what medications should not be taken with epclusa

Some major drug interactions with Epclusa include:

• Antiepileptic medications including Tegretol (carbamazepine), Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), Luminal (phenobarbital), and Dilantin (phenytoin)
• HIV medications such as Sustiva (efavirenz), Aptivus (tipranavir), Viread (tenofovir), and Norvir (ritonavir)
• Antacids, H2-blockers such as Pepcid (famotidine), and proton-pump inhibitors such as Prilosec (omeprazole)

Full Answer

What medications affect Epclusa?

Examples include efavirenz, rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), St. John's wort, tipranavir/ritonavir, drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone), among others. Do not take this medication with other products that contain sofosbuvir.

Is it OK to take ibuprofen with Epclusa?

Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between Epclusa and ibuprofen.

Can you take vitamin D with Epclusa?

Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between Epclusa and Vitamin D3.

What is the best time of day to take Epclusa?

by Drugs.com Epclusa can be taken either in the morning or the evening, but it is important to take it at approximately the same time each day. Most people find it easier to take Epclusa in the morning because they take it as soon as they get up and that helps them to remember to take it at the same time every day.

What are the worst side effects of Epclusa?

Epclusa serious side effectsHepatitis B reactivation in coinfected patients. * People who have both hepatitis C and hepatitis B can have a reactivation of the hepatitis B virus when they start taking Epclusa. ... Serious allergic reaction. Some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Epclusa. ... Depression.

Can Epclusa cause weight gain?

No, Epclusa doesn't affect your body weight. But weight loss can be a sign of infections, including hepatitis C. And keep in mind that Epclusa is used to treat hepatitis C. You may also lose weight if you have nausea while you're taking Epclusa.

Does Epclusa make you tired?

Fatigue (lack of energy) can occur with Epclusa, and this is one of the most commonly reported side effects of the drug. Fatigue caused by Epclusa is usually mild.

What vitamins help with hep C?

The most commonly used supplement for hepatitis C is silymarin (an extract from milk thistle).

Can you have a glass of wine while taking Epclusa?

Although drinking alcohol is not strictly contraindicated with Epclusa treatment, it should be avoided. Alcohol can increase the side effects of Epclusa, such as: headache nausea diarrhea fatigue inflammation and scarring in the liver.

Can you drink coffee with Epclusa?

Coffee and Epclusa One or two cups of coffee a day is not a problem but if you are drinking ten or more cups of coffee a day you should consider reducing this whilst taking Epclusa. The same applies to energy drinks containing high levels of caffeine.

How long does it take Epclusa to cure Hep C?

Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured 3 months after treatment is completed.

Can I take Epclusa with coffee?

No interactions were found between caffeine and Epclusa. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Can you take Tylenol while taking Epclusa?

You can take over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat them, but be sure to take less than 2000 mg of acetaminophen a day to prevent further liver damage. The FDA has identified these as possible serious or life-threatening risks with this medication. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these.

Does Epclusa damage your liver?

EPCLUSA can cause serious side effects, including: This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. If you are at risk, your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after taking EPCLUSA.

What medicines should not be taken with Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir?

Coadministration of amiodarone with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir is not recommended. For patients taking amiodarone who have no other alternative viable treatment options and who will be coadministered sofosbuvir/velpatasvir: Counsel patients about the risk of symptomatic bradycardia.

What happens if you drink alcohol while taking Epclusa?

Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects with Epclusa, such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache. Alcohol itself can also cause liver inflammation and liver scarring (cirrhosis). Drinking alcohol while taking Epclusa may increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver failure.

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...

What is the best time of day to take Epclusa?

Epclusa can be taken either in the morning or the evening, but it is important to take it at approximately the same time each day. Most people find...

How long does Epclusa stay in your system?

Epclusa stays in your system approximately 3 days after the last dose.

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 hepa...

How long is an Epclusa treatment?

Epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir) is given as a single daily pill for 12 weeks duration. With advanced liver disease (decompensated cirrhosis, C...

Does Epclusa cure Hep C, what is the success rate?

Epclusa has a 98% overall cure rate in all 6 of the main types of hepatitis C in patients without cirrhosis (a serious liver disease) or with compe...

What will my life be like after Epclusa cures my hepatitis C?

After you’ve finished the 12-week Epclusa treatment, you won’t be cured of hepatitis C right away. You’ll be considered “cured” when the hepatitis...

How long do side effects from Epclusa last?

Side effects of Epclusa should end when you stop using the drug. Side effects after treatment weren’t reported in studies of Epclusa. The active dr...

Does Epclusa interact with any other drugs?

Yes, Epclusa can interact with many other medications. Before taking it, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over...

Does Epclusa have any long-term side effects?

