Sofokast Plus

Sofokast plus (Daclatasvir 60mg + Sofosbuvir 400mg) is a combinational antiviral drug indicated for patients with chronic Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection genotype 1 or 3. When used together, the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir shows characteristics like,

• Reduction in liver damages
• Slowing down the chances of procuring liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
• Improvement in quality of life of patients

Both daclatasvir and sofosbuvir have a complex effect on the body. There are certain proteins (Table 1) that aids in multiplication (RNA replication and virion assembly) and the growth of viral cells. The FDC drug (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) acts by blocking the activities of these special proteins thereby decreasing the viral toll.

Administration of Sofokast plus (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg):

The drug is administered orally in a form of 1 tablet (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir combination) once daily for 12 weeks. It can be taken with or without food.

Suggested dosage of Sofokast plus (Daclatasvir 60mg + Sofosbuvir 400mg) in HCV patients:

Type 1:

• Lacking cirrhosis: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir)
• Cirrhosis with a functional system: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir)
• After transplant operation: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) and ribavirin

Type 3:

• Lacking cirrhosis: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir)
• Cirrhosis with a functional or without a functional system: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) and ribavirin
• After transplant operation: Sofokast plus (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) and ribavirin

Note: The duration and frequency of dosage can be changed based on the genotype of HCV and initial experience of the patients. It is mostly dependent on the doctor’s judgement.

Table 1: Other properties of the FDC combination drug:

When should Sofokast plus (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg) be avoided or used cautiously?

If patients,

• Are suffering from or had a history of Hepatitis B viral infection
• Feel their heartbeat is very slow (bradycardia) (Caution: Immediately consult your doctor)
• Had a liver transplant before the initiation of dosage
• Have complications in the liver other than HCV infection
• Are suffering from heart problems
• Have kidney disease or undergoing dialysis
• Are suffering from HIV infection or other severe medical condition
• Are pregnant and planning to breastfeed

If patients are taking any other drugs, interactions with them may lead to,

• Comprised efficacy
• A need for modified dosages
• A higher rate of side-effects

Side-effects of (daclatasvir 60mg + sofosbuvir 400mg):

Serious side-effects:

• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Hepatitis B viral re-infection

Side-effects in combination with ribavirin:

• Headache
• Tiredness (Fatigue)
• Lack of sleep (Insomnia)
• Nausea

Uncommon side-effects:

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

Note: These are not all possible side-effects of (Daclatasvir 60mg + Sofosbuvir 400mg), please ask your doctor for more information regarding the same.