I completed my 12 week treatment just 3 days ago. But still have that insomnia and fatigue. I figure that the insomnia is adding to the fatigue and also really don't expect them to go away in just 3 days. But would be nice to know if there is a predicted time when the side effects should wear off after you stop taking the Harvoni ?
Harvoni - How long do the side effects take to wear off?
Question posted by artist88 on 8 March 2015
Last updated on 10 February 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
36 Answers Page 3
suenashed
18 Aug 2015
My husband completed 12 weeks of harvoni and ribaviron in early June. He had similar side effects to all of you which still haven't subsided that much. In addition, he has had water retention in legs and feet, which has gotten worse. It is now mid August and we are wondering how long these side effects last. how are the rest of you are doing? Are you still experiencing side effects? Please let me know
The y
lavendabinga
1 March 2016
I have been off Harvoni for 4 months. I feel worst now then when I was taking the meds. My joints hurt very bad every day I thought I was going to feel great.
Xbronx
17 March 2016
I am post liver transplant. 2 weeks of 12 left to go on Harvoni/Ribaviron. I drink about 3 large bottles of water a day. My side effects are energy up and down. Slight mood swings. I do a tread climber and or exercise bike 4 days a week. He needs to try and load up on water AND walk. If not, you are at the mercy of chemicals.
Toster
26 Sep 2016
Lavendabinga
I am sorry to hear of your joint pain. I was wondering if you took Ribavirin along with the Harvoni. How are you doing now? I am about to start Harvoni and I am a little scared of any new drug.
Thank you
audreywald1
15 June 2015
I am finishing my 24 week regime tomorrow. I talked to my nurse and she said in a few days I should start to get some energy back. I have been fatigued for so long before the Harvoni (a lot of cirrhosis I think is why) I am sick of being sick. How are you doing now?
Harriethiggens
21 Oct 2015
I am sick of being sick too! I have completed an 8 week treatment. It's been about a week since I finished. I am tired, tired, stomach still upset, food is not interesting. Want to get better soon.
Brandejdc
8 Nov 2015
Finished 24 wks treatment on 7/3/15. Stage 3-4 cirrhosis. Non-detectable at 3 months post. Infected 44 yrs ago in the military. Failed treatment in the past on all other meds. Problem is I feel worse now in post treatment. Joint aches, brain fog, headache, fatigue, digestive problems, etc. So I am into 4 months post, no detectable virus and I feel worse than when I was undergoing treatment. Harvoni is new so my take is that there may be post side effects that are just being reported. I would be interested to hear from others in the same situation.
Roxanne13
15 Nov 2015
I finished the 12 week regimen in May. I did not have cirrhosis. I have never felt worse. My entire GI system appears to be shutting down. Virtually no stool exits the body, even when laxatives & fiber treatments are employed. After reading up on diseases & disorders that could explain the total cessation of bowel movements the past 2 months, the possibilities are bleak. I have read other's complaints of mysteriously contracting Chrones Disease, IBS, Colitis, & Pancreatitis. All after treatment. I don't exhibit the pain associated with those but am about to undergo a colonoscopy, ultrasound, and catscan of GI tract, as well as blood & stool tests.
The reality is Harvoni is the only prescription drug known that lists no long term side effects or dangers on their TV commercials, in their website or on the product bottle (accompanying literature from Pharmacy) leading me to think everyone is a Guinea pig the next several years, in spite of 5 years of clinical trials (with no mention of complications as aftermath) or no information is being volunteered by Gilead. Disconcerting, to say the very least.
cynthiaveal
23 Nov 2015
I am feeling bad too. I have been off the Harvoni for 2 months and I have . Joint aches, brain fog, headache, fatigue, digestive problems, etc. also. I also have depression. I'm hoping it will get better with time. I don't know what to do except to wait it out. :)
Sideeffectsafter
13 Dec 2015
I have a bad stomach condition now a month after and had none before. It scares me that they haven't done enough research on this drug.
