What is Sovaldi: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Jan 25, 2021

Sovaldi overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Sovaldi

Generic Names:

  • Sovaldi

Uses:

  • Treats hepatitis C. Used together with ribavirin.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiviral

Forms:

  • Tablet, Pellet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Sovaldi used for?

What form(s) does Sovaldi come in

  • Tablet

  • Pellet

What are common Sovaldi doses?

  • Bottle 28 Tablets

Common Sovaldi prescriptions

  • Sovaldi
    28 tablets bottle

How to take Sovaldi

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep this medicine in its original container.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Sofosbuvir is always used together with ribavirin, and it may be also be used with peginterferon-alfa. Take all of the medicines your doctor prescribed. Make sure you understand all instructions.

  • Oral pellets: Take the oral pellets exactly as directed by your doctor.Do not open the packet until ready to use. Do not use a packet if the seal is broken or damaged.Hold the packet with the cut line on top and shake it gently to settle the pellets.Tear or cut the packet along the cut line.Swallow the oral pellets with water. Do not crush or chew them.If the oral pellets are taken with food, sprinkle the pellets on 1 or more spoonfuls of non-acidic soft food (such as pudding, chocolate syrup, mashed potato, and ice cream) at or below room temperature.Swallow the mixture right away (within 30 minutes). Do not save any of the mixture to use later.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Sofosbuvir is always used together with ribavirin, and it may be also be used with peginterferon-alfa. Take all of the medicines your doctor prescribed. Make sure you understand all instructions.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep this medicine in its original container.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral pellets: Take the oral pellets exactly as directed by your doctor.Do not open the packet until ready to use. Do not use a packet if the seal is broken or damaged.Hold the packet with the cut line on top and shake it gently to settle the pellets.Tear or cut the packet along the cut line.Swallow the oral pellets with water. Do not crush or chew them.If the oral pellets are taken with food, sprinkle the pellets on 1 or more spoonfuls of non-acidic soft food (such as pudding, chocolate syrup, mashed potato, and ice cream) at or below room temperature.Swallow the mixture right away (within 30 minutes). Do not save any of the mixture to use later.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sovaldi

Sovaldi contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it together with ribavirin if you are pregnant or your sexual partner is pregnant.

Sovaldi warnings

  • Ribavirin may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Follow all directions about birth control.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, other liver disease (including hepatitis B), or heart disease.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Sovaldi interactions

  • Amiodarone can cause serious side effects if used together with this medicine.

  • Some medicines can affect how sofosbuvir works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, St John's wort, tipranavir/ritonavirBlood pressure medicineCancer medicineMedicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)Steroid medicine

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Sovaldi side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Slow or uneven heartbeat

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Joint or muscle pain

  • Feeling irritable

  • Diarrhea, nausea

  • Tiredness, trouble sleeping

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