Velpanat Tablets

Velpanat is a brand name for a fixed-dose combination of two antiviral medications: Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir. It is used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

 

 

Mechanism of Action

 

The two active ingredients in Velpanat work together to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis C virus:

 

• Sofosbuvir (400 mg): This is a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor. It targets and blocks the NS5B polymerase enzyme, which the hepatitis C virus needs to copy its genetic material (RNA). By inhibiting this enzyme, Sofosbuvir stops the virus from multiplying.

   
   

   

• Velpatasvir (100 mg): This is an NS5A inhibitor. It targets and blocks the NS5A protein, which is another crucial component for the virus to assemble new particles and replicate.

   

   

The combination of these two drugs offers a highly effective, pan-genotypic (effective against all six main genotypes of HCV) treatment. It has very high cure rates, often over 90%, for a wide range of patients.

 

Uses

 

Velpanat is primarily used for the treatment of:

• Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection: It is indicated for adults and adolescents with chronic HCV infection, with or without cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). In some cases, it may be used with another antiviral medication, ribavirin, especially in patients with more advanced liver disease.

   
   

   

The drug works by lowering the viral load (the amount of virus in the blood) and eventually clearing the virus from the body, which helps to prevent long-term liver damage, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

 

 

Dosage and Administration

 

• Velpanat is taken orally as a tablet, typically once a day.

   

   

• It can be taken with or without food.

   

   

• The usual treatment duration is 12 weeks, but a doctor will determine the exact duration and dosage based on the patient's specific condition.

   

   

• It is crucial to take the medication as prescribed and to complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the virus is completely eradicated and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.

   

   

 

Side Effects

 

Velpanat is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are often mild. The most common side effects include:

 

• Headache

   

   

• Fatigue or tiredness

   

   

• Nausea and vomiting

   

   

• Diarrhea

   

   

• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)

   

   

More serious, but less common, side effects can occur. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience:

• A life-threateningly slow heart rate (bradycardia), especially if they are also taking amiodarone (a heart medication).

   

   

• Signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

   

   

 

Important Considerations

 

 

• Prescription-only: Velpanat is a powerful medication and must be used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional, typically a specialist in liver disease or infectious diseases.

   

   

• Drug Interactions: Velpanat has significant interactions with several other medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, and certain heart medications like amiodarone. It is essential to inform the doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products being taken.

   

   

• Hepatitis B Reactivation: Before starting treatment, all patients should be screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In some cases, HCV treatment can lead to a reactivation of a previously inactive HBV infection, which can cause serious liver complications.