If you’re considering treatment for hepatitis C, your doctor may recommend Epclusa.

It’s a prescription drug that’s used in adults and some children to treat hepatitis C, which is caused by hepatitis C virus. To learn more about hepatitis C and how Epclusa is used for it, see the “What is Epclusa used for?” section below.

Epclusa is an antiviral medication that contains two active drugs: sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. A combination drug made with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is also available in a generic form.

You will swallow the tablets. It comes as a pellet. The pellets can be prescribed for people who have trouble swallowing tablets.

Learn more about the side effects of Epclusa.

Mild or serious side effects may occur with Epclusa. Some of the more common side effects of Epclusa are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

The doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the side effects of Epclusa. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Epclusa can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Epclusa’s prescribing information.

There are some mild side effects reported with the use of Epclusa.

  • There is a throbbing head.
  • fatigue (lack of energy)
  • nausea
  • “It’s difficult to sleep.”

Many drugs can have mild side effects that go away in a few days or weeks. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

When people took ribavirin, it was more common.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects from Epclusa, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects from the drug, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

There are serious side effects reported with the use of the drug.

The side effect focus section gives more information on this side effect.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you think someone is at risk of self-injury or hurting another person.

  • You can call your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Guns, knives, medications, and other things should be removed.
  • “Don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you should get help from a hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.

Side effect focus

There are some side effects that may be caused by Epclusa.

Boxed warning

Epclusa has a boxed warning about the risk of reactivation of the The disease is called hepatitis B. virus (HBV). A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you have hepatitis C, and you have The disease is called hepatitis B. or have had it in the past, Epclusa can cause reactivation of HBV.

With reactivation, the virus flares up and causes symptoms of infection. In studies, some people with HBV developed serious symptoms of The disease is called hepatitis B. reactivation. These included liver failure and, in some cases, death.

What can help?

If you have had a history of having the disease, your doctor will order a blood test to see if you have taken the drug. Your doctor will likely prescribe antivirals if you have the disease. Your doctor may wait until your The disease is called hepatitis B. is resolved before starting treatment.

Your doctor will keep an eye on your blood tests while you take Epclusa. After you finish treatment with Epclusa, your doctor will check you for signs and symptoms of the disease.

“If you have a reactivation of the disease while you are taking the drug, you will need to start treatment. Don’t stop taking it without talking to your doctor.”

Long-term side effects of Epclusa

There have been no long-term side effects of Epclusa. Some people have a condition called cirrhosis, which is caused by the disease of the hepatitis C.

If you have cirrhosis, you may have long-term symptoms. These can include:

  • feeling weak or confused
  • Poor appetite.
  • weight loss without trying
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • The pain of the bile duct., which may be mild pain in the upper right side of your belly
  • It is more difficult to bruise or bleed than usual.
  • There is fluid in your belly.
  • itchy skin
  • Dark urine.
  • There is a problem of jaundice. (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes)

What can help?

If you have any symptoms of cirrhosis, immediately tell your doctor.

“It is important to remember that damage to the body’s organs, including the liver, is permanent. Your doctor may suggest ways to prevent the worsening of your health. These tips may include some.”

Side effects after Epclusa treatment

People have not reported side effects after finishing treatment.

Over time, the condition of hepatitis C gets worse, which is why it is treated with Epclusa. If you have, the risk of getting worse is increased.

The amount of the hepatitis C virus in your body is lowered by the drug pheclusa. Some risks become less severe if you have low levels that are not visible on a blood test. There are risks from cirrhosis and death from it.

If you stop taking the drug for the disease, your condition may get worse. This could cause symptoms of the disease.

  • A general feeling of illness.
  • nausea
  • The pain of the bile duct.
  • Dark urine.
  • There is a problem of jaundice.

What can help?

If you clear the hepatitis C virus with Epclusa, your doctor will order a blood test to see if it was successful. If the blood test shows that you have the disease, you and your doctor will decide what to do.

