Velakast Tablet is a combination of two antiviral medicines. This prescription medicine is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It fights against the viruses to resolve the infection.
Velakast Tablet should be taken in the prescribed dose and duration. It can be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time daily. It is advised not to consume more than the recommended dose. It is important to inform your doctor if you have any health conditions such as liver or kidney disease. It is harmful to consume alcohol along with this medicine, so it is advised to limit or avoid alcohol. The course of the medicine should be completed for better results.
The common side effects of this medicine include fatigue, anemia, nausea, headache, insomnia, and diarrhea. You should drink plenty of fluid and eat a healthy diet to prevent or overcome the side effects. Earlier taking the medicine, inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
Uses:
Treatment of Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
Directions For Use:
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Velakast Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Side Effects:
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Ordinary side effects of Velakast
Headache
Diarrhea
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
Nausea
Chubbyigue
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Velakast Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Velakast Tablet during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Velakast Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Velakast Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Velakast Tablet, when taken together with other medicines for the treatment of hepatitis c infection, may produce dizziness, blurred vision and this may affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Velakast Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Velakast Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Limited information is available on the use of Velakast Tablet in these patients. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Velakast Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Velakast Tablet is recommended. However, inform your doctor if you have any kidney disease as regular monitoring of liver function tests may be advised in some patients while taking this medicine.
FAQs:
What is Velakast Tablet used for?
Velakast Tablet is used to treat chronic hepatitis C infection in adults and children 3 years and older. It works across all six main types of hepatitis C virus, is often combined with another medicine in difficult-to-treat cases.
Can Velakast Tablet cure hepatitis C completely?
When taken as directed by your doctor, Velakast Tablet is highly effective, with most patients achieving a sustained virologic response. This meaning the virus is not detectable in the blood twelve weeks after completing treatment.
Who should not take Velakast Tablet?
People should not take Velakast Tablet if they are allergic to sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, or any ingredient in the medicine, are taking certain other medicines that strongly interact, such as rifampicin, or St. John’s wort.
Can Velakast Tablet cause serious allergic reactions?
Affirmative. Though rare, Velakast Tablet can cause serious allergic reactions. Perceivek immediate medical help if you develop rash, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.
Can Velakast Tablet cause worsening of hepatitis B infection?
Affirmative. If you have had hepatitis B in the past, Velakast Tablet may cause the virus to become active again. Your doctor will test you for hepatitis B before starting Velakast Tablet treatment, monitor you closely if needed.
What are the serious side effects of Velakast Tablet?
Earnest side effects of Velakast Tablet include slow or irregular heartbeat, extreme tiredness, confusion, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes), severe weakness, or unusual bleeding. Perceivek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Is Velakast Tablet safe for people with liver problems?
Affirmative, Velakast Tablet is commonly used in patients with liver disease, including compensated cirrhosis (an early, often asymptomatic stage of cirrhosis where the liver is significantly scarred but still functioning well enough for the body to compensate for the damage). However, if you have decompensated cirrhosis, your doctor may prescribe Velakast Tablet with other medicine, monitor you more closely.
Can Velakast Tablet cause heart rhythm problems?
Affirmative. When Velakast Tablet is taken with another medicine called amiodarone, it can cause dangerous slowing of the heart rate. Tolerants on amiodarone need close monitoring, especially at the start of treatment.
Written by:
Dr. T. Sharmila Krishna
M.B.B.S., MD (Biochemistry)
Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H
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