Blog

Other Health Conditions

Vosevi as a Treatment for HCV Infection

Vosevi patient suffering from HCV

Vosevi is a prescription medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It combines three active (main) ingredients; sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir. This medication stops the virus from multiplying. 

Vosevi is an effective drug for the treatment of HCV infections. It is administered orally in tablet form. It is generally taken once daily, with or without food for 12 weeks. It is important to take Vosevi exactly as prescribed by your doctor and complete the entire course of treatment.

The following patients should not take this medication:

  • Patients who have liver problems
  • Patients who have hypersensitivity to any of its active ingredients

Prior to taking Vosevi, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you are planning to conceive a baby. Patients taking warfarin and rifampin should also consult with their doctor before starting Vosevi.

What Is Vosevi Used For?

Vosevi is a film-coated medication used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults. It is also used in people who have not responded to previous treatment with sofosbuvir or other HCV therapy. 

How Does It Work?

Vosevi is a nucleotide polymerase and protease inhibitor. It blocks specific enzymes that are essential for HCV replication. 

The active ingredient in the drug prevents the virus from multiplying and infecting new cells by blocking the enzymes. This helps to reduce the amount of virus in the body and helps the immune system fight against the virus. 

How Is Vosevi Used?

Vosevi is given as a once-daily tablet with or without food. It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor and not miss any doses. Moreover, it is crucial to inform your doctor about your current or previous medicines, as some may interact with Vosevi.

When taking this medication, it is essential to avoid alcohol. This can increase the risk of severe side effects, including liver damage. 

Patients should also not take medications containing sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, or voxilaprevir with Vosevi. This can increase the risk of side effects and reduce the effectiveness of Vosevi.

Side Effects of Vosevi

Patient experiencing headaches

The common or mild side include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Trouble sleeping

The moderate side effects include:

  • Depression
  • Insomnia

Severe side effects include:

  • Hepatitis B (HBV) reactivation
  • Liver failure
  • Anaphylaxis

These side effects are usually caused by the body’s immune system responding to the virus. The common or mild side effects occur normally and go away as your body gets used to the drug. Contact your doctor for medical advice if these side effects persist or worsen. As with all medications, it is important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Contraindications

Vosevi is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any of its components. People with moderate to severe liver impairment should not take this medication as it may cause further damage to the liver. 

Additionally, Vosevi is contraindicated or interacts with other medications, which include rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, acid-reducing agents, statins, and St. John’s wort.

Vosevi should also not be taken with HIV medications, HIV protease inhibitors, or other antiviral medications. 

It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications before taking Vosevi to determine if they have the potential to interact with the drug.

Strength

Vosevi contains 400 mg of sofosbuvir, 100 mg of velpatasvir, and 100 mg of voxilaprevir.

Dosing Information of Vosevi

The following is the dosing guide of Vosevi:

Dose for Hepatitis C

The usual dose is one tablet once a day, given orally.

There is not enough evidence of treatment with Vosevi in patients under 18. Also, patients should not share their medications with others.

Cost

The price of Vosevi is about $26,250 for a bottle of 28 tablets. However, this cost can vary depending on the following factors:

  • Pharmacy/hospital where this drug is being administered
  • Insurance plan of the patient
  • Length of the regimen

FAQs

What is Vosevi used for?

Vosevi is used to treat adults with genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. 

What is the dosage of Vosevi?

The recommended dosage is one tablet taken orally once daily with or without food. 

Are there any side effects associated with this medication?

Yes, some common side effects associated with Vosevi include fatigue, headache, nausea, and insomnia.

How long does it take for Vosevi to show its effects?

The effects of Vosevi start to appear within a few weeks of treatment. But it may take up to 12 weeks for a complete response. Complete the therapy course as directed, even if no more virus is detected in your blood.

Conclusion

Vosevi is a nucleotide polymerase inhibitor and a prescription-based drug that is used to treat hepatitis C and its various genotypes. The drug should not be taken without the doctor’s recommendation or instruction. 

Vosevi is a film-coated tablet that can be taken with or without food. Some common side effects are headaches, vomiting, nausea, and itching.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content. AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care does not operate all the websites/organizations listed here, nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care. This webpage may contain references to brand-name prescription drugs that are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers not affiliated with AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY Dr. Christine Leduc, PharmD

Dr. Christine Leduc, PharmD, was born and raised in Irvine, CA. She attended college at Midwestern University, where she graduated cum laude. The most rewarding part of her job is suggesting lifestyle changes, educating patients on how their medication works, and precepting future pharmacists. Her areas of expertise are customer service and knowledge of specialty medication. Having worked in the service industry in the past, she has gained the customer service skills necessary to understand the needs of her patients. Dr. Leduc is currently precepting students from Marshall B. Ketchum University, University of Kansas, and Midwestern University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and gardening. See Author Biography