If you have any symptoms after you finish your treatment, you should talk to your doctor. If your hepatitis C has worsened, they can order tests to see if it is.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Epclusa. While allergic reaction wasn’t reported in studies of Epclusa, it can still happen.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, which can be seen in your eyes, lips, hands, and feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Epclusa, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Epclusa manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options.

Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering Epclusa include your overall health and any medical conditions you may have.

If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, tell your doctor. This is important because many drugs interact with it.

These are some considerations to discuss with your doctor.

Interactions

Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Epclusa, you should tell your doctor about all your medication. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions that may occur.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Several types of drugs can be interacted with by pheclusa.

Some drugs that may interact with Epclusa are not on this list. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the interactions that may occur with use of the drug.

Other interactions

You can take it with or without food. You may need to avoid certain foods. Food interactions occur when a food is in contact with a medication.

For instance, grapefruit and grapefruit juice contain chemicals that can interact with Epclusa. If you eat grapefruit or drink its juice while taking Epclusa, the drug may not work as well as usual.

Discuss possible food interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Epclusa.

Boxed warning

Epclusa has a boxed warning. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

If you have hepatitis C and you have The disease is called hepatitis B. virus (HBV) or have had it in the past, Epclusa can cause reactivation of HBV. With reactivation, the virus flares up and causes symptoms of infection. In studies, some people with HBV developed serious symptoms of The disease is called hepatitis B. reactivation. These included liver failure and, in some cases, death.

Before you start treatment with Epclusa, your doctor will order blood tests to see if you have The disease is called hepatitis B. or have had it in the past.

For more information, see the “What are Epclusa’s side effects?” section below.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, it may not be right for you to use clusa. Before you take Epclusa, talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Epclusa or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Epclusa. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Liver problems other than hepatitis C infection. If you have severe liver disease, talk with your doctor. They may need to prescribe another medication in addition to Epclusa to treat your hepatitis C.
  • History of a liver transplant. Epclusa has been studied in people who’ve had a liver transplant and certain types of hepatitis C virus. But the drug hasn’t been studied in people with other types of hepatitis C virus who’ve had a liver transplant. If you’ve had a liver transplant, talk with your doctor about whether Epclusa is right for you.
  • Past kidney disease. Recent studies in people with severe kidney disease, including people having dialysis treatment, found Epclusa to be safe. And the drug worked just as well as usual. But it’s still important to tell your doctor about any kidney disease you may have. This is because a drug called ribavirin shouldn’t be used in people with a certain level of kidney disease. And ribavirin is sometimes prescribed together with Epclusa to treat hepatitis C infection.
  • HIV infection. Certain HIV medications shouldn’t be used with Epclusa. Some medications used to treat HIV can harm your liver. This could affect how well Epclusa works for you. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have HIV, and about all medications you take, before you start taking Epclusa.

Use with alcohol

Epclusa isn’t known to interact with alcohol. But keep in mind that hepatitis C, which Epclusa is used to treat, gets worse over time. And drinking alcohol may worsen hepatitis C more quickly. So your doctor may recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to drink alcohol while you are on Epclusa.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is not known if it is harmful to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or considering it, you should tell your doctor about it.

Sometimes, Epclusa is prescribed together with ribavirin (Rebetol), another hepatitis C medication. And taking ribavirin during pregnancy is unsafe.

If you are pregnant or considering it, talk to your doctor about taking ribavirin. If you or your partner become pregnant during or after treatment, you should tell your doctor.

It is not known if Epclusa passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Epclusa.

Epclusa isn’t known to interact with alcohol. But keep in mind that hepatitis C, which Epclusa is used to treat, gets worse over time. And drinking alcohol may worsen hepatitis C more quickly. So your doctor may recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol.

Before starting Epclusa, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to drink alcohol.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Epclusa that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

You can swallow the tablets called Epclusa. The drug is in a packet. The pellets can be swallowed. The pellets can be swallowed.

The pellets can be prescribed for people who have trouble swallowing tablets.

The two active drugs in the tablets and pellets are the same. The below table shows the strengths they have.

