Sofovir

Sofovir is an antiviral medication that prevents hepatitis C virus (HCV) from multiplying in your body. Sofovir is used in combination with other medications to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children who are at least 12 years old or who weigh at least 77 pounds (35 kilograms). Sofovir treats specific genotypes of hepatitis C, and only in certain people. Use only the medications prescribed for you. Do not share your medicine with other people. Sofovir must be given in combination with other antiviral medications and should not be used alone. Sofovir is usually given with ribavirin, with or without peginterferon alfa. Sofovir is sometimes used in people who also have HIV, or people who have liver cancer and are going to have a liver transplant. Sofovir is not a treatment for HIV or AIDS. If you have ever had hepatitis B, Sofovir can cause this condition to come back or get worse. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function. Sofovir is used in combination with other medication. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication in your combination therapy. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. You should not use Sofovir if you are allergic to it. If you take Sofovir with other antiviral medicines: There may be other reasons you should not take this combination treatment. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions. To make sure Sofovir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: hepatitis B; liver problems other than hepatitis C; kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); HIV (human immunodeficiency virus); if you have recently used a heart rhythm medicine called amiodarone; or if you use a blood thinner and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests. Sofovir is used in combination with ribavirin. Ribavirin can cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. If you are a woman, do not use ribavirin if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before taking ribavirin and every month during your treatment. If you are a man, do not use ribavirin if your sexual partner is pregnant. An unborn baby could be harmed if you have sex with a pregnant woman while you are taking ribavirin. While taking Sofovir with ribavirin, use at least 2 effective forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy, whether you are a man or a woman. Ribavirin use by either parent may cause birth defects. Keep using 2 forms of birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of ribavirin. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ribavirin. It is not known whether Sofovir passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening symptoms such as: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain; dark urine, clay-colored stools; or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). If you take Sofovir and you also take a heart rhythm medicine called amiodarone: This combination of medicines can cause dangerous side effects on your heart. Get medical help right away if you take these medicines and you have: very slow heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath; confusion, memory problems; or weakness, extreme tiredness, light-headed feeling (like you might pass out). Common side effects may include: headache, feeling tired; anemia; nausea; or sleep problems (insomnia). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.