Polymerase Inhibitors (AKA NS5b inhibitors)

Polymerase inhibitors work by directly attacking the Hepatitis C viral DNA thereby preventing the virus from replicating. They may be prescribed with pegylated interferon and Ribavirin treatment or as part of an all oral treatment (treatment without interferon). At the moment there is only one polymerase inhibitor available in Scotland.

Sofosbuvir

What is it and who is it for?

Sofosbuvir is a an oral medication taken as a pill with food once daily alongside other Hepatitis C treatments. It is available in Scotland for treatment of Hepatitis C genotypes 1-6 dependent on various factors.

How long does the treatment take?

Sofosbuvir is usually prescribed for either 12 or 24 weeks. Depending on your genotype or other factors it may be prescribed with with both pegylated interferon and ribavirin, or alongside simeprevir.

It will not normally be prescribed to treat genotype 2 or 3 Hepatitis C infection unless a patient is ineligible for or unable to tolerate pegylated interferon.

Are there any side effects?

In clinical trials only very minor side effects were reported by some patients including fatigue, nausea, headache and insomnia. Sofosbuvir will not reduce side effects of pegylated interferon and ribavirin, but it will also not worsen them.