Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. It can be acute or chronic, and without diagnosis and treatment, it increases the risk of serious complications over time. At the same time, modern direct-acting antiviral drugs can cure most people with hepatitis C, and the WHO recommends pan-genotypic treatment regimens for patients with chronic HCV infection.
Disclaimer: This material is not an advertisement for medications and does not encourage their purchase. The information is provided for informational purposes only. Treatment for hepatitis C should only be prescribed by a doctor following an examination. This material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a doctor’s consultation. Do not start, change, or stop treatment without a healthcare professional’s instruction.
Sofosbuvir + velpatasvir is a combination of direct-acting antiviral drugs used to treat chronic hepatitis C.
One tablet typically contains 400 mg of sofosbuvir and 100 mg of velpatasvir. For adults, the standard regimen in the Epclusa prescribing information calls for one 400/100 mg tablet once daily, with or without food; however, the specific regimen, duration of treatment, and need for additional medications are determined by a doctor.
This combination is pan-genotypic, meaning it can be used for various genotypes of the hepatitis C virus. In clinical guidelines and instructions, such regimens are described as treatments for HCV genotypes 1–6.
A well-known brand-name drug containing the combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is Epclusa, manufactured by Gilead Sciences.
Below are examples of packaging for medications containing the sofosbuvir and velpatasvir combination. The images are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an advertisement for these medications.
Epclusa packaging containing the active ingredients sofosbuvir and velpatasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C.
Epclusa package—the brand-name drug containing a combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C.
Generic versions from other manufacturers may also be used in various countries, such as MyHep All—Mylan/Viatris, Velpanat—Natco Pharma, Velasof—Hetero, or other registered medications.
MyHep All packaging containing a combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir.
MyHep All is one of the generic drugs mentioned in the article on hepatitis C treatment.
Generic does not mean counterfeit. Generic drugs must contain the same active ingredient, have the appropriate potency and dosage form, and meet the quality and registration requirements of the country where they are used. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Packages of Velakast and Velpanat containing a combination of 400 mg of sofosbuvir and 100 mg of velpatasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C
Velakast and Velpanat are examples of generic medications containing a combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C. Take only as directed by a doctor.
It is important to purchase or obtain only registered medications through official medical channels. Do not order medications from unverified sources or take pills without a confirmed diagnosis and a doctor’s prescription.
Packages of Velasof and Sofgen-V containing a combination of 400 mg of sofosbuvir and 100 mg of velpatasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C
Velasof and Sofgen-V are examples of medications containing the combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, which are used to treat hepatitis C as prescribed by a doctor.
In Ukraine, treatment for viral hepatitis may be provided free of charge at the expense of the state budget. According to the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, medications and test kits are distributed to the regions, and screening and treatment are free for patients.
To begin the treatment process, you usually need to:
If the medication is temporarily unavailable at your healthcare facility, do not rush to purchase it on your own. According to the Central Health Information Center, it may take some time for medications to be delivered to regions and hospitals, and the healthcare facility must notify the patient once the medication arrives. If you are denied treatment, follow the recommended procedure. You can check medication availability via this link.
The conditions for receiving treatment depend on your country of residence. Sofosbuvir + velpatasvir may be available:
Before starting treatment, it is important to check which medications are approved in your country, who can prescribe them, and what documents are required to receive treatment.
The medication is usually taken once daily. Swallow the tablet whole—do not chew or crush it—with water. The medication can be taken with or without food. The instructions for sofosbuvir/velpatasvir also state that the tablets should be swallowed whole due to their bitter taste.
It is best to choose a specific time of day and take the medication daily at approximately the same time. This helps ensure that you do not miss doses and maintain a regular treatment schedule.
If you realize you’ve missed a dose less than 18 hours after your usual time, take it as soon as possible. Then take your next dose at the usual time.
If 18 hours or more have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next pill at the usual time. Do not take a double dose. This recommendation is listed in the instructions for the sofosbuvir/velpatasvir medication.
Do not add other medications, dietary supplements, or herbal remedies on your own. Some products may interact with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and affect the effectiveness or safety of your treatment.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking: prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. The Epclusa prescribing information specifically states that other medications may interact with this drug, so you should not start a new medication without consulting a healthcare professional.
It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have or have had hepatitis B, other liver diseases, a liver transplant, kidney problems, HIV, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Not sure where to get tested, how to get treatment, or how to understand your doctor’s orders?
BCD provides free assistance to help patients navigate the journey from diagnosis to treatment and receive the support they need.
Send us a private message or fill out the form on bcd.org.ua.
No. This is a medication for treating hepatitis C, and it must be prescribed by a doctor after the diagnosis has been confirmed and the necessary tests have been performed.
You should not add any supplements on your own. Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking.
In Ukraine, screening and treatment for viral hepatitis are provided free of charge to patients through the state budget. To receive care, you must see your family doctor, confirm the diagnosis, and obtain a referral and information about the medical facility where treatment is available.
