Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for hepatitis C
Content date: 11 November 2026
An oral treatment for hepatitis C across viral genotypes. It aims for cure; the regimen depends on liver health and previous treatment.
Your next step
Check your written prescription and monitoring plan. If anything is unclear, ask your care team before changing a dose.
Get urgent help: Get urgent help for fainting, a markedly slow heartbeat, chest pain, breathlessness, new jaundice or confusion.
How to use
- The usual adult Epclusa dose is one 400/100 mg tablet daily, with or without food, commonly for 12 weeks. Selected patients, particularly those with liver decompensation, need a different plan or added ribavirin. Complete the prescribed course. For a missed dose or vomiting after dosing, follow your product leaflet or ask the pharmacist; never double a dose.
Storage
- Follow the temperature requirement on your dispensed pack and retain the original container. Product labels can differ. Keep away from children and heat; do not leave it in a hot car.
Tests and follow-up
- Before starting, assess liver disease, kidney function and HCV RNA, and test for HIV and hepatitis B. HBV may reactivate during or after treatment, so monitoring or preventive treatment is arranged when needed. An undetectable HCV RNA result at least 12 weeks after treatment completion confirms cure.
Possible side effects: what to expect
- Not everyone gets side effects. Headache, tiredness or nausea may occur and are usually mild. Rest and regular meals may help; contact your team if symptoms persist rather than stopping the course yourself for a minor symptom.
- Important precautions include hepatitis B reactivation in people with current or previous infection and interactions with other medicines, making screening and medication review necessary. Added ribavirin requires extra attention to anaemia and its pregnancy precautions.
Important
- Review every medicine and supplement, especially amiodarone, seizure medicines, rifampicin, statins and St John’s wort. Acid-reducing medicines can impair absorption: separate ordinary antacids by four hours; omeprazole and similar drugs need a clinician-approved plan. Discuss pregnancy/breastfeeding; added ribavirin requires its strict precautions.
My prescribed plan - complete with the team
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
When to get help
Get urgent help for fainting, a markedly slow heartbeat, chest pain, breathlessness, new jaundice or confusion.
Contact the clinic for persistent headache, fatigue or nausea, repeated missed doses, or a new need for heartburn treatment.