Harriethiggens
15 Dec 2015
I have been off Harvoni for a couple of months now. My stomach is just getting back to normal, but still not interested in food, things I used to love to eat are just not appealing, hope this too, passes. I am not depressed, but very emotional. Cry at the drop of a hat, what's that all about.
agr8dane
14 Feb 2016
I finished my 24 week treatment along with ribavirin 1-15-16.
Stage 4 cirrhosis with severe inflammation. My third round beginning with interferon then olysio now Harvoni with ribavirin.
I had some mild side effects in the beginning but the last three months were a nightmare. Fatigue, mental shifts, personality changes, anger, brain FOG to the point I didn't trust myself driving. But I pushed on, waiting for the end of treatment and some relief of symptoms.
I was blindsided to find they just got worse .. never saw it coming. Now I have Hepatic Encephalopathy
douglasjohn
3 March 2016
Completed Harvoni December 2015. Initaly felt very good. Now suffering Stomache bowel discomfort, also panic anxiety attacks and as typing this very bad depression. Beginning to feel why I took treatment as no issues and now always ill. Just started 2 Chest infection in month Initaly Steroids and Antibiotics. Don't want again. Just want to be free with Spring and Summer due soon. Bonnie Inverness UK.
Nittigritti88
20 March 2016
You know it's funny I know this is an old post so you can tell me how your doing now but I am feeling worse now since ive taking the harvoni then before I did
Nittigritti88
20 March 2016
You know it's funny I know this is an old post so you can tell me how your doing now but I am feeling worse now since ive taking the harvoni then before I did
Wild Cambo 75
30 April 2016
Today is my second last day on Harvoni after 8 weeks of treatment. The first two days i had upset stomach (#2) but then for 3 weeks, no side effects whatsoever. Then out of the blue i started getting brutal head aches that were so bad i couldnt see properly and wanted to vomit. Luckily my doctor is a very kind man and he prescribed me endone for the headaches ans serapax to help me stay asleep and that pretty much got rid of the side effects. I still wasnt sleeping for 8 hours as i used to but 6 hours with no headaches is better than waking after 3-4 hours with what was basically a migraine. I have noticed my energy levels have increased already & cant wait for tomorrow when i take my last Harvoni tablet. So if you arent sleeping, i would recomend endone for the headache & serapax or valium for sleeping (i already use Valium as a sleeping aid so thats probably why i had to have something slightly stronger for sleep while im on harvoni). Hope your treatment works
shambam74
20 June 2016
I am 2 weeks post treatment . During treatment I had minimal side effects BUT since I've ended the treatments I feel horrible. The fatigue is the worst, brain fog headaches ... I'm just wondering how long this goes on for... I was negative 1 month 2 and 3 month check now we're waiting for 3 months after to check again. I am truly grateful for the treatment just wondering about the side effects
Toster
28 Sep 2016
IT looks like it's been a while and I was wondering how you are doing now.
Also did you take Ribavirin with the Harvoni? I am trying to decide to take Harvoni. I am in good shape and I can wait for better drugs if this drug is going to cause debilitating side effects.Thank you for your answer. Toster
harvoni
7 Nov 2016
Hello All,
My father is 67 and got Hep C in the 60´s. He just finished Harvoni treatment and has no Hep or liver damage... no health issues. But since he has taken this treatment he has been more and more depressed, twice got a skin infection where he was hospitalized and now is having panic attacks. My father is a cancer survivor so he has been through a lot (radiation and surgery), but cancer free for 14 years. It seems he is less healthy physically and mentally since he took the treatment. Anyone else having these effects after treatment??? Doctors keep saying Harvoni has nothing to do with it.
Gorgeous2
3 Jan 2017
Took Harvoni treatment. Never had any Hep C symptoms, but tested positive for the virus. Completed course end of October. I have been unhealthy since and getting worse. Constantly have cold/flu symptoms, severe body aches and pains that come and go. I will have a few days where I will feel okay. Then sick again. So I assume I've had a series of colds. At this point I am very ill. Intense headaches nausea, zero energy. I'm just very very unhealthy to the point I cannot get work done or keep things on track like housekeeping affairs. I'm calling Gilead in the morning. I am definitely not well now, and prior to Harvoni was much healthier.
bmorehead73
20 June 2017
It has been quite a while since all these answers were put in. I am wondering if any of you are feeling any better or if you have gotten any answers? My fiance finished his treatment in November 2016 and is having serious stomach issues as well as not having any energy. I told him it was probably a side effect from the harvoni and got on here to see if anyone else was experiencing any of the same problems. Sure enough, there are a lot of you guys! Does it get any better?
