Sofokast (sofosbuvir)

With the development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs against chronic hepatitis C viral infection, sofokast 400 mg (sofosbuvir) has been a reliable addition among DAA agents. Sofokast is recommended against HCV genotype 1-4.  Besides, the anti-HCV drug reduces the incidence of liver cancer and improves the overall quality of life of patients.

Unlike its counterparts, sofosbuvir is known for obstructing the activities of NS5B protein. This protein is imperative for the growth of HCV.

How should patients take Sofokast?

Sofosbuvir is taken orally once daily. There are no restrictions regarding the administration with food. It is recommended in combination with ribavirin or pegylated interferon. It is highly soluble with a 100% absorption rate within 2 hours.

Dosage regimen for Sofokast:

Type of HCV patients	Duration of therapy	Combinational drug	Main drug
Genotype 1 or 4	12 weeks	Ribavirin and pegylated interferon	Sofokast 400 mg (Sofosbuvir)
Genotype 2		Ribavirin
Genotype 3	24 weeks
Unable to take the interferon-based regimen (genotype 1)
Liver cancer patients waiting for the transplantation surgery	48 weeks or until the day of transplantation

Note: Both pros and cons should be taken into consideration before increasing the duration of treatment.

Warning signs and precautionary measures related to (Sofosbuvir):

Interactions with other drugs:

If patients were taking other drugs before or along with sofosbuvir, there are certain disadvantages like comprised efficacy of a drug with a higher rate of side-effects and modifications in dosing cycles.

Hepatitis B viral infection:

If patients are suffering from or had a history of Hepatitis B viral infection before taking sofosbuvir.

Others warnings:

• If they had a liver transplant before the initiation of dosage
• If they have complications in the liver other than HCV infection
• If they have problems in the kidney or undergoing dialysis
• If they are suffering from heart problems, HIV infection, or other severe medical condition

Issues during child-birth if patients,

• Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
• Are male and your partner is planning to get pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Side-effects:

Sofosbuvir has one of the lowest rates of side-effects among other anti-HCV agents. Sofosbuvir is not only safe with but also tolerable among individuals. The drug shows only two side-effects mostly being headache and tiredness (fatigue). However, in some scenarios, the administration of other anti-HCV agents like ribavirin and pegylated interferon leads to lack of sleep (insomnia), nausea, and low count of red blood cells (anemia).

Serious side-effects: Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Uncommon side-effects: 

• Pain in the muscles (Myalgia)
• Low consumption of diet
• Physical weakness (Asthenia)
• Diarrhea
• Skin itchiness (Pruritis)
• Severe rashes on the skin

Note: These are not all possible side-effects of Sofosbuvir, please ask your doctor for more information regarding the same.

Sofokast tablet is also available in these countries: (South East Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Kosovo, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Venezuela and Korea.) and many more…