Savera Tablet (Sofosbuvir): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Savera Tablet (Sofosbuvir) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Savera Tablet? (Savera Sofosbuvir kya hai)

Savera (Sofosbuvir 400mg) is Pakistan's licensed generic antiviral tablet used for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is a product of Ferozsons Laboratories, licensed from Gilead Sciences. Sofosbuvir is an NS5B RNA polymerase inhibitor — it terminates HCV's RNA chain to block viral replication.

Important: Sofosbuvir alone is insufficient. It must always be given in combination with an NS5A inhibitor or Ribavirin — depending on the genotype.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aata hai)

• Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection — all genotypes (1, 2, 3, 4)
• HCV genotype 1 — with Ledipasvir (Harvoni combination)
• HCV genotype 2 — with Ribavirin for 12 weeks
• HCV genotype 3 — with Velpatasvir or Ribavirin
• HCV-HIV co-infection
• HCV with liver cirrhosis — carefully monitored combination therapy

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko lena chahiye)

• Patients with confirmed chronic HCV infection (diagnosed by blood test)
• Under the supervision of a hepatologist or gastroenterologist
• After liver function tests and HCV RNA PCR

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi lena chahiye)

• Currently taking Amiodarone (heart medicine) — CONTRAINDICATED
• During pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Never take without a specialist's prescription
• Do not start without screening for Hepatitis B infection (reactivation risk)
• With P-gp inducers (rifampicin, St. John's Wort) — efficacy may be eliminated

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

This medicine is part of a combination antiviral regimen. Dose and duration depend on HCV genotype. Always follow your hepatologist's prescription.

• Sofosbuvir 400mg + Ledipasvir 90mg (Harvoni) — daily, 8-12 weeks
• Sofosbuvir 400mg + Velpatasvir 100mg (Epclusa) — daily, 12 weeks
• Sofosbuvir 400mg + Ribavirin — for genotype 2/3, 12-24 weeks

Do not exceed the prescribed limit.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered — if the next dose time is close, skip it. Never take a double dose. Compliance in HCV treatment is very important.

7. How to Take (Kaise lena hai)

• Take at the same time every day
• With or without food — both are acceptable
• Do not forget to also take the combination partner (Ledipasvir/Velpatasvir/Ribavirin)
• If taking antacids, take Sofosbuvir 4 hours apart

8. Best Time (Kab lena chahiye)

• In the morning at the same time — incorporate into daily routine
• HCV treatment is long-term; missing doses increases viral resistance risk

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Sofosbuvir can be taken with or without food. If Ribavirin is also in the prescription, taking it with fatty food improves absorption.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat — Zaroori Tanbeeh)

Sofosbuvir must never be taken with Amiodarone — severe and fatal bradycardia has been reported.

Testing for Hepatitis B is essential before starting Sofosbuvir. HCV treatment can reactivate HBV — separate treatment may be required.

Ribavirin (often co-prescribed) is a severe teratogen. Effective contraception is essential during treatment and for 6 months after — for both men and women.

Risk of liver decompensation in advanced cirrhosis — close specialist monitoring is essential.

11. Precautions (Ahm Ehtiyaat)

• Inform your doctor of all medicines you are taking — interactions are serious
• Carry out regular blood tests (CBC, LFTs, HCV RNA) as directed by your doctor
• Stop St. John's Wort (herbal) — it eliminates the effect of Sofosbuvir
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Fatigue (very common)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Anaemia

• Severe bradycardia / cardiac arrest
• Hepatitis B reactivation
• Severe anaemia (Ribavirin combination)
• Liver decompensation

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

14. When to See Doctor (Kab Doctor ke Paas Jayein)

See a doctor immediately if:

• Heart rate drops very low or you feel heart palpitations (bradycardia warning)
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Severe fatigue or shortness of breath (anaemia)
• Yellowing of the eyes — sign of Hepatitis B reactivation
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Severe weakness or dizziness

15. Alternatives (Sasti / Dusri Dawaein)

In Pakistan, Gilead's licensed generics are more affordable — Ferozsons' Savera, Harvoni, and Epclusa are all DRAP registered.

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

Note: Hepatitis C is a national health priority in Pakistan. Sofosbuvir-based therapy may be available at affordable or no cost through government and NGO subsidized HCV treatment programs. Confirm with your hepatologist or nearest DHQ hospital.

17. FAQs (Aksar Poochay Jane Walay Sawalat)

Q: What is Sofosbuvir used for?

A: Sofosbuvir (brand: Savera) is used in Pakistan for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is an NS5B polymerase inhibitor that blocks HCV replication. It is always given as combination therapy — it is not sufficient alone.

Q: What are the side effects of Sofosbuvir?

A: Common side effects include fatigue, headache, nausea, and insomnia. Anaemia may also occur when taken with Ribavirin. It must never be taken with Amiodarone — the heart rate can drop dangerously low, which can be fatal.

Q: How should Sofosbuvir be taken?

A: Sofosbuvir must always be taken on a hepatologist's or specialist's prescription. Dose and duration depend on HCV genotype, liver condition, and the combination partner. Do not start or stop on your own.

Q: What is the price of Sofosbuvir in Pakistan?

A: Savera (Sofosbuvir 400mg) is Ferozsons' licensed generic and is available in Pakistan for HCV through subsidized or government programs. For the exact price, contact a DRAP-registered pharmacy or your hepatologist — price varies.

Q: How long should Sofosbuvir be taken?

A: Duration depends on HCV genotype — generally 12 to 24 weeks. In some cases, 8 weeks may be sufficient when combined with Ledipasvir or Velpatasvir. Complete the full course only as directed by your doctor — do not stop in the middle.

18. Medical Review (Medical Jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori Tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. This is not medical advice. Sofosbuvir is a serious prescription medicine — never take it without a hepatologist's or specialist's prescription. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.