Does Epclusa work if you miss doses?
There is a chance that Epclusa may not work as well if you miss doses. Epclusa works by interfering with a protein and an enzyme needed by the hepatitis C virus to replicate and if you forget a dose, your blood levels of Epclusa can fall below the level needed to inhibit this protein or enzyme.
If you do accidentally forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not double up your dose, instead, take one dose as usual and call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have missed a dose.
Epclusa is usually taken once daily for 12 weeks. Do everything you can to remind yourself to take Epclusa at approximately the same time each day. Five ways to help you remember to take Epclusa include:
- Take your tablets in the morning when you first get out of bed
- Set an alert or alarm on your phone that reminds you to take your Epclusa
- Ask a friend or family member to ask you each day if you have taken your Epclusa tablets
- Hang a calendar on your wall and mark off every day as soon as you have taken your Epclusa tablets
- Buy a pill box that holds at least 7 days of Epclusa tablets and fill it up once a week. Then you can easily see if you have taken your daily dose.
References
- Epclusa (velpatasvir and sofosbuvir) Updated 05/2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/epclusa.html
- Epclusa FAQs. Epclusa.com. https://www.epclusa.com/faq#what-if-i-miss-a-dose-of-epclusa
Read next
What is the difference between hepatitis B and C?
Some of the main differences between hepatitis B and C are:
- Hepatitis B virus can be prevented with a vaccine, but not hepatitis C.
- Hepatitis B and C are different viruses, but you can have both hepatitis B and hepatitis C at the same time.
- Over 90% of people infected with hepatitis C who have not received treatment can be cured with 8 to 12 weeks of oral medications, but treatment for hepatitis B, if needed, may be long-term or lifelong.
- There is no cure for hepatitis B, but once you recover from acute hepatitis B, you develop antibodies that protect you from the virus for life.
What are the new drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C?
The newest drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C include Mavyret (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir), Vosevi (sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir), and Epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir). All are FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 infection without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A), as well as other uses. Continue reading
How much does Epclusa cost?
The cost of Epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir) tablets is roughly $US78,078 for a full 12-week course of treatment. Your cost might vary based on insurance or manufacturer-provided discounts. Epclusa is covered by most insurance plans. Epclusa oral pellets have also been approved to treat children unable to swallow tablets. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What is the best time of day to take Epclusa?
- Does Epclusa cure Hep C, what is the success rate?
- How long is an Epclusa treatment?
- How long does Epclusa stay in your system?
- Can you drink alcohol while taking Epclusa?
- Epclusa vs Harvoni – Which is better?
- How does Epclusa work in the body?
- What is the difference between Vosevi and Epclusa?
Drug information
- Epclusa Information for Consumers
- Epclusa prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Epclusa (detailed)
Related support groups
- Epclusa (27 questions, 126 members)