sovaldi
Pharmaranks rates Sovaldi 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) is a medication used to treat Chronic Hepatitis C.
Sofosbuvir · by Gilead Sciences Inc
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Sofosbuvir
- Form
- Oral pellets, Tablet
- Strength
- Sofosbuvir 150MG/PACKET · Sofosbuvir 200MG/PACKET
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- chronic hepatitis c
- Manufacturer
- Gilead Sciences Inc
- FDA application
- NDA212480
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Sovaldi?
From the FDA label:SOVALDI (sofosbuvir) is a nucleotide analog inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase. The IUPAC name for sofosbuvir is ( S )-isopropyl 2-(( S )-(((2 R ,3 R ,4 R ,5 R )-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2 H )-yl)-4-fluoro-3-hydroxy-4-methyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methoxy)-(phenoxy)phosphorylamino)propanoate. It has a molecular formula of C 22 H 29 FN 3 O 9 P and a molecular weight of 529.45. It has the following structural formula: Sofosbuvir is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a solubility of ≥ 2 mg/mL across the pH range of 2–7.7 at 37 °C and is slightly soluble in water. SOVALDI tablets, 200 mg or 400 mg, are for oral administration. Each tablet contains 200 mg or 400 mg of sofosbuvir. The tablets include the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, mannitol, and microcrystalline cellulose. The tablets are film-coated with a coating material containing the following inactive ingredients: polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide. SOVALDI pellets, 150 mg or 200 mg, are for oral administration, supplied as white to off-white pellets in unit-dose packets. Each unit-dose packet contains 150 mg or 200 mg of sofosbuvir. The pellets include the following inactive ingredients: amino methacrylate copolymer, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl…
How to use
Sovaldi is sold in more than one form (Oral pellets and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA212480 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
Testing Prior to the Initiation of Therapy: Test all patients for HBV infection by measuring HBsAg and anti-HBc. ( 2.1 ) Recommended dosage in adults: One 400 mg tablet taken once daily with or without food. ( 2.2 ) Recommended dosage in pediatric patients 3 years of age and older: Recommended dosage of SOVALDI in pediatric patients 3 years of age and older with genotype 2 or 3 HCV using SOVALDI tablets or oral pellets is based on weight. Refer to Table 3 of the full prescribing information for specific dosing guidelines based on body weight. ( 2.3 ) HCV/HIV-1 coinfection: For adult and pediatric patients with HCV/HIV-1 coinfection, follow the dosage recommendations in the tables below, respectively. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Recommended adult treatment regimen and duration: ( 2.2 ) Adult Patient Population Regimen and Duration Genotype 1 or 4 Treatment-naïve without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) SOVALDI + peginterferon alfa + ribavirin 12 weeks Genotype 2 Treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) SOVALDI + ribavirin 12 weeks Genotype 3 Treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) SOVALDI + ribavirin 24 weeks SOVALDI in combination with ribavirin for 24 weeks can be considered for adult patients with genotype 1 infection who are interferon…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Symptomatic Bradycardia When Coadministered with Amiodarone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . The most common adverse events (incidence greater than or equal to 20%, all grades) observed with SOVALDI in combination with ribavirin were fatigue and headache. The most common adverse events observed with SOVALDI in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin were fatigue, headache, nausea, insomnia and anemia. ( 6.1 ). The most common adverse events observed with SOVALDI in combination with ribavirin oral solution in pediatric patients was decreased appetite. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Gilead Sciences, Inc. at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. When SOVALDI is administered with ribavirin or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin, refer to the respective prescribing information for a description of adverse reactions associated with their use. Adverse Reactions in Adult Subjects The safety assessment of SOVALDI was based on pooled Phase…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Test all patients for evidence of current or prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before initiating treatment with SOVALDI. HBV reactivation has been reported in HCV/HBV coinfected patients who were undergoing or had completed treatment with HCV direct acting antivirals and were not receiving HBV antiviral therapy. Some cases have resulted in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Monitor HCV/HBV coinfected patients for hepatitis flare or HBV reactivation during HCV treatment and post-treatment follow-up. Initiate appropriate patient management for HBV infection as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: RISK OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION IN PATIENTS COINFECTED WITH HCV AND HBV See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been