Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
VOSEVI vs CO-GESIC
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
VOSEVI (sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir) is a fixed-dose combination of a nucleotide analog NS5B polymerase inhibitor (sofosbuvir), an NS5A inhibitor (velpatasvir), and a NS3/4A protease inhibitor (voxilaprevir). The combination inhibits hepatitis C virus replication by targeting multiple viral proteins.
CO-GESIC (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) is a combination analgesic. Hydrocodone is an opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS, inhibiting ascending pain pathways and altering pain perception. Acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the CNS, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and elevating pain threshold.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1-6 infection in adults who have no prior treatment with a NS5A inhibitor and have been previously treated with a regimen containing sofosbuvir without a NS5A inhibitor,Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1-6 infection in adults who have prior treatment with a NS5A inhibitor-containing regimen
FDA: Management of moderate to moderately severe pain where an opioid is appropriate.,Off-label: Not commonly used off-label; may be considered for refractory pain conditions.
One tablet (sofosbuvir 400 mg/velpatasvir 100 mg/voxilaprevir 100 mg) orally once daily with food for 8 weeks.
1-2 tablets (hydrocodone 5 mg/acetaminophen 500 mg per tablet) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, maximum 8 tablets per day.
Sofosbuvir: 0.5 h (parent), 27 h (GS-331007 metabolite); Velpatasvir: 17 h; Voxilaprevir: 33 h. Terminal half-lives support once-daily dosing; metabolite GS-331007 accumulates but is less active.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 2–4 hours in adults with normal renal function; prolonged in renal impairment.
Sofosbuvir is metabolized by cathepsin A and CES1 to the active metabolite GS-461203, followed by dephosphorylation. Velpatasvir and voxilaprevir are metabolized by CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP3A4 (minor). Voxilaprevir is also a substrate of OATP1B1/1B3.
Hydrocodone: primarily hepatic via CYP3A4-mediated N-demethylation to norhydrocodone (active) and O-demethylation via CYP2D6 to hydromorphone (active). Acetaminophen: hepatic via glucuronidation and sulfation; minor oxidation by CYP2E1 to NAPQI (toxic metabolite).
Sofosbuvir: 80% renal, 14% fecal; Velpatasvir: 94% fecal, 0.4% renal; Voxilaprevir: 40% renal, 47% fecal. VOSEVI components are eliminated primarily via biliary/fecal (velpatasvir, voxilaprevir) and renal (sofosbuvir) pathways.
Primarily renal (60–70% as unchanged drug and metabolites); minor biliary/fecal excretion (<5%).
Sofosbuvir: ~85% bound; Velpatasvir: >99.5% bound; Voxilaprevir: >99% bound. Primarily to albumin.
<20%; primarily binds to albumin.
Sofosbuvir: ~1.8 L/kg; Velpatasvir: ~4.9 L/kg; Voxilaprevir: ~3.9 L/kg. Large Vd indicates extensive tissue distribution, including liver (target organ).
1.2–1.9 L/kg; suggests extensive distribution into total body water.
Oral: sofosbuvir ~92%, velpatasvir ~29%, voxilaprevir ~44% (fasted). Administer with food to increase absorption (especially voxilaprevir AUC 2- to 4-fold).
Oral: 85–95%; rectal: 70–80%.
No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment (e GFR ≥30 m L/min/1.73 m²). For severe renal impairment (e GFR <30 m L/min/1.73 m²) or end-stage renal disease, safety and efficacy not established; use not recommended.
GFR 30-59 m L/min: Administer every 6 hours; GFR 10-29 m L/min: Administer every 8 hours; GFR <10 m L/min: Administer every 12 hours; avoid use in severe renal impairment.
Contraindicated in Child-Pugh class B or C decompensated cirrhosis due to increased voxilaprevir exposure. No dose adjustment required for Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis.
Child-Pugh Class A: No adjustment; Child-Pugh Class B: Reduce dose by 50% and extend interval to every 8 hours; Child-Pugh Class C: Use not recommended due to hepatotoxicity risk.
Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients <18 years have not been established; no specific dosing recommendations.
Children ≥2 years: Hydrocodone 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/dose (max 5 mg/dose) plus acetaminophen 10-15 mg/kg/dose (max 500 mg/dose) orally every 4-6 hours as needed; maximum 5 doses per day.
No dose adjustment required based on age. Clinical studies included patients ≥65 years with no overall differences in safety or efficacy; consider renal function monitoring.
Start at lower end of dosing range (e.g., 1 tablet every 6 hours) due to increased sensitivity to opioids and renal clearance decline; monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients coinfected with HCV and HBV. Test all patients for evidence of current or prior HBV infection before starting treatment. Monitor HCV/HBV coinfected patients for hepatitis B reactivation during treatment and post-treatment follow-up.
Risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse; serious, life-threatening or fatal respiratory depression from opioid use; accidental ingestion of acetaminophen can cause acute liver failure; neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome with prolonged use during pregnancy; risks from concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants.
Risk of HBV reactivation,Risk of bradycardia when coadministered with amiodarone; avoid use unless alternatives are not available,Decompensated hepatic impairment: not recommended for use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C),Drug interactions: potential for reduced therapeutic effect if given with P-gp inducers (e.g., rifampin) or moderate/strong CYP inducers
Addiction, abuse, and misuse; respiratory depression; accidental ingestion; neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome; risk with concomitant use of CNS depressants; severe hypotension; seizures; serotonin syndrome; adrenal insufficiency; hepatotoxicity (acetaminophen overdose); hypersensitivity reactions; constipation; urinary retention; impaired mental/physical abilities.