Epclusa tablets Epclusa pellets
Strengths • 400 milligrams (mg) of sofosbuvir and 100 mg of velpatasvir
• 200 mg of sofosbuvir and 50 mg of velpatasvir		 • 200 mg of sofosbuvir and 50 mg of velpatasvir
• 150 mg of sofosbuvir and 37.5 mg of velpatasvir

Recommended dosages

You will take it once a day.

Your doctor will recommend a schedule of pills for you. You will take this drug for a period of time.

For children ages 3 years and older, doctors will prescribe Epclusa pellets or tablets based on the child’s body weight. Children who are 3 to 6 years of age will typically be prescribed Epclusa pellets to be taken with non-acidic food. See the “How is Epclusa taken?” section below for details.

Questions about Epclusa’s dosage

There are many questions about the dosage.

  • What if I miss a dose of Epclusa? It is very important not to miss any doses of Epclusa. Missing doses lowers the amount of Epclusa in your body and can make it less likely that your hepatitis C infection will be cured. If you miss a dose of Epclusa, take it as soon as you remember. You should not double your dose if you forget to take a dose of Epclusa. If you’re unsure when to take a missed dose of Epclusa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Will I need to use Epclusa long term? Your doctor will prescribe Epclusa for 12 weeks to treat hepatitis C.
  • How long does Epclusa take to work? Epclusa starts working quickly in your body to stop the hepatitis C virus from making more of itself. But not everyone may have the same experience with Epclusa. Ask your doctor how long it should take for Epclusa to work for you. In studies, many people

Your doctor will explain how you should take Epclusa. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Taking Epclusa

You can take pheclusa by mouth.

You should take all of the tablets.

Children are usually prescribed phela. Adults who have trouble swallowing tablets may be prescribed the pellets.

The pellets can be swallowed with water or another liquid. You can put them on non-acidic food. Doctors recommend taking Epclusa with food for children younger than 6 years old.

Ice cream and pudding are examples of foods that are not acidic. The pellets should be swallowed within 15 minutes. Try to avoid chewing the pellets at all costs.

Taking Epclusa with other drugs

If you have symptoms of cirrhosis, your doctor will prescribe a drug called ribavirin.

ribavirin is used for hepatitis C, but you have to take it with food.

The doctor will prescribe the correct amount of ribavirin for you.

Questions about taking Epclusa

Some questions about taking Epclusa are answered below.

  • Can Epclusa be chewed, crushed, or split? It’s unknown whether you can chew, crush, or split Epclusa. The pellets cause a bitter aftertaste, so it’s recommended to avoid chewing them. If you’re having trouble swallowing Epclusa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to take Epclusa safely.
  • Should I take Epclusa with food? You can take Epclusa with or without food. If you have nausea when taking Epclusa, try taking it with food. It’s recommended that children younger than 6 years take Epclusa pellets sprinkled onto a non-acidic food. Examples include ice cream and pudding.
  • Is there a best time of day to take Epclusa? There’s no specific recommended time of day to take Epclusa. But taking the drug at about the same time each day can help you remember to take your dose.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about your treatment plan. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions like:
    • How will the weather affect my lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

If you’re considering treatment for hepatitis C, your doctor may recommend Epclusa. It’s used to treat certain types of long-lasting hepatitis C, which are caused by hepatitis C virus.

It can be used in adults. It can be used in children of different ages.

Epclusa may be prescribed for people with or without cirrhosis (scarring in the liver). With cirrhosis, you may or may not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, the condition is called decompensated cirrhosis. If you don’t have symptoms, the condition is known as compensated cirrhosis.

If you don’t have cirrhosis, or if you have compensated cirrhosis, your doctor may prescribe Epclusa by itself. But if you have decompensated cirrhosis, your doctor may prescribe Epclusa together with a medication called ribavirin (Rebetol).

“The drug pheclusa is used to treat the hepatitis C virus. The virus attacks your cells. It can spread through your body by making copies of itself. The virus is prevented from copying itself by the use of pheclusa. The virus dies if it doesn’t spread.”

Find answers to questions about the subject.

If I stop taking Epclusa, will I have withdrawal symptoms?

