Epclusa is frequently administered in conjunction with ribavirin. All drugs that interact with ribavirin will interact with this combination. Furthermore, women using ribavirin should avoid becoming pregnant while on the medication. Epclusa has been linked to changes in blood glucose management in persons with diabetes, culminating in severe symptomatic hypoglycemia. Some diabetes treatments may require a dose reduction. Let us thoroughly discuss Epclusa cost and its wonders.

How does it work?

• Epclusa is a fixed-dose combination medicine that contains velpatasvir and sofosbuvir, which can be used to treat hepatitis C infection. Velpatasvir inhibits nucleotide analog polymerase, whereas sofosbuvir inhibits NS5A across all genotypes.
• Epclusa contains both velpatasvir and sofosbuvir. Velpatasvir works by interfering with HCV NS5A, a protein required by the virus to replicate itself. Sofosbuvir is a prodrug that is transformed into a pharmacologically active form (GS-461203), which inhibits HCV NS5B, an RNA-dependent polymerase required by the virus for replication. Epclusa’s ingredients initially reduce, and eventually totally stop, the generation of new copies of the hepatitis C virus.
• Epclusa belongs to the class of drugs known as hepatitis C antivirals. It may alternatively be known as a combined antiviral agent. Also, the Epclusa generic varies depending on its availability and demand.

Upsides

• Epclusa is licensed for use in adults and children aged 3 and above who have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
• It may be used in conjunction with ribavirin in patients with advanced liver disease (decompensated cirrhosis).
• Epclusa is also licensed to treat chronic HCV in HIV-infected patients.
• Epclusa is used orally once a day. It is available in tablets or pellets. There are two pill strengths: sofosbuvir 400 mg/velpatasvir 100 mg and sofosbuvir 200 mg/velpatasvir 50 mg.

Downsides

• If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medicine, and have no other medical issues, you are more likely to have the following negative effects: The most common adverse effects of Epclusa are headache and fatigue. Other adverse effects documented in more than 10% of persons include anemia, diarrhea, sleeplessness, itching, asthenia (lack of energy), and nausea. Skin reactions could also develop.
• Reactivation of the hepatitis B virus has been recorded in persons who have a current or former hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before starting Epclusa. In other cases, this led to severe and rapid liver damage, hepatic failure, and death.

Response and Effectiveness

• Epclusa has an overall cure rate of 98% in patients with genotypes 1-6 who do not have cirrhosis (a major liver disease) or have compensated cirrhosis (cirrhosis with moderate or no symptoms). “Cure” indicates that the Hep C virus is not detectable in the blood three months after therapy is completed.
• In clinical trials, 95% to 99% of Epclusa-treated patients without cirrhosis or with mild cirrhosis had no virus found in their blood 12 weeks after completing the 12-week treatment.

Conclusion

Epclusa is a combination pill that contains velpatasvir and sofosbuvir. It can be used to treat all six genotypes of the hepatitis C virus in adults and children over the age of 3. It is normally used for 12 weeks, with the most common adverse effects being headaches and fatigue. If you wish to know about the Epclusa cost, you can check it out online or through clinics.

Source:- https://blogtheday.com/epclusa-cost-a-comprehensive-guide/