Hepcvel Tablet: A Complete Guide to Hepatitis C Treatment
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe fatigue or confusion
- Blood in vomit or stool
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is Velasof Tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir used to cure chronic hepatitis C infection. It is taken once daily for 12 weeks and works by blocking two different proteins the virus needs to multiply.
- Generic Name: Sofosbuvir (400mg) + Velpatasvir (100mg)
- Manufacturer: Hetero Drugs Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 Velasof Tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा सोफोसबुवीर और वेल्पाटास्वीर का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग पुरानी हेपेटाइटिस सी (HCV) संक्रमण के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह वायरस को शरीर से खत्म करने में मदद करती है और लीवर को सुरक्षित रखती है। यह दवा सभी प्रमुख जीनोटाइप (1 से 6) के खिलाफ प्रभावी है और आमतौर पर 12 सप्ताह तक रोजाना एक बार ली जाती है। इसे डॉक्टर के परामर्श के बिना शुरू या बंद नहीं करना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, थकान, जी मिचलाना और नींद न आना शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर आपको पीलिया, गहरे रंग का पेशाब, या सांस लेने में तकलीफ हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, आमतौर पर रोजाना एक बार। खुराक न छोड़ें और बीच में दवा बंद न करें। अपने डॉक्टर को अन्य सभी दवाओं, जड़ी-बूटियों और सप्लीमेंट्स के बारे में बताएं। इलाज के दौरान शराब से बचें। नियमित जांच के लिए समय पर जाएं। दवा को सूखी और ठंडी जगह पर रखें।
💊 Velasof Tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, genotypes 1-6","description":"This medicine is used to treat adults with chronic HCV infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis.
- It is a pangenotypic regimen that achieves high cure rates (sustained virologic response) with 12 weeks of therapy.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"HCV infection in patients with compensated cirrhosis","description":"This medicine is effective in patients with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) and may be used with or without ribavirin based on clinical judgment.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"HCV infection in patients co-infected with HIV","description":"This medicine can be used in patients with HIV/HCV co-infection, but careful review of antiretroviral therapy is needed due to drug interactions.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"HCV infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis","description":"Use in decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B or C) is not approved but may be considered by specialists with dose adjustments and close monitoring, often adding ribavirin.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"HCV infection in children under 18 years","description":"Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir is approved for children 3 years and older in some regions, but use in younger children is off-label and requires specialist guidance.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
Also treats: Compensated cirrhosis, HIV/HCV co-infection
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Sofosbuvir (400mg) + Velpatasvir (100mg) |
| Brand Name | Velasof Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Hetero Drugs Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | bottle of 28 tablets (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep in the original container, tightly closed, away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral regimens, including sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in adults and adolescents. WHO guidelines emphasize the use of these regimens for all genotypes and in patients with compensated cirrhosis. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines recommend sofosbuvir/velpatasvir as a preferred regimen for chronic hepatitis C treatment in India, based on its high efficacy and safety profile across genotypes. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two direct-acting antivirals that target different steps of the hepatitis C virus life cycle. Sofosbuvir is a prodrug that is converted inside cells to an active nucleotide analogue that inhibits the NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, causing chain termination and blocking viral replication. Velpatasvir is an NS5A inhibitor that binds to the NS5A protein, which is essential for viral RNA replication and assembly of new virus particles. Together, they reduce viral load and can lead to a sustained virologic response, which is considered a cure.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take Velasof Tablet
Strength: Tablet containing sofosbuvir 400 mg and velpatasvir 100 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The recommended dose for adults is one tablet (sofosbuvir 400 mg + velpatasvir 100 mg) taken orally once daily for 12 weeks. For patients with decompensated cirrhosis, the recommended duration may be extended to 24 weeks and ribavirin may be added. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, genotype, cirrhosis status, and renal function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients based on age alone. However, because elderly patients may have decreased renal or hepatic function, monitor closely and adjust as needed. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. For patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min) or on dialysis, use with caution; no specific dose recommendations are established. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A or B). For patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C), use is not recommended unless under specialist supervision. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | One tablet (sofosbuvir 400 mg + velpatasvir 100 mg) once daily. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of Velasof Tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Rifampin | Major | |
| Carbamazepine | Major | |
| Phenytoin | Major | |
| St. John's wort | Major | |
| Amiodarone | Major | |
| Omeprazole | Moderate | |
| Rosuvastatin | Moderate | |
| Rifabutin | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Famotidine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Rifampin
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- St. John's wort
- Amiodarone
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole)
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