No, long-term side effects haven’t been reported with Epclusa. However, hepatitis C can cause long-term harm to your liver, such as cirrhosis (live...

Is depression a side effect of Epclusa?

Yes, depression may be a rare side effect of Epclusa. However, this condition is common in people managing illnesses such as hepatitis C. If you ex...

What other drugs will affect Epclusa?

When you start or stop taking Epclusa, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis.

How should I take Epclusa?

Take Epclusa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

What is Epclusa?

Epclusa contains a combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir are antiviral medications that prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) from multiplying in your body.

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

How many cures does Epclusa have?

Epclusa has a 98% overall cure rate in all 6 of the main types of hepatitis C in patients without cirrhosis (a serious liver disease) or with compensated cirrhosis (mild or no symptoms). Continue reading

How long after taking Epclusa can you take omeprazole?

If you also take omeprazole ( Prilosec) or an antacid, do not take it for at least 4 hours after you have taken your dose of Epclusa (with food). Many drugs can interact with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

What happens if you are allergic to Epclusa?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Epclusa: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What are the side effects of Epclusa?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Headache and tiredness are the most common side effects of Epclusa. Other side effects reported in more than 10% of people include anemia, diarrhea, insomnia, itching, ...

When to use Epclusa?

Upsides. Epclusa is approved for use in adults and children at least 3 years of age with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 infection. May be used with ribavirin in patients with advanced liver disease (decompensated cirrhosis).

What is epclusa used for?

Epclusa is a fixed-dose combination medication containing velpatasvir and sofosbuvir that may be used to treat hepatitis C infection (HCV). Velpatasvir is a nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor and sofosbuvir is a pan-genotypic NS5A inhibitor.

How much does Epclusa cost?

In some cases, this has resulted in severe and rapid liver disease, hepatic failure, and death. The cost of Epclusa is roughly $78,078 for a 12-week course of treatment. Your cost might vary based on insurance or manufacturer-provided discounts.

How long does it take for Epclusa to detect a virus?

In clinical studies, 95% to 99% of Epclusa-treated patients without cirrhosis or with mild cirrhosis had no virus detected in the blood 12 weeks after finishing a 12-week regimen.

How many cure rates for epclusa?

Epclusa has a 98% overall cure rate in patients with genotype 1-6 without cirrhosis (a serious liver disease) or with compensated cirrhosis (meaning you have cirrhosis, but with mild or no symptoms). "Cure” means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured three months after treatment is completed.

Why is amiodarone not recommended?

amiodarone (not recommended because symptomatic bradycardia, fatal cardiac arrest, and pacemaker intervention have occurred)

How should I take EPCLUSA?

Your EPCLUSA dosing should follow exactly what your healthcare provider tells you.

What if my insurance doesn’t cover EPCLUSA?

You still might be eligible for financial assistance. Visit Financial Assistance & Insurance Support or speak with an EPCLUSA Support Path ® program navigator at 1-855-7-MYPATH (1-855-769-7284) to see what options might be available to you.

What should I bring with me when I visit my Hep C doctor?

When visiting your Hep C Specialist, be prepared to share your medical history. It’s a good idea to bring along:

How do I find out if my insurance covers EPCLUSA?

One way is by contacting EPCLUSA Support Path ®, where a program navigator can assist you with this and other insurance-related questions. Call EPCLUSA Support Path at 1-855-7-MYPATH (1-855-769-7284) and inform the EPCLUSA Support Path program navigator that you want to complete a benefits investigation. Provide the EPCLUSA Support Path program navigator with your name and address, the name and address of your prescribing doctor, your pharmacy benefit card, and your medical benefit card. You may also contact your insurance company directly.

How long will it take to receive verification of my benefits from EPCLUSA Support Path ®?

If you or your healthcare provider have contacted EPCLUSA Support Path and requested verification of your insurance coverage, you will receive verification of your benefits in a follow-up phone call from EPCLUSA Support Path within 24–48 hours. Your healthcare provider will receive a written benefit verification summary via fax within 48 hours.

Why is it important to stay on EPCLUSA for the full time?

Each day, the Hep C virus makes billions of copies of itself in your body. Staying on EPCLUSA for the full time gives it the best chance to fight the virus. It’s important that you don’t miss or skip doses of EPCLUSA during treatment.

How can I avoid getting Hep C again?

Hep C is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact. Sharing needles or drug equipment , having sex with someone who has Hep C, or using unsanitary tattoo equipment are all activities that may increase your risk of getting Hep C again.

What are the more common side effects of Epclusa?

Some people may have mild or serious side effects while taking Epclusa. Some of the more commonly reported side effects may include:

What to do if you have an allergic reaction to Epclusa?

