Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S

Description

About

{{Product}} is an antiviral medication prescribed for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C in combination with other antivirals. Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) which can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer.  HCV is a single-stranded RNA virus that exists in nine different genotypes, out of which genotype 1 is the most common. 

{{Product}] contains “Sofosbuvir” as an active therapeutic ingredient that acts as a potent barrier against viral resistance. It works by reducing the number of hepatitis C viruses in the body and activates the defense mechanism to fight the infection. 

 Other properties which make it a drug of choice for HCV treatment are its once-daily dosing, no limitations of the meal, minimal index of adverse effects, and good safety and efficacy. {{Product}} must be used as a combination therapy, taking it alone is not recommended. 

{{Product}} should not be used to treat Hepatitis B, it may worsen the disease. Discuss it with your healthcare provider if you have a history of Hepatitis B. Worsening symptoms are nausea & vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, pale eyes & skin, and dark urine. 

Indications

{{Product}} is used in combination with other antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C caused by HCV genotypes 1 to 6. Also, for the treatment of HCV and HIV co-infected patients. The treatment depends upon the level of liver cirrhosis (scarring). 

How Does Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S Work

{{Product}} contains “Sofosbuvir” as an active therapeutic agent which directly acts on the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV needs an RNA polymerase enzyme for its replication. Sofosbuvir inhibits the RNA polymerase enzyme of the HCV after undergoing intracellular metabolism to form an active uridine analog triphosphate. This metabolite causes chain termination of the viral RNA by getting incorporated into its RNA polymerase strand. This chain termination of the RNA polymerase ceases the replication of the hepatitis C virus.  

How To Use Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S

{[Product}} is taken once a day orally (by mouth) with or without food. It is intended for use in combination with other antiviral medications. The treatment should not be stopped upon the disappearance of the symptoms. Complete the duration of therapy to avoid reversal of the infection.  

Dosage

Monotherapy of the Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S is not recommended. The regimen and duration of therapy depend on the genotype of the virus.

Adult Dose

• Usually taken as 400mg once daily in combination with ribavirin alone or with ribavirin and peg-interferon. 
• Administer with ribavirin for HCV genotype 3, 400mg once daily for 24 weeks
• Administer with ribavirin for HCV genotype 2, 400mg once daily for 12 weeks.
• Administer with ribavirin and peginterferon alfa for HCV genotype 1 or 4, 400mg once daily for 12 weeks.

Pediatric Dose

Safety and efficacy are not established for use in children under 18 years of age. 

Pregnancy And Lactation

{{Product}}’s regimen with ribavirin or peginterferon alfa is contraindicated in pregnancy, also in men and women who are planning to have a child. Both of the accompanying antivirals are linked with the risk of birth defects and fetal harm. {{Product}} can make the infant exposed to potentially adverse effects. Either nursing or therapy should be discontinued depending on the importance of therapy. 

Contraindications

As Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S is administered in combination with other antivirals, contraindications apply to combination therapy. These include:

• Hypersensitivity
• Women who are pregnant or planning to get. Also, men, whose partners may get pregnant. 
• Renal impairment
• Infection of the pancreas
• Blood disorders such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease 
• Other forms of hepatitis (autoimmune, or hepatitis B)
• Contains benzyl alcohol, so contraindicated in infants
• Co-administration with amiodarone
• Other forms of hepatitis (autoimmune, or hepatitis)
• Infants 

Precautions

• {{Product}} should not be used in pregnancy or by the couple who is planning for a child due to the risk of birth defects and fetal death associated with accompanying drugs (ribavirin & peginterferon). 
•  {{Product}} must not be used as monotherapy.
• Co-administration with amiodarone can cause serious bradycardia (slow heart rate), specifically in patients with cardiac co-morbidities or those who are on beta-blockers (e.g. atenolol). 
•  Due to the risk of side effects associated with Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S, either nursing or therapy should be discontinued depending on the importance of therapy. 
• {Product}} should not be given to the patients with hepatitis B, as reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HVB) can occur, leading to worsening the disease.  

