Fosbu V Tablet (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Fosbu V Tablet (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Fosbu V Tablet? (Fosbu V Tablet kya hai)

Fosbu V Tablet is a specialist medicine prescribed in Pakistan for the treatment of Hepatitis C (HCV). It contains two active ingredients: Sofosbuvir (400mg) and Velpatasvir (100mg). It belongs to the Pan-genotypic Hepatitis C Antiviral group and targets all 6 main genotypes of HCV — which is why it is called "pan-genotypic".

Sofosbuvir blocks the NS5B RNA polymerase enzyme of HCV, preventing the virus from making copies of itself. Velpatasvir inhibits the NS5A replication complex. Together, both ingredients eliminate HCV more effectively. This medicine must always be taken under a hepatologist's supervision — starting or stopping it on your own can be dangerous.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Chronic Hepatitis C infection — all genotypes (1–6)
• Cirrhotic patients (compensated and decompensated, with Ribavirin)
• Treatment-naive patients (first-time HCV treatment)
• Treatment-experienced patients
• HCV-HIV co-infection

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Adults diagnosed with chronic HCV infection (genotype 1–6)
• Patients with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) — mono-therapy 12 weeks
• Decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B/C) — 12 weeks with Ribavirin
• Treatment-experienced patients who have previously tried interferon, Sofosbuvir+Ledipasvir, or other regimens
• HCV/HIV co-infected patients

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

• CONTRAINDICATED: Currently taking or recently stopped amiodarone — risk of fatal bradycardia
• Allergy to Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir, or any ingredient
• With Rifampicin, St. John's Wort, or other P-gp inducers — drug interaction may cause treatment failure
• Never take without a hepatologist's prescription

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• One tablet once daily — start as per the hepatologist's prescription

• One tablet daily for 12 weeks
• Decompensated cirrhosis: One tablet daily + Ribavirin (weight-based) for 12 weeks; doctor may extend to 24 weeks

• Do not exceed the recommended limit — dose escalation is not approved for this medicine

• If a dose is missed, take it on the same day as soon as you remember. If the next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose. Maintaining consistent daily timing is essential for viral cure.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Once daily — as per the hepatologist's instructions

• Same time

• Morning preferred

• Can be taken with or without food — food does not significantly affect absorption

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Morning — it is easier to maintain a 4-hour gap from antacids or acid-reducers

• Daily same time

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

Fosbu V can be taken either on an empty stomach or after food. If the patient experiences nausea, taking it after food is better. Maintain at least a 4-hour gap from antacids (e.g., aluminum/magnesium-based) — antacids can reduce Sofosbuvir absorption.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• AMIODARONE CONTRAINDICATION (CRITICAL): If taking amiodarone or if it was recently stopped, NEVER take Fosbu V — fatal bradycardia has been reported. This is life-threatening.
• Allergy to Fosbu V or any ingredient
• Currently taking P-gp inducers (rifampicin, St. John's Wort) — treatment may fail

• Before starting treatment, HBV screening (HBsAg, anti-HBc) is essential. HBV reactivation can occur during HCV treatment, which can be life-threatening. HBV carriers may require prophylactic antiviral cover.

• If Ribavirin is also being taken in decompensated cirrhosis: Ribavirin is teratogenic. Both men and women MUST use effective contraception for 6 months after stopping Ribavirin.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store in a cool, dry place (below 30°C)
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of the reach of children

• Mild-to-moderate renal impairment: dose adjustment not necessary
• Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30) / dialysis: confirm with specialist
• Decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B/C): Ribavirin is added — closer monitoring is required

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Headache (sar dard), Fatigue (thakaan), Nausea (matlii)
• Additional with Ribavirin combo: anaemia, rash, insomnia

• Severe bradycardia / cardiac arrest — fatal when taken with amiodarone; contact emergency immediately
• HBV reactivation — jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain; see a doctor immediately
• Liver decompensation — extreme fatigue, confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), bloating (ascites)
• Severe anaemia — in Ribavirin combination; check for pallor and breathlessness

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Amiodarone — CONTRAINDICATED; fatal bradycardia; important note: amiodarone is an arrhythmia medicine often given to elderly patients — inform the hepatologist of all current medications
• Rifampicin / St. John's Wort — P-gp inducers; reduce plasma levels of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir; HCV treatment may fail
• Antacids (aluminum, magnesium) — reduce absorption; maintain a 4-hour gap
• HIV antiretrovirals — dose adjustment required for tenofovir alafenamide (TAF); Velpatasvir levels reduced with efavirenz; confirm combination with HIV specialist
• Drug interactions can cause treatment failure or increase toxicity — always show your complete medication list to the hepatologist.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Heart rate suddenly slows or becomes irregular — especially if amiodarone was ever taken — EMERGENCY
• Worsening jaundice — sign of HBV reactivation or liver failure
• Confusion, extreme fatigue, or fluid in abdomen — signs of liver decompensation
• Severe shortness of breath or pallor
• Rash that is spreading or accompanied by fever
• Any new or worsening symptom that develops during the course

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Sofosbuvir velpatasvir kis kaam aata hai?

A: Fosbu V (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir) is used against all genotypes (1 to 6) of Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is a pan-genotypic antiviral that stops HCV replication in the liver. Always take it under a hepatologist's supervision.

Q: Sofosbuvir velpatasvir ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include headache, fatigue, and nausea. Serious side effect: when taken with amiodarone, the heart rate can slow dangerously (bradycardia) — this can be fatal. Contact your doctor immediately for any new symptom.

Q: Sofosbuvir velpatasvir kaise lena hai?

A: One tablet once daily, as instructed by the hepatologist. Maintain a 4-hour gap from antacids. Treatment duration is mostly 12 weeks; in cirrhosis with Ribavirin it may be 24 weeks.

Q: Sofosbuvir velpatasvir price in Pakistan kya hai?

A: Fosbu V is a specialist medicine; price varies across pharmacies. Confirm the updated price with your hepatologist or a local licensed pharmacy.

Q: Treatment kitni der ka hota hai?

A: For most HCV genotypes the course is 12 weeks. In decompensated cirrhosis the doctor may add Ribavirin and extend the course to 24 weeks. Completing the full course is very important — do not stop midway.

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. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.