Velpanat Tablet

Product Introduction

Velpanat Tablet is a groundbreaking medical formulation used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It is a combination of two antiviral medications, Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir. Manufactured by Natco Pharma, this medicine offers a highly effective treatment solution for patients suffering from various genotypes of HCV. Sofosbuvir acts as a nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, while Velpatasvir functions as an NS5A inhibitor. Together, these components work synergistically to reduce the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body, helping to halt the progression of the disease and prevent the liver from being damaged further.

Velpanat is presented typically in the form of tablets, each containing 400 mg of Sofosbuvir and 100 mg of Velpatasvir. The convenience of a once-daily oral tablet makes it a user-friendly option for patients, encouraging adherence to the treatment regimen.

Uses of Velpanat Tablet

Velpanat is primarily prescribed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, a viral infection that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. The specific uses include:

• Treatment of All Major Genotypes: Velpanat is effective in treating all major genotypes of hepatitis C, from 1 to 6, making it a versatile choice for healthcare providers.
• Curing HCV Infection: The main goal of the treatment is to achieve what is known as a sustained virologic response (SVR), which is essentially the absence of detectable HCV RNA in the patient’s bloodstream 12 weeks after completing the treatment, indicating that the patient is cured.
• Usage in Various Patient Populations: Velpanat is suitable for both new patients and those who have previously failed other HCV treatments. It is also used in people with or without cirrhosis. In those with decompensated cirrhosis, Velpanat is often combined with Ribavirin.

Benefits of Velpanat Tablet

Using Velpanat for treating hepatitis C offers several benefits:

• High Efficacy: Clinical trials have shown high cure rates (over 90%) across all HCV genotypes with the use of Velpanat.
• Reduced Treatment Duration: Compared to older treatments for hepatitis C, Velpanat usually offers a shorter treatment course, often ranging from 12 to 24 weeks depending on the patient’s prior treatment history and the presence of cirrhosis.
• Lower Side Effect Profile: Velpanat is associated with fewer and milder side effects compared to older hepatitis C treatments that required interferon and had more severe side effects.
• Improved Patient Compliance: The simple once-daily regimen enhances the likelihood of patient adherence, which is critical for achieving the best outcomes.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Successful treatment of HCV with Velpanat can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, including reduced risks of liver cancer and liver failure, and the alleviation of chronic symptoms.

Side Effects of Velpanat Tablet

While Velpanat is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Fatigue: A significant number of patients report feelings of tiredness during the course of the treatment.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches may occur.
• Nausea: Some patients might experience gastrointestinal discomfort including nausea.
• Insomnia: Difficulty in sleeping is another side effect that some patients might face.
• Anemia: Particularly when taken in combination with Ribavirin, some patients may develop anemia.

Less common, but more severe side effects might include:

• Severe Depression or Mood Changes: Patients should monitor their mental health and report any significant changes to their healthcare provider.
• Signs of Serious Infection: Fever, chills, mouth sores, and weakness could be indicators of an infection.
• Liver-related Issues: While Velpanat is meant to treat liver issues, it may cause complications such as fatigue, light-colored stools, and jaundice in some cases.