Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (sof/vel/vox) for the treatment of hepatitis C

Who is this leaflet for?

This leaflet provides an overview of treatment and information for patients starting on sof/vel/vox, an anti-viral medication used to treat hepatitis C infection. It explains what the medicine is, how it works and important things to know before and during treatment.

What is sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir and what do they do?

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (also known as sof/vel/vox or Vosevi®) are antiviral medications used in combination to treat hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause inflammation and long-term damage to the liver.

Sof/vel/vox act at different stages of the hepatitis C virus lifecycle to stop the virus making copies of itself. They are known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

How do I take the medicine?

Each tablet contains 400mg of sofosbuvir, 100mg of velpatasvir and 100mg of voxilaprevir. Take one tablet once a day with or without food. The usual treatment course is 12 weeks, although your clinical team will confirm how long you will need to take it.

Do not stop taking sof/vel/vox without discussion with your doctor or liver nurse specialist. You need to complete the full course of treatment to ensure the best chance of treating your hepatitis C virus infection.

It is very important that you do not miss doses of the medicine. If you do miss a dose but remember within 18 hours since you should have taken your dose, then take your normal dose. If it has been more than 18 hours, then skip the missed dose, but take your next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you vomit within 4 hours of taking your sof/vel/vox tablet, you should take another tablet. If you are sick more than 4 hours after taking it, take your next dose at the usual time.

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, sof/vel/vox can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.

Very common side effects: Headache, diarrhoea, feeling sick (nausea).

Common side effects: Stomach pain, reduced appetite, vomiting, rash, muscle pain.

If you experience any side effects, please contact your doctor, pharmacist or liver nurse specialist. This includes any possible side effects not listed above.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The effects of sof/vel/vox during pregnancy are not known, so it is not recommended during pregnancy. It is also not known whether sof/vel/vox can pass into breast milk.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or you wish to plan a pregnancy whilst taking sof/vel/vox, this should be discussed carefully with your doctor first.

Do not breastfeed during treatment with sof/vel/vox.

Monitoring

You will need blood tests before, during and after treatment. These tests check your general health, look for side effects and measure the amount of hepatitis C in your blood. A blood test after treatment will show whether the infection has been cured. Your clinical team will explain when each test is needed.

Are there any problems taking sof/vel/vox with any other medications?

Other medicines can affect how sof/vel/vox works. This includes medicines bought over the counter, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Before you start treatment, we will check all your medicines for possible interactions.

Make sure your doctor, liver nurse specialist or pharmacist knows about everything you take, and check with them before starting any new medicine. Some medicines may not work properly when taken with sof/vel/vox. Your clinical team may need to change a medicine, adjust its dose or alter when you take it.

Who can I contact to discuss sof/vel/vox or my hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C nurse specialists: 01223 596094.

Further information

More information about this medicine can be found in the patient information leaflet found in the tablet / capsule box or on the container.

If you have any other questions about your medication, please contact the medicines information helpline on 01223 217502.