Velakast

Velakast

Composition: Sofosbuvir + Velpatasavir

Classification- Hepatitis C medicine

What is Velakast?

A potent fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasavir, widely used against all 6 strains of HCV.

Uses of Velakast

Chronic Hepatitis C

Not to be used as monotherapy for HIV

How does Velakast work?

Sofosbuvir - it inhibits NS5B polymerase

Velpatasavir - it inhibits NS5A polymerase

Inhibit viral DNA replication and chain elongation

Causes viral cell death

Benefits -

Reduces viral load

Improves liver functions

It can be used in both compensated and decompensated liver disease.

Effective against all genotypes

Short-term therapy

Fewer side effects

Common side effects

Nausea,

Dizziness,

Headache,

Digestive issues,

Tiredness,

Diarrhea

Serious side effects

Irregular heartbeat

Trouble breathing

Reactivate HBV

Precautions

To be cautiously used in -

Cardiac disorders

Cirrhosis

Use with caution in patients on amiodarone

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity or allergy to drug components.

Breastfeeding mothers

Pregnant women

Drug interactions

Heart medicines

HIV medicines

Anti-tubercular

Anti-convulsants

Herbal drugs

Antacids

Warning

To be used under medical prescription only

Important Safety and Monitoring Information

Regularly monitor-

Liver function,

Renal function,

Bone mineral density.

Viral load and

Co-infections and HIV

Note:

Contraception should be maintained if used with ribavirin.

Do not stop medication on your own.

Do not skip doses; it increases drug resistance.