If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Epclusa, they’ll discuss your treatment options with you. Keeping track of side effects. During your Epclusa treatment, consider keeping notes about any side effects you’re having and share this information with your doctor.

How long does Epclusa last?

Epclusa is a short-term treatment that’s typically used for 12 weeks. To learn more about the drug, see this in-depth article. Like all medications, Epclusa may cause side effects in some people. Keep reading to learn more. * Hepatitis C is a disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

What test is done before using Epclusa?

Before you start using Epclusa, your doctor will do a blood test to check for the HBV. If the test confirms that you’ve had hepatitis B, the doctor will monitor you closely during your Epclusa treatment. They will continue to monitor you after the treatment.

Is Epclusa good for hepatitis C?

Epclusa can be an effective treatment for the hepatitis C virus, but it may cause side effects in some people. In most cases, these are usually mild, but serious side effects are possible. If you have questions or concerns about side effects of Epclusa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can epclusa cause allergic reactions?

Like most drugs, Epclusa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Epclusa.

Does Epclusa interact with alcohol?

Epclusa isn’t known to interact with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol may raise your risk for certain side effects of Epclusa. These may include:

What are the side effects of Epclusa?

Mild side effects reported with the use of Epclusa include: headache. fatigue (lack of energy)

What to discuss with your doctor about Epclusa?

Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering Epclusa include your overall health and any medical conditions you may have.

How much does Epclusa weigh?

Epclusa can be used in people ages 6 years and older who weigh at least 17 kilograms (about 37 pounds). But Harvoni can be used in people ages 12 years and older or those who weight at least 35 kilograms (77 pounds).

What is the boxed warning on Epclusa?

Boxed warning: Reactivation of hepatitis B infection. Epclusa has a boxed warning about reactivation of hepatitis B infection.

How many strengths does Epclusa have?

Epclusa comes as tablets that each contain two active drugs. And it’s available in two strengths:

What is the best treatment for hepatitis C?

If you’re considering treatment for hepatitis C, your doctor may recommend Epclusa. It’s a prescription drug that’s used in adults and some children to treat hepatitis C, which is caused by hepatitis C virus.

Can you take more Epclusa than your doctor prescribes?

Don’t take more Epclusa than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects. If you take too much Epclusa, your doctor may closely monitor you for signs and symptoms of overdose.

How long does Epclusa last?

If you have failed a previous Hepatitis C treatment then you should seriously consider do the maximum Epclusa treatment period, which is generally considered to be 24 weeks. One of the reasons for this is because it is likely that the Hepatitis C virus in your body has developed some degree of resistance to treatment.

Why is Epclusa absorbed in the stomach?

Why? Because having a small amount of food in the stomach will stimulate the stomach acids and assist in the absorption process. The Epclusa is absorbed in the stomach, through the stomach walls. Not a large amount of food, not a huge meal, because some of the Velpatasvir is going to get caught up in the mass of food.

Can you take Epclusa with antacids?

Velpatasvir relies heavily on the stomach acids to dissolve it and make it easy for the body to absorb. This is why you must never take antacids when you are taking Epclusa or any other substance that might neutralise your stomach acid.

Is Epclusa a water soluble drug?

The first thing to understand when taking Epclusa is that Epclusa is two drugs, Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir. Velpatasvir is not a water soluble chemical. That is to say it does not dissolve easily. Sofosbuvir is very soluble, Velpatasvir is not very soluble. Velpatasvir relies heavily on the stomach acids to dissolve it and make it easy for ...

Can you drink water after taking epclusa?

Don’t drink too much water immediately after taking your pill. No antacids and its probably a good idea not to take magnesium supplement during treatment. Epclusa And Coffee, Epclusa Contraindications, Epclusa Cure Rate, Epclusa Effectiveness, Epclusa Efficacy, Epclusa Interactions, Epclusa Treatment.

What medications can affect the removal of Sofosbuvir?

Examples include efavirenz, rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin ), St. John's wort, tipranavir / ritonavir, drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone ), among others.

Can you read the patient information leaflet before taking Sofosbuvir?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Can you take Sofosbuvir if you are allergic to Velpatasvir?

Precautions. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to sofosbuvir or velpatasvir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Does Epclusa cause liver problems?

Warnings: Although this medication helps many people with hepatitis C, it may cause people who also have another liver problem called hepatitis B to get worse.

Can you breastfeed with ribavirin?

Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Breast-feeding is not recommended if this medication is used in combination with ribavirin.

Does omeprazole help with velpatasvir?

Other acid-lowering medications for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers (such as prescription or over-the-counter medications including famotidine, omeprazole) may prevent velpatasvir from working. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use these medications safely.

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