Sofosbuvir: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Sofosbuvir is a direct-acting antiviral for hepatitis C. It is a prescription medicine used for chronic hepatitis C. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 5 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Sofosbuvir works

Sofosbuvir blocks an enzyme called NS5B polymerase, which the hepatitis C virus needs to copy its genetic material. Without it, the virus cannot multiply. It is always combined with another antiviral that attacks a different part of the virus, which makes treatment more effective and helps prevent resistance.

What is Sofosbuvir used for?

• Chronic hepatitis C

Sofosbuvir is used in combination with other antiviral medicines, such as daclatasvir, velpatasvir or ledipasvir, and sometimes ribavirin, to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. Pakistan has one of the highest rates of hepatitis C in the world, and modern combination treatment clears the virus in the large majority of people who complete the course. Clearing the virus lowers the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Side effects of Sofosbuvir

Sofosbuvir is generally well tolerated. Side effects people commonly report include:

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability

Get urgent help for a very slow heartbeat, fainting, chest pain or breathlessness, especially if you take amiodarone. Also contact your doctor if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or swelling of the abdomen.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell your doctor if you take amiodarone or other heart rhythm medicines, as a dangerously slow heartbeat can occur with this combination.
• Your doctor will test for hepatitis B before treatment, because hepatitis B can flare up as hepatitis C is cleared.
• Some medicines reduce its effect, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St John's wort, and acid-reducing medicines can affect some partner drugs, so give your doctor a full list of what you take.
• Take every dose for the full length of treatment prescribed, and attend follow-up blood tests to confirm the virus has cleared.
• When combined with ribavirin, pregnancy must be avoided by both partners; discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your doctor.

Frequently asked questions about Sofosbuvir

What is the price of Sofosbuvir in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Sofosbuvir products currently in stock range from Rs 11,267 to Rs 11,426 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Sofhep 400 mg Tablet at Rs 11,267. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Sofosbuvir are available in Pakistan?

Sofosbuvir is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Sofhep (Aspin Pharma), Abriva (CCL Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Sofohil (Hilton Pharma Ltd) and Hepaldi (Scotman Pharmaceuticals).

Do I need a prescription for Sofosbuvir?

Yes. Sofosbuvir is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Sofosbuvir be used during pregnancy?

When combined with ribavirin, pregnancy must be avoided by both partners; discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your doctor.

Are all Sofosbuvir brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Sofosbuvir in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Sofosbuvir brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 10 products containing Sofosbuvir from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.