Velpaget 400/100mg Tablets

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir treat chronic hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. It is used for adults and children aged 3 years and older, sometimes together with another medicine called ribavirin.

Both ingredients are antivirals that stop the hepatitis C virus from multiplying, but they block different parts of the virus. Using them together attacks the virus in two ways at once.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at about the same time, for the full course your doctor prescribes.

• Tablets can be taken with or without food.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop without talking to your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take two doses together.
• If you take antacids, separate them by about 4 hours. Acid-reducing medicines such as famotidine or omeprazole also need careful timing, so ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects include:

• headache and tiredness
• diarrhoea or feeling sick
• rash
• irritability, low mood or trouble sleeping

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• signs of a very slow heartbeat, such as fainting or feeling faint, especially if you take amiodarone or another heart medicine
• yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, sickness or tummy pain, or unusual tiredness (possible liver problems or hepatitis B flare-up)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have ever had hepatitis B
• have HIV, other liver problems or a liver transplant
• have kidney disease or are on dialysis
• take amiodarone or other heart medicines
• take antacids, acid-reducing medicines, St John's wort or any other medicines or supplements
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Keep in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Hepatitis B: if you have ever had hepatitis B, it can become active again during or after treatment, which can be serious. Your doctor may test you before starting and check on you afterwards.

Amiodarone: taking this medicine with amiodarone can cause a dangerously slow heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you take it.

Pregnancy: tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If it is used with ribavirin, pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for 6 months afterwards.