Interactions With Other Medications

• Antiarrhythmics (e.g Amiodarone)
• Anticonvulsants (e.g. Carbamezapine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin)
• Ritonavir
• Tipranavir 
• Rifampicin
• St.John’s wort

Adverse Effects

Common Side Effects 

• Fatigue 
• Headache 
• Nausea 
• Insomnia
• Anemia 
• Flu-like symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Less Common Side Effects 

• Pain in the joints
• Cough 
• Rash 
• Restlessness

Rare Common Adverse Effects 

• Bradycardia
• Depression (In people with pre-existing psychological conditions)
• Pancytopenia (low count of the three components of blood)
• Neutropenia (low white cells count)

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

• Anemia- Pale skin, fatigue, weakness, and disturbed appetite are signs of anemia. Eat iron-rich food such as beef, salmon, cereals, liver, dry fruits, and leafy vegetables. Take a good night’s sleep, take rest when needed to avoid fainting, and light exercise daily improves blood flow. 
• Fatigue –  A mild to moderate exercise can help suppress fatigue. Cut out on caffeine and alcoholic drinks, take good sleep, and lie in a comfortable posture. OTC pain killers can be taken if the symptoms don’t go away. 
• Nausea –  Eat light and less spicy food and avoid food with high sugar content in it. Take frequent meals rather than taking a heavy meal at a time. Activity after eating should be avoided such as driving and playing. If there is vomit, take drink plenty of water in short intervals.
• Headache – Using a cold pack or hot compress helps in relieving headaches, caffeine helps reduce pain, you can also take an over-the-counter analgesic medication if pain persists. 

Key Facts About Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S

• {{Product}} is a direct-acting antiviral agent intended to use as a combination therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B viral infection. 
• Pregnant women or who are planning pregnancy should not take Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S. Also, men whose partners are planning pregnancy should avoid taking this medicine due to the risk of birth defects and fetal death. 
• {{Product}} is not recommended to be used alone. You should take it only with other antivirals. 
• Patients with hepatitis B should not be treated with Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S as it can worsen the disease. 

FAQ’s 

• CAN A PREGNANT OR NURSING MOTHER TAKE {{PRODUCT}}?

{{Product}} is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects and fetal death associated with the combination therapy. It should also be avoided by men whose partners may get pregnant. Due to the risk of side effects associated with Ocvir 400mg Tablet 7 ‘S, either nursing or therapy should be discontinued depending on the importance of therapy.

• WHAT ARE THE STORAGE CONDITIONS OF {{PRODUCT}}?

{{Product}} should be stored below 30°C away from direct sunlight and moisture.

• DO LIFESTYLE CHANGES HELP IN TREATING HEPATITIS C?

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, exercise, and healthy diet aid in the ailment along with medication.

• CAN I TAKE {{PRODUCT}} IN HEPATITIS B?

Usage of {{product}] in hepatitis B can cause a reversal of the infection and lead to a worsening of the disease. 

• CAN I DRIVE A BIKE AFTER USING {{PRODUCT}}?

You can go on the rides unless you feel weak or dizzy. Watch ours for the associated adverse effects such as fatigue, nausea, and headache. Stop lifting heavy objects and driving vehicles if any of these side effects appear. 

• WHAT IF I MISS THE DOSE?

{{Product}} is taken as a once-daily dose. Take the dose as soon as you remember at any time of the day. Do not double the dose. Take each dose at the same time of the day so to remember the dosing time. 

• DOES SUDDEN WITHDRAWAL OF {{PRODUCT}} CAUSE HARM?

{{Product}} should not be stopped abruptly as sudden withdrawal can cause a reversal of the infection and develop resistance. Complete the duration of treatment as per suggested by your healthcare provider. 

• WHAT ARE THE SAFETY MEASURES I NEED TO TAKE FOR HEPATITIS C?

{{Product}} only stops the replication of the hepatitis C virus, but does not prevent the spreading of this contagious disease. Sharing razors & toothbrushes, unsterilized needles, and unprotected sex should be avoided.