- Rifabutin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can worsen liver inflammation and increase the risk of liver damage. Chronic alcohol use can also reduce treatment adherence and effectiveness.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, or any component of the formulation","Concomitant use with rifampin","Concomitant use with carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital","Concomitant use with St. John's wort","Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) without specialist supervision"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Serious bradycardia may occur when used with amiodarone; avoid combination.","Risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients co-infected with HBV and HCV; monitor HBV markers.","Do not use in patients with severe liver decompensation unless under specialist care.","Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment.","Inform patients about the importance of adherence to complete the full course.","Advise patients to avoid alcohol and other hepatotoxic substances.","Drug interactions are common; always check before adding new medicines."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether sofosbuvir or velpatasvir pass into breast milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
💊 Overdose Management
There is no specific antidote for overdose. In case of suspected overdose, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention. Supportive care and monitoring of vital signs and liver function are recommended. Hemodialysis is unlikely to remove sofosbuvir or velpatasvir significantly.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours since your scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed, usually once daily with or without food. Do not skip doses or stop early, as this can lead to treatment failure and resistance. Inform your doctor about all other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, because many interact with this medicine. Use effective contraception during treatment if you are of childbearing potential. Avoid alcohol to protect your liver. Keep all follow-up appointments for blood tests to monitor viral response and liver function. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may have reduced renal or hepatic function. No dose adjustment is required based on age alone, but monitor closely for side effects and drug interactions. Ensure adequate hydration and nutrition.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor before starting this medicine. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment for both men and women. The safety of this medicine in pregnancy is not well established.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are undergoing surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. There are no specific restrictions, but drug interactions with anesthetics or post-operative medications should be reviewed.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. No specific precautions are needed, but maintain good oral hygiene. If you have bleeding tendencies due to liver disease, your dentist may take extra care.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Moderate exercise is generally safe, but if you experience fatigue or dizziness, reduce intensity. Avoid strenuous activities if you have advanced liver disease or low platelet counts. Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
Most people can continue their normal work and daily activities while taking this medicine. If you experience fatigue or dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Treatment is usually well tolerated, and serious side effects are rare.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects or a serious allergic reaction, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will decide if treatment should be discontinued or adjusted.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term effects after completing treatment are generally positive, as the medicine aims to cure hepatitis C. Achieving a sustained virologic response reduces the risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver-related death. However, patients with existing cirrhosis should continue regular liver monitoring even after cure. There are no known long-term side effects from the medicine itself after treatment ends.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Alternative combinations like sofosbuvir/ledipasvir or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir may be used based on genotype and clinical factors.
Evidence: Well-establishedAvoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise support liver health during and after treatment.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Patients with hepatitis C should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if they are not already immune. These vaccines are safe and can be given during treatment. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (20-25°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry your medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss. Store at room temperature and protect from extreme heat or moisture. If crossing time zones, continue taking your dose at the same time each day according to your home schedule, or adjust gradually with your doctor's advice. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts reducing the virus within days, but the full cure is assessed 12 weeks after completing the 12-week treatment course.
A: Yes, this medicine can be taken with or without food. Taking it with a meal may help reduce nausea.
A: If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not well established. Use only if clearly needed, after consulting your doctor.
A: No, alcohol should be avoided as it can worsen liver damage and reduce treatment effectiveness.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for Velasof Tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
hepcitaj-sv 400mg/100mg tabletTaj Pharma India Ltd ₹16,135.31 14.9% CHEAPER
-
myhep all tabletMylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹16,406.00 13.5% CHEAPER
-
velpanat tabletNatco Pharma Ltd ₹16,406.00 13.5% CHEAPER
-
velakast tabletAprazer Healthcare Pvt Ltd ₹16,406.00 13.5% CHEAPER
-
hepcvel tabletCipla Ltd ₹16,406.25 13.5% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is a vaccine for hepatitis C.
Fact: This medicine is a treatment for existing hepatitis C infection, not a vaccine. It does not prevent infection. - Myth: You can stop taking this medicine once you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel well, to ensure the virus is completely cleared and to prevent resistance. - Myth: This medicine will damage your liver.
Fact: This medicine is used to treat liver infection and is generally well tolerated. It can improve liver health by curing the infection. - Myth: You can share this medicine with others who have hepatitis C.
Fact: This medicine is prescribed based on individual medical assessment. Sharing prescription medicines is dangerous and illegal.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Sofosbuvir 400 mg + Velpatasvir 100 mg tablets (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Epclusa
- Hepcvel
- Sofvel
- Velpanat
- MyHep All