Velpatasvir: Difference between revisions

Velpatasvir
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Revision as of 03:33, 13 February 2025

An antiviral medication used in the treatment of hepatitis C

Velpatasvir is an antiviral drug used in combination with other medications for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It is a direct-acting antiviral agent that inhibits the NS5A protein, which is essential for viral replication.

Mechanism of Action

Velpatasvir works by targeting the NS5A protein of the hepatitis C virus. NS5A is a non-structural protein that plays a crucial role in the replication of the virus and the assembly of the viral particle. By inhibiting NS5A, velpatasvir disrupts the replication cycle of HCV, thereby reducing the viral load in the body.

Clinical Use

Velpatasvir is commonly used in combination with sofosbuvir, another antiviral medication, to form a fixed-dose combination known as sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. This combination is effective against all six major genotypes of hepatitis C, making it a pan-genotypic treatment option. It is typically administered as a once-daily oral tablet.

Side Effects

Common side effects of velpatasvir, especially when used in combination with sofosbuvir, include headache, fatigue, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare but may include bradycardia when used with amiodarone.

Pharmacokinetics

Velpatasvir is well absorbed when taken orally, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 3 hours after dosing. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the feces.

Related pages

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis C}}
+{{Short description|An antiviral medication used in the treatment of hepatitis C}}
-[[File:Velpatasvir.svg|thumb|Velpatasvir]]
+{{Drugbox
-'''Velpatasvir''' is an [[antiviral drug]] used in combination with [[sofosbuvir]] to treat [[hepatitis C]] virus (HCV) infection. It is a [[direct-acting antiviral]] agent that works by inhibiting the [[NS5A protein]], which is essential for viral replication.
+| Verifiedfields = changed
+| verifiedrevid = 477002123
+| image = Velpatasvir.svg
+| image2 =
+}}
-==Medical uses==
+'''Velpatasvir''' is an [[antiviral drug]] used in combination with other medications for the treatment of [[hepatitis C virus]] (HCV) infection. It is a [[direct-acting antiviral]] agent that inhibits the [[NS5A protein]], which is essential for viral replication.
-Velpatasvir is used in combination with sofosbuvir as a fixed-dose combination tablet for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in adults. This combination is effective against all six major genotypes of HCV, making it a [[pan-genotypic]] treatment option. The standard treatment duration is 12 weeks, but it may vary depending on the presence of [[cirrhosis]] or previous treatment history.
-==Mechanism of action==
+==Mechanism of Action==
-Velpatasvir is an inhibitor of the NS5A protein, a non-structural protein of the hepatitis C virus. NS5A is involved in viral replication and assembly, and its inhibition disrupts these processes, leading to a reduction in viral load. When used with sofosbuvir, which inhibits the NS5B polymerase, the combination effectively halts the replication of the virus.
+Velpatasvir works by targeting the NS5A protein of the hepatitis C virus. NS5A is a non-structural protein that plays a crucial role in the replication of the virus and the assembly of the viral particle. By inhibiting NS5A, velpatasvir disrupts the replication cycle of HCV, thereby reducing the viral load in the body.
-==Side effects==
+==Clinical Use==
-Common side effects of the velpatasvir and sofosbuvir combination include headache, fatigue, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare but may include bradycardia when used with [[amiodarone]]. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms.
+Velpatasvir is commonly used in combination with [[sofosbuvir]], another antiviral medication, to form a fixed-dose combination known as [[sofosbuvir/velpatasvir]]. This combination is effective against all six major genotypes of hepatitis C, making it a [[pan-genotypic]] treatment option. It is typically administered as a once-daily oral tablet.
+==Side Effects==
+Common side effects of velpatasvir, especially when used in combination with sofosbuvir, include headache, fatigue, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare but may include [[bradycardia]] when used with [[amiodarone]].
 ==Pharmacokinetics==
-Velpatasvir is well absorbed orally, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 3 hours after dosing. It is highly protein-bound and is metabolized in the liver. The drug is primarily excreted in the feces, with a small amount eliminated in the urine.
+Velpatasvir is well absorbed when taken orally, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 3 hours after dosing. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the feces.
-==History==
-Velpatasvir was developed by [[Gilead Sciences]] and was approved by the [[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) in 2016 as part of the fixed-dose combination with sofosbuvir, marketed under the brand name [[Epclusa]]. It was the first pan-genotypic treatment approved for hepatitis C.
-==Research==
-Ongoing research is exploring the use of velpatasvir in combination with other antiviral agents to improve treatment outcomes and reduce treatment duration. Studies are also investigating its efficacy in special populations, such as those with [[HIV]] co-infection or [[renal impairment]].
 ==Related pages==
@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 * [[Sofosbuvir]]
 * [[Direct-acting antiviral]]
 [[Category:Antiviral drugs]]
-[[Category:Hepatitis C]]
+[[Category:Hepatitis C treatments]]
-[[Category:Gilead Sciences]]