Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sovaldi.
Heart function: Taking sofosbuvir while taking certain medications to control heart rhythm may result in a serious decrease in the heart rate. This can cause severe heart problems, including fatal Heart Attack. If you have a history of heart disease or are taking medications to control blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Sovaldi may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this mediation, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hepatitis B reactivation: People who have hepatitis B infection that is dormant may experience the infection returning, causing further liver dysfunction or liver failure. If you have a history of hepatitis B infection, discuss with your doctor how Sovaldi may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this mediation, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of worsening liver function, such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy and contraception: The use of Sovaldi is not recommended for pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, as other medications which must be taken with sofosbuvir (in particular ribavirin) may cause birth defects or the death of the fetus if it is used during pregnancy. Do not use Sovaldi if you are pregnant or if your partner is pregnant.
Two forms of effective birth control (one for each partner) must be used during treatment and for 6 months after stopping therapy. During this time, women will have monthly pregnancy tests to ensure they are not pregnant. Tell your doctor immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while using Sovaldi.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if sofosbuvir passes into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious harm to a baby if they are exposed to these medications, breast-feeding must be stopped before starting Sovaldi.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Sovaldi have not been established for children.