reported, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. ( 5.1 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation: Test all patients for evidence of current or prior HBV infection before initiation of HCV treatment. Monitor HCV/HBV coinfected patients for HBV reactivation and hepatitis flare during HCV treatment and post-treatment follow-up. Initiate appropriate patient management for HBV infection as clinically indicated. ( 5.1 ) Bradycardia with amiodarone coadministration: Serious symptomatic bradycardia may occur in patients taking amiodarone with a sofosbuvir-containing regimen, particularly in patients also receiving beta blockers, or those with underlying cardiac comorbidities and/or advanced liver disease. Coadministration of amiodarone with SOVALDI is not recommended. In patients without alternative, viable treatment options, cardiac monitoring is recommended. ( 5.2 , 6.2 , 7.1 ) 5.1 Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients Coinfected with HCV and HBV Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been reported in HCV/HBV coinfected patients who were undergoing or had completed treatment with HCV direct acting antivirals, and who were not receiving HBV antiviral therapy. Some cases have resulted in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Cases have been reported in patients who are HBsAg positive and also in patients with serologic evidence of resolved HBV infection (i.e., HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive). HBV reactivation has also been reported in patients receiving certain immunosuppressant or chemotherapeutic agents; the risk of HBV reactivation associated with treatment with HCV direct-acting antivirals may be increased in these patients. HBV reactivation is characterized as an abrupt increase in HBV replication manifesting as a rapid increase in serum HBV DNA level. In patients with resolved HBV infection, reappearance of HBsAg can occur. Reactivation of HBV replication may be accompanied by hepatitis, i.e., increases in aminotransferase levels and, in severe cases, increases in bilirubin levels, liver failure, and death can occur. Test all patients for evidence of current or prior HBV infection by measuring HBsAg and anti-HBc before initiating HCV treatment with SOVALDI. In patients with serologic evidence of HBV infection, monitor for clinical and laboratory signs of hepatitis flare or HBV reactivation during HCV treatment with SOVALDI and during post-treatment follow-up. Initiate appropriate patient management for HBV infection as clinically indicated. 5.2 Serious Symptomatic Bradycardia When Coadministered with Amiodarone Postmarketing cases of symptomatic bradycardia and cases requiring pacemaker intervention have been reported when amiodarone is coadministered with a sofosbuvir-containing regimen. A fatal cardiac arrest was reported in a patient taking amiodarone who was coadministered a sofosbuvir-containing regimen (HARVONI [ledipasvir/sofosbuvir]). Bradycardia has generally occurred within hours to days, but cases have been observed up to 2 weeks after initiating HCV treatment. Patients also taking beta blockers, or those with underlying cardiac comorbidities and/or advanced liver disease may be at increased risk for symptomatic bradycardia with coadministration of amiodarone. Bradycardia generally resolved after discontinuation of HCV treatment. The mechanism for this effect is unknown. Coadministration of amiodarone with SOVALDI is not recommended. For patients taking amiodarone who have no other alternative, viable treatment options and who will be coadministered SOVALDI: Counsel patients about the risk of serious symptomatic bradycardia Cardiac monitoring in an in-patient setting for the first 48 hours of coadministration is recommended, after which outpatient or self-monitoring of the heart rate should occur on a daily basis through at least the first 2 weeks of treatment. Patients who are taking SOVALDI who need to start amiodarone therapy due to no other alternative, viable treatment options should undergo similar cardiac monitoring as outlined above. Due to amiodarone's long half-life, patients discontinuing amiodarone just prior to starting SOVALDI should also undergo similar cardiac monitoring as outlined above. Patients who develop signs or symptoms of bradycardia should seek medical evaluation immediately. Symptoms may include near-fainting or fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, malaise, weakness, excessive tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pains, confusion or memory problems [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) , Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 5.3 Risk of Reduced Therapeutic Effect Due to Use with P-gp Inducers Drugs that are P-gp inducers in the intestine (e.g., rifampin, St. John's wort) may significantly decrease sofosbuvir plasma concentrations and may lead to a reduced therapeutic effect of SOVALDI. The use of rifampin and St. John's wort with SOVALDI is not recommended [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 5.4 Risks Associated with Combination Treatment Because SOVALDI is used in combination with other antiviral drugs for treatment of HCV infection, consult the prescribing information for these drugs used in combination with SOVALDI. Warnings and Precautions related to these drugs also apply to their use in SOVALDI combination treatment.
