How is Sofosbuvir dosed?
To take sofosbuvir orally, follow these steps:
- Hold the packet with the cut line on top and gently shake it to settle the pellets.
- Tear or cut the packet along the cut line.
- Swallow the oral pellets with water. Do not crush or chew them. If the oral pellets are taken with food, sprinkle the pellets on 1 or more spoonfuls of non-acidic soft food (e.g., pudding, chocolate syrup, mashed potato, and ice cream) at or below room temperature. Swallow the mixture right away (within 30 minutes). Do not save any of the mixture to use later.
Remember to take sofosbuvir as directed by your doctor, together with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, for the full course of treatment, even if you start to feel better after a few days. This will help ensure the infection is fully cleared.
What is the dosage form of Sofosbuvir?
The oral route dosage forms of sofosbuvir include packets and tablets. For hepatitis C virus infection, the recommended adult dosage is 400 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken for 12 or 24 weeks, in combination with ribavirin and peginterferon alfa. The dosage for children 3 years of age and older varies based on body weight and is determined by a doctor. Children may receive either one 400 mg tablet or two 200 mg tablets, or two 200 mg packets of pellets once a day, taken for 12 or 24 weeks.
How is Sofosbuvir administered?
To administer sofosbuvir orally, follow these steps:
- Open the packet containing the oral pellets. Do not open the packet until ready to use, and do not use a packet if the seal is broken or damaged.
- Hold the packet with the cut line on top and gently shake it to settle the pellets.
- Tear or cut the packet along the cut line.
- Swallow the oral pellets with water. Do not crush or chew them.
- If you are taking the oral pellets with food, sprinkle the pellets on 1 or more spoonfuls of non-acidic soft food (e.g., pudding, chocolate syrup, mashed potato, and ice cream) at or below room temperature. Swallow the mixture right away (within 30 minutes). Do not save any of the mixture to use later.
Always follow your doctor's instructions for taking this medicine, and never take more or less of it than prescribed. Remember to use the oral pellets within 30 minutes after sprinkling them on the soft food.
What are common precautions when taking Sofosbuvir?
Common precautions when taking sofosbuvir orally include:
- Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have had any allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medications. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
- Pediatric: Sofosbuvir has not been studied in children younger than 3 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this age group.
- Geriatric: No specific geriatric problems have been identified with the use of sofosbuvir in elderly patients.
- Breastfeeding: The safety and efficacy of using sofosbuvir while breastfeeding have not been established. Consult your doctor before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
- Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all the medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking. Some medications may interact with sofosbuvir, altering its effectiveness or causing harmful side effects. These are some common precautions to keep in mind when taking sofosbuvir orally. Always follow your doctor's instructions and consult them if you have any concerns or questions.