infection in adults and children (aged 3 years/above) when used with Ribavirin/ Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (antiviral medicines)

 

HOW HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET WORKS

Sofosbuvir works by lowering the load of hepatitis C virus in the body by binding to hepatitis C virus RNA and interfering with its life cycle thus preventing the viral replication in the body and treating the infection in affected individuals.

 

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine along with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.

 

SIDE EFFECTS OF HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET

COMMON

• Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms
• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
• Trouble sleeping, feeling tired, irritability, dizziness, changes in mood, feeling depressed/anxious/agitated
• Headache, blurred vision
• Memory loss, loss of concentration
• Rash, itchy skin
• Loss of appetite, decreased appetite
• Muscle aches, joint pain
• Shortness of breath, cough
• Signs of anaemia such as feeling tired, headaches, shortness of breath
• Signs of low white blood cells such as getting more prone to infections, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers
• Signs of low blood platelet count such as excessive bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine/stools
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath (while exercising)
• Stomach discomfort, constipation, dry mouth, indigestion, acid reflux
• Hair loss and thinning hair
• Dry skin
• Back pain, muscle spasms
• Chest pain, weakness
• Common cold

 

RARE

Stop taking HEPCVIR 400MG TABLET, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Signs of heart problems (in patients who had/currently taking medicines for heart problems like amiodarone) such as slow/irregular heartbeat, heart rhythm problems, shortness of breath/worsening of the existing condition, chest pain, light-headedness, palpitations, and/or fainting

 

 

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Try using a hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take some rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee. Consult your doctor if your symptom worsens.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices or electrolytes (ORS) to avoid dehydration in your body. Consult your doctor if your symptom does not improve.

Constipation:

Take fibre-rich foods in your diets such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals, and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly and stay active. Consult your doctor if your symptom worsens.

Nausea and vomiting:

Take medicine with or just after a meal and stick to simple meals and avoid taking oil rich food or spicy food. Consult your doctor if your symptom gets worse or does not improve.