Why Sofosbuvir 400mg is the Leading Choice for Hepatitis C Patients?

11/07/2024

 

Let’s Understand Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a disease that impacts the liver and is caused by the virus HCV. They are transmitted through infected blood. Therefore, it’s important that one refrains from sharing contaminated or unsterile needles and syringes, unsafe blood transfusion, and sexual activity that involves exposure to blood. The common symptoms of Hepatitis C are loss of appetite, dark urination, stomach pain, nausea, and Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin).

The disease could be either acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Acute HCV is not life-threatening, and the virus would generally clear within 6 months without any treatment. However, Chronic HCV infection could be severe, and it increases the risk of severe liver damage, causing liver cirrhosis. Early screening and treatment can prevent serious damage to the liver and minimize mortality. Treatment involves the use of antiviral drugs such as Sofosbuvir 400mg in combination with other drugs.

What is Sofosbuvir?

Sofosbuvir is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic Hepatitis C infection. It helps in minimizing the risk of severe liver damage (like fibrosis and cirrhosis). The medication is categorized under the drug class direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA). Sofosbuvir is a prescription medication sold under the brand name Sovaldi. The drug is available as oral tablets and pellets in 150mg, 200mg, and 400mg. People can opt to buy Sofosbuvir 400mg Tablets Online; it would help them save some money on their prescription.

Sofosbuvir is generally taken in combination with other antiviral medicines like Daclatasvir and Ribavirin. Other than treating chronic Hepatitis C, the medication may also be prescribed for liver cancer and people who would be undergoing liver transplants. In some cases, people with HIV may be prescribed Sofosbuvir. However, it does not work as a cure for AIDS.

Dosage

In order to attain the maximum benefits from the medication, you must follow your doctor’s suggestion.

• Adults are generally prescribed Sofosbuvir 400mg once a day. Your doctor will suggest the dosage based on the severity of the infection.

• Among children, the dosage varies with respect to their weight. The dosage will change as the child loses or gains weight.

• The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

• Sofosbuvir is to be taken in combination with other antiviral drugs. Your doctor will recommend which combination would be best for you.

• To avoid missing out on a dose, take the medication around the same time every day.

• Do not make any changes to the treatment plan or stop taking the medication abruptly. Otherwise, it might worsen the condition.

Precautions

To ensure Sofosbuvir is safe to administer, inform your doctor of the following:

• If you have ever been diagnosed with Hepatitis B, Sofosbuvir may cause the virus to become active. It could also lead to Hepatitis B coming back.

• If you have undergone a liver transplant.

• If you have HIV / AIDS or have any issues related to liver or kidney.

• Tell your doctor about all the medications you might be taking, including prescription and non-prescription. This will help the doctor gauge any risk and avoid interaction with other medicines.

• If you have been prescribed Ribavirin in addition to Sofosbuvir, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant.

• Men taking Ribavirin and whose partners are pregnant should stop taking the meds as it could be fatal for the unborn.

• Inform your doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother, as Sofosbuvir could be harmful to the baby.

Side Effects

People may witness common side effects while on Sofosbuvir. A few of the common side effects are listed below:

• Headache, tiredness, dizziness

• Nausea, vomiting, fever

• Loss of appetite and diarrhea

The above-mentioned is not the complete list of side effects. People may come across other side effects as well. However, these common side effects will fade on their own and do not require medical attention. Discussing these side effects with your doctor is important if they persist or worsen.

Some people may also experience rare side effects of Sofosbuvir. Upon witnessing those side effects, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical help.

• Breathlessness, light-headedness, increased heartbeat, and wheezing.

• Severe allergic reactions such as itching, hives, swollen face, neck, and throat.

• Swollen lymph nodes, stomach cramps, and trouble swallowing.

Conclusion

Although there is no vaccine for chronic Hepatitis C, the condition can be addressed with antiviral medications. Early detection and treatment is the key to avoiding severe liver damage (fibrosis and cirrhosis) from Hepatitis C infection. Other than taking antiviral medications, leading a healthy lifestyle (maintaining a healthy weight and saying no to alcohol) could also benefit people with chronic Hepatitis C. However, the best measure one can take is to avoid contact with the virus. Many people's immune systems would help them overcome the infection. However, the case would not be the same for everybody. Such people should see a healthcare professional. Their doctor would recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of the infection. Stick to the treatment plan and follow your doctor’s advice. This will help you overcome the hurdle of Hepatitis C.