Who should not take Sovaldi
When SOVALDI is used in combination with ribavirin or peginterferon alfa/ribavirin, the contraindications applicable to those agents are applicable to combination therapies. Refer to the prescribing information of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for a list of their contraindications. When used in combination with peginterferon alfa/ribavirin or ribavirin alone, all contraindications to peginterferon alfa and/or ribavirin also apply to SOVALDI combination therapy. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
The highest documented dosage of sofosbuvir was a single dose of sofosbuvir 1200 mg (three times the recommended dosage) administered to 59 healthy subjects. In that trial, there were no untoward effects observed at this dosage level, and adverse events were similar in frequency and severity to those reported in the placebo and sofosbuvir 400 mg treatment groups. The effects of higher dosages are not known. No specific antidote is available for overdose with SOVALDI. If overdose occurs, the patient must be monitored for evidence of toxicity. Treatment of overdose with SOVALDI consists of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs as well as observation of the clinical status of the patient. A 4-hour hemodialysis session removed 18% of the administered dose.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Coadministration of amiodarone with a sofosbuvir-containing regimen may result in serious symptomatic bradycardia. ( 5.2 , 6.2 , 7.1 ) Drugs that are intestinal P-gp inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John's wort) may alter the concentrations of sofosbuvir. ( 5.3 , 7 , 12.3 ) Consult the full prescribing information prior to use for potential drug-drug interactions. ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 7 , 12.3 ) Clearance of HCV infection with direct acting antivirals may lead to changes in hepatic function, which may impact safe and effective use of concomitant medications. Frequent monitoring of relevant laboratory parameters (INR or blood glucose) and dose adjustments of certain concomitant medications may be necessary. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Sofosbuvir is a substrate of drug transporter P-gp and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) while the predominant circulating metabolite GS-331007 is not. Drugs that are P-gp inducers in the intestine (e.g., rifampin or St. John's wort) may decrease sofosbuvir plasma concentration, leading to reduced therapeutic effect of SOVALDI, and thus concomitant use with SOVALDI is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Clearance of HCV infection with direct acting antivirals may lead to changes in hepatic function, which may impact the safe and effective use of concomitant medications. For example, altered blood glucose control resulting in serious symptomatic hypoglycemia has been reported in diabetic patients in postmarketing case reports and published epidemiological studies. Management of hypoglycemia in these cases required either discontinuation or dose modification of concomitant medications used for diabetes treatment. Frequent monitoring of relevant laboratory parameters (e.g. International Normalized Ratio [INR] in patients taking warfarin, blood glucose levels in diabetic patients) or drug concentrations of concomitant medications such as cytochrome P450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g. certain immunosuppressants) is recommended to ensure safe and effective use. Dose adjustments of concomitant medications may be necessary. Information on potential drug interactions with SOVALDI is summarized in Table 7. The table is not all-inclusive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Table 7 Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Alteration in Dosage or Regimen May Be Recommended Based on Drug Interaction Studies or Predicted Interaction This table is not all-inclusive. Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration ↓ = decrease. Clinical Comment Antiarrhythmics: amiodarone Effect on amiodarone and sofosbuvir concentrations unknown Coadministration of amiodarone with a sofosbuvir-containing regimen may result in serious symptomatic bradycardia. The mechanism of this effect is unknown. Coadministration of amiodarone with SOVALDI is not recommended; if coadministration is required, cardiac monitoring is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine phenytoin phenobarbital oxcarbazepine ↓ sofosbuvir ↓ GS-331007 Coadministration of SOVALDI with carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital or oxcarbazepine is expected to decrease the concentration of sofosbuvir, leading to reduced therapeutic effect of SOVALDI. Coadministration is not recommended. Antimycobacterials: Rifabutin rifampin rifapentine ↓ sofosbuvir ↓ GS-331007 Coadministration of SOVALDI with rifabutin or rifapentine is expected to decrease the concentration of sofosbuvir, leading to reduced therapeutic effect of SOVALDI. Coadministration is not recommended. Coadministration of SOVALDI with rifampin, an intestinal P-gp inducer, is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Herbal Supplements: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) ↓ sofosbuvir ↓ GS-331007 Coadministration of SOVALDI with St. John's wort, an intestinal P-gp inducer, is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. HIV Protease Inhibitors: tipranavir/ritonavir ↓ sofosbuvir ↓ GS-331007 Coadministration of SOVALDI with tipranavir/ritonavir is expected to decrease the concentration of sofosbuvir, leading to reduced therapeutic effect of SOVALDI. Coadministration is not recommended. 7.2 Drugs without Clinically Significant Interactions with SOVALDI Based on drug interaction studies conducted with SOVALDI, no clinically significant drug interactions have been either observed or are expected when SOVALDI is combined with the following drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]: cyclosporine, darunavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, emtricitabine, methadone, oral contraceptives, raltegravir, rilpivirine, tacrolimus, or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Oral pellets and Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Sovaldi treat?
- Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) may be used to treat chronic hepatitis c, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Sovaldi rated?
- pharmaranks gives Sovaldi a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Sovaldi?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Sovaldi. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Sovaldi?
- Sovaldi is marketed by Gilead Sciences Inc. You can see Gilead Sciences Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Sovaldi a brand-name or generic drug?
- Sovaldi is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Sofosbuvir.
- Is Sovaldi available over the counter?
- No. Sovaldi is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Sovaldi come in?
- Sovaldi is currently marketed as oral pellets and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Sovaldi FDA-registered?
- Sovaldi is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA212480. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Sovaldi been recalled by the FDA?
- Sovaldi has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Sovaldi safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Sovaldi a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Sovaldi?
- Sovaldi's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Symptomatic Bradycardia When Coadministered with Amiodarone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . The most common adverse events (incidence greater than or equal to 20%,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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sovaldi
70/100