Hepcvel Tablet uses are

• To treat chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

Sofosbuvir is a direct-acting antiviral drug (DAA) that inhibits the replication of the HCV virus by targeting a specific protein necessary for viral replication. Velpatasvir is also a DAA that works by blocking the action of another protein involved in the HCV replication process.

Taking Hepcvel Tablet (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir) with any of the following medicines can change the effects of either medicine and may increase the risk of side effects.

Amiodarone (Oral/Injection Route) Life-threatening
Do not use together.
Concomitant use may cause severe slowing of the heart rate, which can be life-threatening.

Rifampicin (Oral Route) Life-threatening
Avoid using them together.
This medicine may significantly reduce antiviral drug levels, making the treatment ineffective.

Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, or Phenobarbital (Oral Route) Life-threatening
Do not use together.
These medicines may reduce the effectiveness of Hepcvel, leading to treatment failure.

St John’s Wort (Herbal Route) Life-threatening
Avoid concomitant use.
This herbal product may reduce antiviral levels and reduce treatment response.

Proton pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole (Oral Route) Moderate
Use with caution.
These medicines may reduce the absorption of velpatasvir, thereby decreasing its effectiveness.

Antacids containing Aluminium or Magnesium (Oral Route) Moderate
Do not take at the same time.
These may reduce absorption of the medicine. A gap of at least 4 hours is recommended.

H2 blockers such as Ranitidine (Oral Route) Moderate
Use carefully.
These medicines may affect the absorption of velpatasvir and require dose timing adjustments.

Digoxin (Oral Route) Moderate
Use under medical supervision.
Concomitant use may increase digoxin levels and raise the risk of toxicity.

• Stored at controlled room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Keep away from moisture, heat, and light.
• It should not be frozen.
• Keep away from children and pets.

Read the instructions carefully before taking Hepcvel tablet. Take them as directed by your doctor. Take it with or without food. This will help to improve absorption. If you experience side effects, stop taking them and talk to your doctor. 

Hepcvel tablet cause some side effects like all medications, although not everyone will experience them. Hepcvel Tablet side effects are 

Serious:

• Hepatitis B reactivation

• Severe allergic reactions

Common:

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Insomnia

• Diarrhea

• Itching (pruritus)

• Decreased appetite

• Muscle or joint pain

• Rash

• Dizziness

• Screen individuals for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before starting treatment due to the risk of HBV reactivation.

• Monitor liver function and HBV DNA levels closely during and after treatment, especially in patients with current or prior HBV infection.

• Evaluate potential drug interactions with other medications, and inform healthcare providers about all medicines being taken.

• Patients on amiodarone should be monitored closely for severe bradycardia (decreased heart rate) when both drugs are used together.

• Dose adjustments are required for patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease.

• Assess the possible impact on psychiatric health, particularly in those with a history of psychiatric disorders.

• Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

• Exercise caution in special populations such as HIV/HCV co-infected individuals and liver transplant recipients.

1. Gilead Sciences Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2021] [ Accessed on 24th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7294.pdf
2. Gilead Sciences Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Aug 2017] [Accessed on 24th June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208341s007lbl.pdf
3. Sarah L Greig; Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir: A Review in Chronic Hepatitis C; Drugs; [Published on 24th June 2023]; [Accessed on 24th June 2023]; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27730529/