Concomitant use with rifampin (CYP2B6 and P-gp inducer) due to significant decrease in voxilaprevir concentrations,Concomitant use with St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) due to decreased drug concentrations,Coadministration with rosuvastatin is contraindicated due to increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis,Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C)
Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, acetaminophen, or any component; significant respiratory depression; acute or severe bronchial asthma; known or suspected GI obstruction (e.g., paralytic ileus); use of MAO inhibitors (concurrent or within 14 days).
VOSEVI should be taken with food to ensure adequate absorption. A high-fat meal (approximately 800–1000 calories, 50% fat) increases absorption of velpatasvir and voxilaprevir. Avoid concurrent use with St. John's wort, rifampin, and other P-glycoprotein inducers, as they may reduce VOSEVI efficacy.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may alter metabolism of hydrocodone. Take with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. Avoid alcohol-containing foods or beverages. No other significant food interactions.
VOSEVI is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm. No adequate human data; animal studies show developmental toxicity at clinically relevant exposures. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after completion.
First trimester: No adequate studies; risk cannot be ruled out. Second and third trimesters: Avoid prolonged use or high doses near term due to potential premature closure of ductus arteriosus and oligohydramnios.
No data on presence in human milk; animal studies indicate excretion. M/P ratio unknown. Risk of adverse effects in infant not excluded; advise against breastfeeding during therapy.
No data on M/P ratio; use with caution. Low molecular weight may be excreted into breast milk; monitor infant for sedation or respiratory depression.
No data on pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy; dose adjustments not established. VOSEVI is not recommended in pregnancy; if inadvertent exposure occurs, consult specialist.
No specific dose adjustments required; however, due to increased renal clearance in pregnancy, shortened dosing intervals or higher doses may be needed for adequate analgesia. Monitor clinical response and adjust accordingly.
VOSEVI is a fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir (NS5B inhibitor), velpatasvir (NS5A inhibitor), and voxilaprevir (NS3/4A protease inhibitor) indicated for treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with chronic HCV genotype 1–6 without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. It is particularly useful for patients who have failed prior NS5A inhibitor-containing regimens, including those with genotype 3 and compensated cirrhosis. Monitor for hepatitis B reactivation in HBV co-infected patients. Dose adjustment not required for mild or moderate renal impairment, but safety not established in severe renal impairment or ESRD. Caution with amiodarone due to risk of serious bradycardia. Check for drug interactions with P-gp inducers, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, and CYP3A4 substrates.
Co-Gesic is a fixed-dose combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Monitor for acetaminophen hepatotoxicity; maximum daily acetaminophen dose should not exceed 4 g. Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance with abuse potential. Use with caution in patients with respiratory compromise, COPD, or sleep apnea. Avoid concurrent use with other CNS depressants including alcohol. In opioid-tolerant patients, withdrawal may occur if discontinued abruptly.
Take VOSEVI exactly as prescribed, usually one tablet once daily with food.,Do not skip doses or stop taking VOSEVI without talking to your doctor.,If you have hepatitis B co-infection, your doctor will monitor you for HBV reactivation during and after treatment.,Tell your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, as VOSEVI may interact with them.,Common side effects include headache, fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea. Contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or signs of liver injury.,VOSEVI does not prevent transmission of HCV. Practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Take exactly as prescribed; do not increase dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.,Avoid alcohol while taking this medication due to risk of liver damage and increased sedation.,Do not take other medications containing acetaminophen (Tylenol, many cold/flu products) to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose (4 grams).,This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.,Store securely out of reach of children and dispose of unused medication properly (take-back programs preferred).,Do not crush or chew extended-release formulations (if applicable).,Report signs of liver injury (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain) or respiratory depression (slow/shallow breathing) immediately.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about VOSEVI vs CO-GESIC, answered by our medical review team.
VOSEVI is a Direct-Acting Antiviral Combination that works by VOSEVI (sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir) is a fixed-dose combination of a nucleotide analog NS5B polymerase inhibitor (sofosbuvir), an NS5A inhibitor (velpatasvir), and a NS3/4A protease inhibitor (voxilaprevir). The combination inhibits hepatitis C virus replication by targeting multiple viral proteins.. CO-GESIC is a Opioid Analgesic Combination that works by CO-GESIC (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) is a combination analgesic. Hydrocodone is an opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS, inhibiting ascending pain pathways and altering pain perception. Acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the CNS, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and elevating pain threshold.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between VOSEVI and CO-GESIC depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of VOSEVI is: One tablet (sofosbuvir 400 mg/velpatasvir 100 mg/voxilaprevir 100 mg) orally once daily with food for 8 weeks.. The standard adult dose of CO-GESIC is: 1-2 tablets (hydrocodone 5 mg/acetaminophen 500 mg per tablet) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, maximum 8 tablets per day.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between VOSEVI and CO-GESIC in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. VOSEVI is classified as Category C. VOSEVI is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm. No adequate human data; animal studies show developmental toxicity at clinically relevant exposures. Use effective. CO-GESIC is classified as Category C. First trimester: No adequate studies; risk cannot be ruled out. Second and third trimesters: Avoid prolonged use or high doses near term due to potential premature closure of ductu. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.