Elbasvir / grazoprevir and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I have just started Zepatier and in the morning I will start my fourth day of treatment. Current side effects are not noticeable other than extreme fatigue the first two days. Today I felt just as tired as normal, since chronic fatigue is the most noticeable side effect of my Hep C. I am set to do bloodwork every two weeks throughout my treatment and see my physician every three weeks. I will update this as my treatment progresses but wanted to post in case others were looking for feedback like me. Hopefully even this little bit helps someone know what to expect from their first dose of Zepatier. Stay strong and God bless."

• Fro...
• January 13, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I started Zepatier in July 2016 and completed the 12-week program. I did have well exceeding a headache and fatigue, but that only lasted for the first few weeks. I found that, while taking the medication, you kind of feel a little off, not yourself, but I continued to go to work throughout the program. My 4-week blood work came back virus not detected, as did my 8-week and 12-week end of treatment. I just received my 6-month blood work, and the virus is still not detected. I was a little worried when I first started taking this medication about side effects and the final outcome, but as I look back now, the decision was the right one, and the outcome was what I hoped for."

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I am on day 12 of Zepatier. I have had to tweak the times of when I take the medication and have found that 7 pm is the best for me. I do experience muscle ache, headache, and fatigue when I take it. I sleep like a log. This way, I am able to enjoy the day without those side effects. Yesterday was the first day I felt results. I was thrilled! I haven't had that kind of energy or clarity of the brain for so long, I don't remember! It is kicking in now, obviously. I woke this morning clear, happy, and optimistic. Oh, happy day! I realize I will have to go through a bit of discomfort for a few hours a day. And it really isn't that bad at all. I hope things continue this way. Over the moon. Counting the days until I get my first bloodwork."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2017

For Hepatitis C "End of week 4 and mild side effects like fatigue and stomach cramps. Diarrhea subsided also, I feel pretty good, but a couple of days out of the week it feels like my heart is beating slow and I feel lightheaded, nauseous, headache, and whole body ache."

• L19...
• March 10, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I am 54, female, have no idea how long I have had HCV, and I have just started Zepatier on 19.02.17. I am on my 3rd week now. Current side effects are not noticeable other than extreme fatigue that started in the second week of treatment. Today, I felt just as tired as previous days since I started Zepatier. I will update this as my treatment progresses. Hopefully, this helps someone know what to expect from their first dose of Zepatier."

• Ale...
• November 28, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I do not recommend Zepatier because of its long-term side effects. Before starting the medication, my father was able to walk around and care for himself and get things done. During the 12-week course of Zepatier, he reported extreme fatigue among other side effects. He would often have to nap after waking up mid-morning, then again after 3 or 4 hours. He is an avid cook but did not have the energy to cook and experienced a decrease in appetite. Three weeks after he completed his 12-week course of Zepatier, he is worse than he was before starting. He is still unable to stay awake throughout the day. Every little task exhausts him before he can complete it."

• Pal...
• February 22, 2017

For Hepatitis C "5.5 weeks into a 12-week course of Zepatier for GT4. The first week, I had some weird aches and pains and could not tolerate alcohol (not a big drinker, but after a few sips of wine, I got really unwell - not had a drink since). Apart from some fatigue, there have been no other side effects. However, the fatigue is lessening each week, and I have been able to work and maintain a normal life throughout. After 4 weeks, blood results show all LFTs are well within normal range. HCV & VL not tested since starting treatment. It looks like it's working :) Keep you posted!"

