Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir is a prescription antiviral combination medication primarily used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults and children three years of age and older. The brand-name version is called Epclusa. 

Key Information

• Uses: It is effective against all six major genotypes (strains) of the hepatitis C virus. It can be used in patients with or without cirrhosis (liver scarring), sometimes in combination with the medicine ribavirin for advanced cases.

• Mechanism: The two active ingredients work differently: sofosbuvir is an NS5B polymerase inhibitor, and velpatasvir is an NS5A inhibitor. Together, they stop the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body, which helps eliminate the infection and prevent further liver damage.

• Efficacy: This combination offers a high cure rate, often exceeding 98% in many patients. "Cure" means the virus is not detectable in the blood 12 weeks after treatment completion.

• Dosage: It is typically a once-daily tablet taken for a duration of 12 weeks. The tablets can be taken with or without food.