Lucybelle44
27 June 2017
I finished last week as well and my side effects are still here and I'm a little worried, I'm bloated like a balloon.
September in Texas
25 July 2017
I completed my treatment about 5 months ago. I have been experiencing muscle aches and some joint pain too. Still haven't gotten my energy back. I have some normal days and then days I have no energy. Blood work was good. Time for more follow up blood work and yearly physical. Should know soon how my blood work numbers look again soon.
Vallleygirlvamp
14 Jan 2018
Iam over a month of 12 week treatment and I have brain fog and fatigue way worse than ever. Help!
mandy12345
5 June 2015
My Dr tells me side effects wear off after 2 weeks . I am thinking about staring Harvoni but to Not sure about it all . Hope it all goes well for you .
cynthiaveal
30 Aug 2015
I am all for the Harvoni treatment. If you have Hep C , I believe you would feel so much better by starting the treatment. I have a greater self conciousness and a more positive attitude about myself now. :)
crankyman
22 Nov 2015
If you have the opportunity to get the harvoni treatment by all means go for it. I did the old school treatment of ribovirin and peg treatment also interfuron and they failed. Talk about side effects ,Wow. I just finished my 12 weeks on harvoni and was fine with only a headache and fatigue. Don't miss the opportunity to take harvoni. This is my personal opinion based on experience... Keep Healthy...
Chastityann
14 Feb 2016
Harvoni is the answer. There shouldn't be a thought in ur mind
Swipper
22 April 2016
I just completed 8 weeks of harvona. The only side effects I experienced were insomnia and fatigue. I did retain a lil water in legs and feet. I started getting energy back after a week of taken this medicine. I took my last pill this morning and this last week has been the hardest. I feel extremely tired. But that's prob normal considering I have had a virus in my body that it recognizes for many years and now it's just gone. Your body is amazing that thing. I'm betting on feeling kinda yucky after completing it, just due to the fact that my body had a virus for along time and now it don't and I feed it a pill for 8 weeks and now I'm not. I think the reason I might be so tired is due to me actually healing. Just like when you get over being sick w the flu, cold, etc. your always tired afterwards. I would recommend taken harvona... it's slowly giving me my life back and as for the side effects they were tolable. Hope this helps you decide. Prayers n thoughts
crankyman
18 May 2016
Crankyman passed away the beginning of the year, peacefully w/ hospice. He gave it a good fight being diagnosed with hep C in 1997, approximately. Keep going with your fight, stay positive & take care to be kind to yourself, cranky mans wife. I named him that jokening. Good luck to you all✌
Denpoppy
28 Sep 2016
I have just finished my eight weeks of Harvoni treatment. I too did the interferon/ribavarin. With no success. But my first blood draw on Harvoni results read undetected. Does that absolutely mean it worked?
librachild56
19 Nov 2016
I am at the end of 8wks treatment, I wake up wanting to cry, my pain in my legs, hips, feet, all my joints ache, my neck is so stiff, the pain is so bad, I don't want to move. They only mentioned fatigue, headaches, nausea, but god almighty please make it go by faster. Did anyone else have joint pain?
tbolger
26 Aug 2017
Hi! I am a few years later, but I wanted to say that I am 6 weeks into my Harvoni treatment. My side affects are pretty mild, in my opinion. Yes, I'm fatigued and have insomnia, but I was like that before from hepC, so it seems fine. My insides feel better. It's hard to describe, but I feel like I'm working properly. Lol. I would strongly suggest taking Harvoni. I believe it's well worth it.
rminjares
8 Feb 2018
Hi Mandy, you mean after 2 weeks of taking Harvoni or after treatment, the side effects ware off?
jolo100
4 May 2015
We are in the same boat artist88. I also finished my 12 week harvoni two days ago.