• Hen...
• June 9, 2017

For Hepatitis C "After 9 weeks of treatment, my Hep C is finally undetectable. I have extreme fatigue, have had it for most of the treatment. Hopefully, it will get better after treatment. Only 6 days left till I'm done with treatment."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I've just finished 12 weeks of Zepatier for the treatment of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and the most difficult things to deal with were headaches and fatigue. I also had sore throats as well, which only lasted a day or two. My blood tests at 4 weeks showed zero virus, and I am looking forward to seeing what my next blood test will show. I will update my results when they are through."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2016

For Hepatitis C "Well, I don't speak English very well but want people to know my experience with Zepatier. My first lab before treatment had ALT and AST high, fibroscan F2, viral load over 600,000. First week, the symptoms were extreme fatigue, but better than Interferon and Ribavirin. I had depression before treatment, but I felt more depressed. The second week, the lab results were all good: AST and ALT in the normal range. The symptoms of the second week are: my eyes have slow movements like dizzy, the fatigue, and loss of appetite, but like always, I like to say 100 percent better than Interferon and Ribavirin. Today, I start the second week of the second month and the RNA quantitative is extremely low that they didn't put numbers, but I need to go to the doctor’s office to be sure."

• Hep...
• April 28, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I started taking Zepatier 3 weeks ago. About a week into it, I came down with flu-like symptoms. I was previously on interferon and ribavirin about 10 years ago, in which the side effects were similar, except way more severe. I can tell my body is fighting the virus and that the medication is working. I feel more energy, however, my well-being is not 100 percent, but I am getting there. Overall, the Hep C made me feel fatigued and overall not very pleasant. I am quite hopeful Zepatier is working, as my doctor told me that it has a 97% success rate. I can tell my body is responding to the medication, and it feels like each day I am gradually feeling better. It is amazing that I have been living with this disease for so long, and I am starting to realize the dramatic effect that it has had on my health and well-being."

• Rea...
• August 16, 2017

For Hepatitis C "My husband had Hep C genotype 1a. He is 57. We got the diagnosis 5 years ago. They think he has had this for at least 25 years. He got a tattoo out in Sturgis at a raunchy bar. No needle use. That being said, he wasn't a good candidate for previous treatment until Zepatier came along. We were so happy and grateful this medication came along and was covered by our insurance. After 2 weeks his viral load was at 0 and his blood work was normal with all liver tests. He had severe joint pain while taking this medication. He has been off of Zepatier for two weeks now, he feels worse than he ever had in his life. Severe fatigue, weakness, no appetite, joint pain, and depression. I can honestly tell you, he would not have taken this medication."

• Kev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I started my 12-week regimen of Zepatier the beginning of April. As of the beginning of April, I have known I have had Genotype 1 (I think) for about 4 years untreated. Also at this time, I have had complete sobriety from all mind and mood-altering substances, including marijuana and alcohol for 19 consecutive months. After my first four weeks of medication (28 doses), I was instructed by my doctor to get blood work done. After 4 weeks and 28 doses, my hep C was negative. As far as side effects, I experienced slight fatigue during my first week of treatment, but that subsided. I am now into my 9th week of the treatment and am having no adverse effects to the medication at all. Definitely worth it."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm 40 and had hep C for 20 years. I'm currently into my second week, so I don't know if it has started to work as yet. I don't seem to have any adverse side effects, fatigue some days - not all. Still manage to work long hours and look after family and horses, so I guess that would make anyone tired! All good up to now and looking forward to being hep C free. Good luck."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I have 17 days left on a 12-week study. I got the medications free as I am on a study comparing Zepatier and Harvoni. I take the Zepatier. I don't have my blood drawn until the end of 12 weeks. Initially, I thought I had a placebo. Into week 6, I experienced headaches, fatigue, hives, heartburn, hair loss, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, weakness, and irritability."

• Tex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Age 74, male, genotype 1b, non-drinker. Counts in excess of 15,000,000, F3.5, ALT and AST very high. In the 4th week of Zepatier. Some fatigue, but perfectly manageable, no other side effects so far. Work and play as normal, including international travel. Blood tests today. Results soon."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2020

For Hepatitis C "Finished treatment 5 months ago. I’m cured with flying colors. Still experiencing headaches, hip pain for some time, but now it’s over. Main problem is my chest area. I feel pain there and discomfort. My esophagus and throat are a bit funny. Will wait a bit longer until looking for help. Acid reflux seems to be worse. It wasn’t that bad before treatment. Also, a few times per month, extreme fatigue when I have to lie down and stay home. I’m happy with results, but not happy with my health at all."