Velpatasvir
Velpatasvir is an antiviral used with sofosbuvir to treat chronic hepatitis C. PockDose lists Velpanat tablets, a 400/100mg combination of both ingredients, for a once-daily course.
Velpatasvir is one of the direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C, and it is only ever used together with sofosbuvir in a single tablet. The two attack the virus at different points. Sofosbuvir blocks NS5B polymerase, the enzyme the virus uses to copy its genetic material; velpatasvir blocks NS5A, a protein needed to assemble new virus particles. Because velpatasvir is pangenotypic, it works against the main genetic types of the virus. The tablet treats chronic hepatitis C, an infection that goes on damaging the liver for years, in adults and in children from three years old.
Why velpatasvir comes with sofosbuvir
Each fixed tablet carries both antivirals, since they block different viral proteins. No velpatasvir-only tablet exists. What the shop sells is Velpanat, a film-coated tablet holding 400mg sofosbuvir and 100mg velpatasvir, and you will find it among the antivirals.
How the daily tablet is taken
One tablet, once a day, for 12 weeks in most cases; some people are given 24 weeks. The time of day does not matter, and eating before or after makes no difference to how much is absorbed — what helps is choosing a slot you will remember and keeping to it. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. A forgotten dose can still be taken later that same day, but once the next one is close, let the missed tablet go and pick up the routine again. Never take two tablets to catch up. Stopping early gives the virus a chance to return, so the whole course matters even once you feel better.
Side effects
Headache and tiredness show up most often, with nausea or difficulty sleeping in some people; these tend to ease as the weeks go on. Serious reactions are rare. A rare allergic reaction can swell the mouth or throat and make breathing hard; that is an emergency. An old hepatitis B infection can wake up while you are on these antivirals or soon after the course. Skin or eyes turning yellow, dark urine, pale stools, no appetite or unusual tiredness need urgent treatment. Amiodarone, used for heart rhythm problems, can slow the heartbeat dangerously when taken with these antivirals.
Interactions and storage
St John's wort reduces the amount of velpatasvir in the body and should not be used with it. Acid reducers interfere too: an antacid needs a four-hour gap from the tablet, and an H2 blocker such as famotidine a twelve-hour gap, while proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole also affect velpatasvir. Store the tablets in their original pack, in a dry place that does not get hot.
Sources
- Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir Gilead 400 mg/100 mg film coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 7294 — UK Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC)
Where can I order Velpatasvir for delivery in Hong Kong?
Velpatasvir can be ordered online from PockDose with delivery to Hong Kong. The page lists Velpanat tablets, a combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, in a 400/100mg strength. Every order ships in plain, unbranded packaging with nothing on the outside about the contents.
What is the price of Velpatasvir?
Velpanat is priced per pack: its page lists every strength and pack size with the current price in HKD or your chosen currency.
Do I need a prescription to order Velpatasvir?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order velpatasvir. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the other names for sofosbuvir and velpatasvir?
Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir are sold under brand names including Epclusa. Here, sofosbuvir and velpatasvir can be bought online as Velpanat. These are generics, not the original brand.
What is velpatasvir used for?
It treats chronic hepatitis C, the long-running liver infection, and is always taken together with sofosbuvir. Velpatasvir blocks NS5A, a viral protein the virus needs to build new copies of itself; sofosbuvir blocks NS5B. Velpanat combines both antivirals in one daily tablet.
How long does Velpanat treatment last?
Most courses are one tablet a day for 12 weeks. A 24-week course is given in some cases, such as a liver that is already scarred. Your length is settled before the first dose, and the tablets are taken to the end because the virus can return after an early stop.
Can I drink alcohol with Velpanat?
Alcohol has no direct interaction with sofosbuvir or velpatasvir, but a liver inflamed by hepatitis C has less capacity to process it. Many people stay off alcohol for the weeks of treatment so the liver is not dealing with two things at once.
Can I take Velpanat with food?
Yes. Food does not change how much of either antiviral is absorbed, so the tablet can be taken with a meal or between meals. What matters is a regular daily slot and swallowing the tablet whole.
What does 400/100mg mean on Velpanat?
The two figures are the amounts of each antiviral in one tablet: 400mg of sofosbuvir and 100mg of velpatasvir. That fixed combination is the strength Velpanat is made in, taken as a single tablet once a day.