This morning, I am feeling better than I have in a while, as my side effects like fatigue and depression (for me, they can be hand in hand), short sleep and about 7 visits to the toilet a day.
My tummy feels better today and I feel clearer in my head.
The way it works from the drug company perspective is that if the viral count is gone at the end of twelve weeks it is very good naturally. But, the key is the blood test taken 12 weeks After completion. If that shows no viral load, then the company considers it a cure.
There is very, very little data on post harvoni people, which is one of the negatives of taking new medication.
Jt
Fifee
30 July 2016
Hello you two, I finished Harvoni treatment 6 weeks ago and while the insomnia is getting better, I am not feeling well. Worse than before I took the Harvoni. Aching in joints, hip pain, no energy. I had a low viral count even though I contracted HepC in the 70's. My liver was in good condition. I would like to know how you both are now as your treatment was quite a while ago. Please, thank you, Fi
Bilou1982
29 Aug 2016
@fifee
Hi fifee, im in the exact same situation as yours today, incredible pressure from the doc to take the treatments, and really afraid it may not help at all at the end; im already i depressed person, some told me it may be due to the virus- any clue from your experiences,,, and im really frightened this treatment gonna make things worse... How are you today, almost a year after your post? Its so hard to have people feedbacks on this matter, any answer would be much apreciated.
Many thanks!
Bilou1982
29 Aug 2016
*sorry not a year, a month, my bad
Toster
26 Sep 2016
Hello and Ditto. I am about to start Harvoni and I was wondering how the people who have completed treatment are doing now and if they just used Harvoni or if they also used Ribavirin too.
Thank you
Toster
26 Sep 2016
Hello and Ditto. I am about to start Harvoni and I was wondering how the people who have completed treatment are doing now and if they just used Harvoni or if they also used Ribavirin too.
Thank you
Kevfoil2000
18 Oct 2016
I finished the 12 week treatment two weeks ago, I wasn't as lucky as most people who have little or no side effects, I had insomnia almost from the beginning, confusion and mild depression. Two weeks after treatment the depression is getting worse and still can't sleep without taking ambien every night.
If it doesn't get better soon will have to think about going to the doctor, not thrilled about being on anti depressants though.
Has anyone else had depression after treatment ?
jcullors
19 Feb 2017
Jerome c I have finish with the Hanoi program back in September of 2016 and I was looking information on side effects after you finish the program. I have not felt well since I finish ,cough a cold three times it seems like my bodies amune system is not working at its' fullest.
jcullors
19 Feb 2017
Jerome c I have finish with the Hanoi program back in September of 2016 and I was looking information on side effects after you finish the program. I have not felt well since I finish ,cough a cold three times it seems like my bodies amune system is not working at its' fullest.
Dede57
2 Dec 2017
I completed 12 weeks of Harvoni 3weeks ago. They say I'm cleared of my viral load, however have to wait for the 3 month mark, to be cured. I can't sleep, belly is upset, irritable & achey all over. I'm starting to feel a little stronger every day. There is hope. Just gotta keep the faith & pray.
marymartinez
24 March 2015
Hi artist88,
How have you been haven't heard from you hope all is well have you gotten any labs back ? how well did you respond to you're treatment. please stay intouch have a great day..
artist88
24 March 2015
Hi Mary Martinez ,
I am doing well. Just got over the flu which wasn't nice. But now is the long wait till I find out if I made it. My doc said that there is no reason for any labs at this point. I also spoke with Gilead Sciences and they said the same thing regarding labs at this point since the only lab that counts is 3 months after you have completed the treatment. From what I learned, your counts can go up and down with in those 3 months so it really doesn't say anything and the labs at the 3 month point is the golden lab. But I would love to know what it is just for knowing. How are you doing ? I hope all is going fine and before you know it you will have completed your life with Harvoni also. Let me know how your doing and you to have a great day
marymartinez
24 March 2015
Hello artisT88,
So glad to hear that you are doing good ! I got some blood work done 2 weeks ago and they only looked at my pallets which came back really low due to having hep C I go tomorrow to have more blood work to see how my body is handling the medicine. I called and asked if they would check my viral load she said no, that they 'll check it in 8 weeks so the day I take my last pill which is 8 weeks she'll check it and then 3 months after that. So have you been able to sleep yet? how are you feeling? I'm really tired can't wait to get this over with... Please stay in-touch I'll keep you posted...
balbanese
8 March 2015
As you'll see int he link below this is not uncommon.