No, you won’t have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Epclusa. (Withdrawal refers to symptoms that can happen when you stop taking a drug you’re dependent on.) But you must take Epclusa for the entire 12 weeks that it’s prescribed for you.

Missing doses or stopping treatment before then can affect how well Epclusa works to treat and cure hepatitis C. And if your hepatitis C isn’t treated like it should be, it could worsen and cause symptoms. For more information about this, see the “What are Epclusa’s side effects?” section above.

Does Epclusa cause weight loss?

No, Epclusa doesn’t affect your body weight. But weight loss can be a sign of infections, including hepatitis C. And keep in mind that Epclusa is used to treat hepatitis C.

If you have nausea while taking Epclusa, you may lose weight. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to reduce nausea during treatment.

If you are concerned about your weight while you are taking the drug, talk to your doctor.

Can I take ibuprofen with Epclusa?

Yes, you can likely take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) with Epclusa. There isn’t a known interaction between ibuprofen and Epclusa.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of taking ibuprofen. They can show you how to take ibuprofen safely.

Both Epclusa and Mavyret contain two antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. Epclusa contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. Mavyret contains glecaprevir and pibrentasvir.

Mavyret and Epclusa each have boxed warnings for risk of reactivation of The disease is called hepatitis B. virus (HBV) in people who have both hepatitis C virus and HBV. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

With reactivation, an infection flares up and causes symptoms. In studies of Epclusa and Mavyret, some people with The disease is called hepatitis B. developed serious symptoms of The disease is called hepatitis B. reactivation. These included liver failure and, in some cases, death. For more information about this side effect, see the “What are Epclusa’s side effects?” section above.

People 3 years and older can use both drugs.

It takes 12 weeks for phela to be taken. It can be taken for 8 weeks, 12 weeks, or 16 weeks. The length of treatment depends on whether you have tried any previous treatments for the disease.

Your doctor or a pharmacy can give you more information about the drugs.

Both Epclusa and Harvoni contain two antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. They both contain sofosbuvir. But instead of velpatasvir, Harvoni contains a drug called ledipasvir. Both Epclusa and Harvoni work in the same way to treat hepatitis C.

Both Epclusa and Harvoni have boxed warnings for reactivation of The disease is called hepatitis B. in people who have both hepatitis C and The disease is called hepatitis B.. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

With reactivation, an infection flares up and causes symptoms. In clinical studies of Epclusa and Harvoni, some people with The disease is called hepatitis B. developed serious symptoms of The disease is called hepatitis B. reactivation. These included liver failure and, in some cases, death. For more information about this side effect, see the “What are Epclusa’s side effects?” section above.

People who weigh at least 17 kilograms can be used for Epclusa. Harvoni can be used in people who weigh at least 35 kilograms.

Harvoni is taken for 12 weeks, but with two exceptions. Adults and children must take Harvoni for a period of time. This includes people who are both.

  • “They received treatment for the disease, but it didn’t work.”
  • Have compensated for the damage to the liver.

“Don’t take more than your doctor prescribes. Side effects can be serious if you use more than this. If you take too much of the drug, your doctor may watch you for signs of overdose.”

What to do in case you take too much Epclusa

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Epclusa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have questions about taking Epclusa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor can tell you about treatments other than Epclusa for hepatitis C. Here’s a list of articles you might find helpful:

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • How should I store it?
  • Do I need to take other drugs to treat the disease?
  • “Can I still take Epclusa if I have tried other drugs that didn’t work before?”
  • I am taking a drug called Epclusa and I am wondering what the maximum dose of ibuprofen is.
  • How can I prevent nausea while taking a drug?

Q:

Is there any food I should not eat while taking Epclusa?

Anonymous

A:

You should avoid grapefruit juice and products containing grapefruit while taking Epclusa. Grapefruit contains certain chemicals that can affect how Epclusa is metabolized (broken down) in your body. Grapefruit can also make the drug less effective for treating and curing hepatitis C.

If you or your child are taking the pellets, avoid putting them on acidic foods. The pellets can be mixed with non-acidic foods. You can eat acidic foods before and after taking your pellets.

If you have questions about eating while taking a drug, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.