Epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir) is a prescription drug that’s used to help treat hepatitis C. It comes as tablets and oral pellets and is usually taken once per day.
Epclusa is used in adults and certain children to treat hepatitis C with or without cirrhosis.
This medication comes as tablets or oral pellets you take by mouth. It belongs to a group of drugs called antivirals. Epclusa contains two active ingredients: sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
This article describes the dosages of Epclusa, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Epclusa, see this in-depth article.
The chart below highlights the basics of Epclusa’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more details.
| Epclusa form | Strengths | Recommended dosage for adults | Recommended dosage for children |
| oral tablets | • 400 milligrams (mg) sofosbuvir and 100 mg velpatasvir • 200 mg sofosbuvir and 50 mg velpatasvir | 400 mg/100 mg taken once daily | based on body weight |
| oral pellets | • 200 mg sofosbuvir and 50 mg velpatasvir • 150 mg sofosbuvir and 37.5 mg velpatasvir* | two pellets of 200 mg/50 mg (to equal a 400 mg/100 mg dose) taken once daily | based on body weight |
* This pellet strength is only prescribed for children based on their weight.
What are the forms of Epclusa?
Epclusa comes in two forms: tablets and pellets, both of which you take by mouth.
What strengths does Epclusa come in?
Epclusa tablets and pellets each come in two strengths.
Tablets are available in the following strengths:
- 400 mg sofosbuvir and 100 mg velpatasvir
- 200 mg sofosbuvir and 50 mg velpatasvir
Pellets are available in the following strengths:
- 200 mg sofosbuvir and 50 mg velpatasvir
- 150 mg sofosbuvir and 37.5 mg velpatasvir
What are the usual dosages of Epclusa?
Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage for you based on your body weight, age, and the severity of your condition. The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for hepatitis C for adults
The usual dose of Epclusa for hepatitis C in adults without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis* is one 400-mg/100-mg tablet. This is taken once daily for 12 weeks.
If you have decompensated cirrhosis (advanced liver disease), your doctor will prescribe Epclusa along with ribavirin (an antiviral). The duration of this treatment is also 12 weeks.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, your doctor may prescribe the Epclusa pellets for you. The dose is two pellets of 200 mg/50 mg to equal the once-daily 400-mg/100-mg dose. This treatment is also taken for 12 weeks.
* With compensated cirrhosis, the liver is scarred but still able to perform most of its usual functions.
What’s the dosage of Epclusa for children?
Epclusa is used in children ages 3 years and older. Their dosage is based on their body weight, and their treatment duration is 12 weeks.
| Child’s weight | Epclusa total dosage | Tablet dosage | Pellet dosage |
| less than 17 kilograms (kg)* | 150 mg sofosbuvir and 37.5 mg velpatasvir | not applicable | one 150-mg/37.5-mg packet of pellets taken once per day |
| 17 kg to less than 30 kg | 200 mg sofosbuvir and 50 mg velpatasvir | one 200-mg/50-mg tablet taken once per day | one 200-mg/50-mg packet of pellets taken once per day |
| 30 kg or more | 400 mg sofosbuvir and 100 mg velpatasvir | one 400-mg/100-mg tablet taken once per day | two 200-mg/50-mg pellet packets (to equal a 400-mg/100-mg dose) taken once per day |
* 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.
Epclusa may be taken with ribavirin (an antiviral) in certain cases. Your child’s doctor can provide more information about dosing of ribavirin if it’s prescribed.
Is Epclusa used long term?
No. Depending on the severity of your hepatitis C and how you respond to treatment, you’ll either take Epclusa alone for 12 weeks, or in combination with ribavirin for 12 weeks.
Your doctor will discuss with you how long you’re likely to take Epclusa based on your individual situation.
The dosage of Epclusa you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include the severity of your condition, your age, and your weight.
Epclusa comes as tablets and as pellets, both of which you swallow.
You can take the tablets with or without food, but you should swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, your doctor may prescribe Epclusa pellets for you. (You can also check out this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.)
You can swallow Epclusa pellets with water or another liquid. You can also sprinkle the pellets on a non-acidic food such as pudding or ice cream. But be sure to eat all the food within 15 minutes of sprinkling the pellets. Do not chew the pellets in the food but swallow them whole. The pellets may taste bitter.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Epclusa, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may have tips to help make it easier or may be able to supply Epclusa in an easy-open container.
Take Epclusa exactly as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the drug keeps working to treat your condition. Missing doses of Epclusa can increase the risk of your hepatitis C not being cured.
If you miss your normal dose of Epclusa, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to the time of your next regular dose, do not take two doses of the drug. This can increase your risk of serious side effects of the drug.
If you’re uncertain about what to do about a missed dose, call your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Epclusa on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Epclusa than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Epclusa
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Epclusa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Epclusa’s dosage.
Can I take Epclusa for 24 weeks?
Epclusa is usually taken alone or with another drug to treat hepatitis C for 12 weeks. It is not recommended that it be taken for 24 weeks.
How long you take this medication depends on the severity of your condition and how you respond to treatment. If you have serious side effects from Epclusa, your doctor may have you stop taking it sooner than 12 weeks.
If you have questions about your treatment, talk with your doctor. They can answer your questions about how long you’ll take Epclusa.
How does the dosage of Epclusa for older adults compare with that for younger adults?
The dosage of Epclusa for adults is usually 400 milligrams (mg) sofosbuvir and 100 mg velpatasvir taken once per day for 12 weeks. It may be taken alone or in combination with ribavirin (an antiviral) in certain cases.
There are no dosage adjustments for older adults.
The dosage of Epclusa for children and younger adults is based on their body weight. (See the dosage information in “What’s the dosage of Epclusa for children?” above.)
The dosage of Epclusa for younger adults who weigh at least 30 kg* is the same as for adults. This is 400 mg/100 mg taken once per day for 12 weeks.
If you have questions about your Epclusa dosage, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. They can determine your dosage based on your age, body weight, and condition severity.
* 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Epclusa for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Epclusa without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take this drug exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:
- Could my dosage of Epclusa change during my treatment?
- If my child’s weight changes, would they need a dosage adjustment?
- Does the dosage of Epclusa depend on other medications I’m taking?
To learn more about Epclusa, see these articles:
- All About Epclusa
- Side Effects of Epclusa: What You Need to Know
- Epclusa and Cost: What You Need to Know
- Epclusa vs. Harvoni: What You Should Know
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.