There's a lot you can do to help yourself with this, sleep studies these days have improved greatly. In addition to that, try these changes for 90-days, cut out all forms of sugar (look up the many variations and read your labels), including artificial. Also discontinue caffeine, alcohol and any food within 1 1/2 -2 hours before bed, make sure you hydrate throughout the day. Change up your routines, especially the processes three hours before bed (reading, TV etc.).
Get a daily 30/45 minute mid-day walk in, the mid-day part is crucial. Mental stimulus is also crucial, venture out and take on something challenging to your mind, again, mid day, make it something you enjoy. That's just a few suggestions, many folks turn to meds for insomnia, which often leads to a worsening of the matter. Hang in there, keep in touch if you like.
balbanese
8 March 2015
Sorry, I forgot the link:
Tom3
11 March 2015
I completed my 12 week treatment 2 weeks ago and can say that I am back to normal. I can sleep all night also have made it to work on time this week for the first time in three months. I feel human again.
artist88
24 March 2015
I really do wish it was that easy. Plus my primary doctor is also a sleep doctor and has a sleep clinic. He belives that m
balbanese
24 March 2015
It's not meant to be or sound easy, it's a process that needs to be given the time it requires, and that differs for everyone.
artist88
24 March 2015
Hi, sorry about my last comment. It kinda went somewhere before I could finnish. I tried a lot of things on my own but I guess I would compare it to taking a drug to stay awake. Well I did take Harvoni. My primary doctor also runs a sleep clinic. So I did talk with him about my problem. He said that I am experiencing one of the side effects of Harvoni and preferred that I just work it out myself. Also if it becomes unbearable then he could prescribe something for me. He knows pretty well and thinks that I can get through it without any drugs. So I am just dealing with it now without any anxiety and looking at it a very temperary condition. There are others who are doing the same thing on this site so since it is a vaild side effect, it should not warrant getting use to taking sleeping pills. Oh , he told me that most sleeping pills would not usually contract a form of insomnia do to taking a drug that preventing you from sleeping.
I have been able to get some real good sleep lately even though for 3or 4 hours, I feel so much better. I am glad my doc held off on the pills, plus this should be all overwith shortly. I would like to thank you for your thought full comment and best of wishes to you. Have a good day
balbanese
24 March 2015
Okay!
artist88
24 March 2015
Hi, balbanese
Just want to say how much I do appreciate your comment. I am also diabetic and I need to walk every day. After your comment I decided to increase my walking distance. I do think it has helped with getting to sleep and has also helped with my suger. For me I found out that I need to walk at midday and also I take a walk at just before sunset after dinner. This insomnia should be gone soon and I am so glad that it is not one of my on going medical conditions. Hey just want to thank you again and I am doing better now. How are you doing ? How far along with treatment are you and are you experiencing any side effects from Harvoni ? Take care and all the best to you
balbanese
24 March 2015
Thank you that means a lot, it's rare to get that kind of feedback so it's well appreciated. I'm stable at the moment, hanging in there. You do the same. Keep in touch and thanks again.
jolo100
4 May 2015
Please be careful about giving medical advice. Everyone is individual and what works for one might not work for another.
Better to share only personal experiences
Xbronx
17 March 2016
This is good normal advice. I do all of the above. I will be done with 12 weeks Harvoni/Rivafirin. I am post liver transplant 6 months ago. Thank God for Kaiser Permanente and UAB Hospital. They are the big dogs.
Related topics
insomnia, hepatitis c, side effect, fatigue, treatment, harvoni
Further information
- Harvoni uses and safety info
- Harvoni prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Harvoni (detailed)
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