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Sofosbuvir / Velpatasvir Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 19, 2024.

Applies to sofosbuvir / velpatasvir: oral packet, oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Test all patients for evidence of current or prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before initiating treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir.

HBV reactivation has been reported in HCV/HBV coinfected patients who were undergoing or had completed treatment with HCV direct acting antivirals and were not receiving HBV antiviral therapy.

Some cases have resulted in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death.

Monitor HCV/HBV coinfected patients for hepatitis flare or HBV reactivation during HCV treatment and post-treatment follow-up.

Initiate appropriate patient management for HBV infection as clinically indicated.

Other side effects

Some side effects of sofosbuvir / velpatasvir may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • headache
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

  • diarrhea
  • discouragement
  • feeling sad or empty
  • irritability
  • lack of appetite, nausea
  • lack or loss of strength
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • rash
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, sofosbuvir / velpatasvir may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sofosbuvir / velpatasvir:

Incidence not known

  • chest pain or discomfort
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
  • skin rash, sometimes with blisters or hive-like swelling
  • slow or irregular heartbeat
  • trouble breathing
  • unconsciousness
  • unusual tiredness
Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to sofosbuvir / velpatasvir: oral pellet, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effects reported with this drug were fatigue, headache, nausea, and nasopharyngitis. When this drug was studied with ribavirin, the most common side effects were fatigue, anemia, nausea, headache, insomnia, and diarrhea.

The most common side effects in liver transplant recipients (without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis) were headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and asthenia.

The most common side effect in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) with compensated liver disease (with or without cirrhosis) and end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis was nausea.

If this drug is used with ribavirin, the manufacturer product information for ribavirin should be consulted for associated side effects.[Ref]

Other

Nervous system

Hematologic

Decreases in hemoglobin to less than 10 g/dL and 8.5 g/dL during combination therapy were reported in 23% and 7% of subjects, respectively.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Isolated, asymptomatic lipase elevations (greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal [3 x ULN]) were reported in up to 6% of subjects.

Vomiting and spitting up the drug was reported in 15% and 10% of pediatric patients younger than 6 years (n=41), respectively.[Ref]

Respiratory

Psychiatric

Cardiovascular

Severe bradycardia and heart block have been reported when sofosbuvir-containing regimens were used in combination with amiodarone and/or other agents that lower heart rate.

Serious symptomatic bradycardia has been reported in patients taking amiodarone who started therapy with a regimen containing sofosbuvir.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Musculoskeletal

Isolated, asymptomatic creatine kinase elevations (at least 10 x ULN) were reported in up to 2% of subjects.[Ref]

Hepatic

Increased indirect bilirubin (up to 3 mg/dL above baseline) was reported in HIV-1/HCV-coinfected patients using this drug and an atazanavir/ritonavir-based antiretroviral regimen.[Ref]

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

3. (2016) "Product Information. Epclusa (sofosbuvir-velpatasvir)." Gilead Sciences

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer