From the Guidelines
There are no significant drug interactions between VELASOF/SOVIHEP V (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) and vitamins, except for St. John's Wort, which should be avoided due to its potential to reduce the concentration of these medications in the bloodstream. These medications, which are used to treat hepatitis C infection, can generally be taken alongside standard vitamin supplements without concern for reduced effectiveness or increased side effects. However, if you are taking St. John's Wort (sometimes considered an herbal vitamin supplement), you should avoid it while on VELASOF/SOVIHEP V as it can significantly reduce the concentration of these medications in your bloodstream, potentially making your hepatitis C treatment less effective. This interaction occurs because St. John's Wort induces certain liver enzymes that accelerate the breakdown of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir 1. For all other common vitamins and minerals (including vitamin A, B complex, C, D, E, calcium, iron, etc.), no special precautions are needed. As always, it's good practice to inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you're taking, even vitamins, to ensure comprehensive medication management.
Some key points to consider:
- VELASOF/SOVIHEP V can be taken with most antiretroviral drugs, but there are some exceptions, such as efavirenz, etravirine, and nevirapine, which can decrease velpatasvir exposure 1.
- Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir may increase tenofovir exposure due to P-gp inhibition, and patients on a regimen containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate should be monitored for renal adverse events 1.
- The safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir has been evaluated in patients with severe renal impairment, and the AUC of velpatasvir was 50% higher, which was not considered to be clinically relevant 1.
- Treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 weeks was reported to be safe in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis 1.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
From the Research
VELASOF / SOVIHEP V Drug Interaction with Vitamins
- There is no direct evidence of drug interactions between VELASOF / SOVIHEP V and vitamins in the provided studies.
- However, the study 2 mentions that vitamin K is one of the most common food-drug interactions, but it does not specifically mention VELASOF / SOVIHEP V.
- The study 3 discusses the characteristics and contributions of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) to overall health, but it does not mention any interactions with VELASOF / SOVIHEP V.
- The studies 4 and 5 discuss the role of vitamins in tuberculosis treatment and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, respectively, but they do not mention any interactions with VELASOF / SOVIHEP V.
- The study 6 establishes a list of potentially clinically significant drug-drug interactions in older people, but it does not mention any interactions between VELASOF / SOVIHEP V and vitamins.
Potential Interactions
- Although there is no direct evidence, it is possible that VELASOF / SOVIHEP V may interact with vitamins, especially fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), as they have complex absorption, metabolism, and distribution elements 3.
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E have been shown to have anti-oxidant, pro-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and metabolic functions, which may interact with VELASOF / SOVIHEP V 4.
- However, more research is needed to determine the potential interactions between VELASOF / SOVIHEP V and vitamins.