Glecaprevir / pibrentasvir for Hepatitis C User Reviews (Page 3)

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

"Started 8-week Mavyret treatment on June 3, 2019. First 16 days were good. Then had flu-like conditions for 10 days. Don't think it was related to treatment. Overall, treatment has been good. I noticed I’m more tired and have a little less energy. I’ve lost weight, but that is due to the flu or virus or whatever it was! I started with a viral load of about 6 million. Got my 4-week test done, and I am now down to 15. A little disappointed it is still detected, but sometimes that happens, and I’m sure by the time I am done, it will be gone. My advice is the same as everyone else's: lots of water. I take my pills at dinnertime. The AbbVie nurse who calls to check on me is wonderful. I will be glad when all of this is just a bad memory. Good luck to everyone."

• Wel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2021

"Y'all, I have had a good experience with Mavyret. I have been on this medication for almost a month with no side effects. Gotten my first blood work, it was non-reactive. I have 4 weeks to go. Please, whoever is reading this, don't be scared like I was. It is worth every penny. Make sure you eat on it and drink a bottle of water. Take it at night at the same time, and you will be fine. It's a one-time go to be cured. I hope everyone has the same positive reactions. God bless and good luck."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2020

"I did the 8-week treatment after getting hep C in 2004. My levels were pretty low when I started the medication, and a CAT scan shows stage 2 liver fibrosis. I had zero negative side effects. On day 3, I did begin to get a lot of energy, almost to the point of feeling nervous, but I was getting so much accomplished because I had energy to do things. I had my levels checked after I finished, and they were below 12, which means it is normal. I go for my 3m in a few weeks, and we will see if it stayed negative."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

"Today is my first day on the treatment. I'm nervous about the side effects, but I'm grateful that I have a chance to cure my hep C. Thanks, everybody, for your experience, it helps prepare me just in case."

• Nas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2021

"Almost time for my 11th dose. Mild side effects of what to expect. Also had red, hot ears and burning head. Note that I'm also on methadone. I got Hep C right when they came out with a cure, so I got in line. Ever since I found out I was getting Mavyret, I haven't touched needles and have tons of condoms. I'm 22, and I ruined my life too young. I've been living a different life for a while now and am grateful for another chance, and I take that into account every day."

• Sup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2018

"I’m cured. Genotype 3. I did 16 weeks because I had prior unsuccessful treatment with interferon and ribavirin. Just did a blood test after 3 months at the end of the treatment, and the virus is undetectable, which means I’m cured. I feel thankful and amazing. Thanks for Mavyret. Let’s eradicate this disease."

• Ris...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2020

"I completed the 8-week course of Mavyret a few weeks ago. The beginning of taking it, I had a real bad headache for about a week and trouble getting to sleep, but after the headache went away, I had no other side effects. Waiting for the results of the blood testing to see if it worked, but I am hopeful. Will update results upon. I was very nervous to do this treatment, but it went pretty easily, minus the headache."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2023

"I took my dose after supper, approximately 7 pm each day for 8 weeks. The first 3 weeks I could tell I'd taken a large dose of medication, but no major symptoms beyond that. After week 3, I had no ill effects from the drug at all or so minor it wasn't that noticeable. Approximately 6 months after finishing treatment and having no Hep C in my bloodwork, my joints began to ache - hips and shoulders mostly - to the point I could barely push covers off me in bed. After 3 weeks of that and the pain diminishing, my hands began to feel weak and painful while my shoulders pained me somewhat, and my hips were almost completely free of pain. I do not know if the Mavyret is responsible for my weak, stiff hands, but I'm only mentioning this so if somebody else has the same symptoms. I have visited a rheumatologist twice and have no markers for RA in my bloodwork, and X-rays show only normal wear for a 76-year-old."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2019

"I am 44 years old (female) and have had hep C (geno 3a) for 19 years. I started experiencing fatigue in the last 3 years, but my liver is generally in good health considering. I contracted it off my partner, who had been living with the disease since the early '80s. He had tried interferon twice, but unfortunately, he died of liver cancer 3 years ago. I am sad that he never had the opportunity to try this wonderful drug. I am now on day 9 of my 8-week treatment. A few side effects... vivid dreams first 2 days; very tired; REALLY bad nausea. It’s only 8 weeks, so I just keep trucking. After watching my partner go through horrendous side effects from interferon, I count myself very lucky. I have a lot of confidence in this new drug. Good luck to all on the treatment."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2019

"Two weeks of Mavyret treatment to go. Occasional loss of appetite, sometimes a slight headache, but not even needing an aspirin. No aches, brain fog, fatigue, or nausea. Blood work at four weeks showed I hadn't cleared the virus completely, but my count went from over 1 million to 15. 15.....! Almost there! I take the pills around 7 pm with food, hasn't affected my sleep, energy level, or concentration. Based on my experience 18 years ago with Interferon/Ribavirin, (virus came back after 18 months of that brutal, life-sapping treatment, during which it went undetectable) I was expecting the same side effects, if of a lesser intensity. I'm calling this the miracle we've been praying for."

• Spo...
• February 22, 2020

"Day 7: I feel that around 2 hours after I take the medication, I get really nauseous and dizzy. I feel that it lasts about 2-3 hours. Once that goes away, I feel fine besides the little heartburn I’ve been getting. I’ve been thinking about taking the medication at night with a snack before bed so that all the side effects happen then. I’m super grateful for the opportunity. I tried to get medication for this in 2012 and kept getting denied because of my insurance. So glad I’m able to take on this journey to freedom."

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2020

"I just finished one month of treatment on Mavyret, and the side effects are definitely easing up. The effects at first were harsh: flu-like symptoms, fatigue, tummy ache, fogginess, and probably the nausea was the worst of all for me. (I suffer from migraines, so I’m more sensitive to nausea), but it’s lessening as I enter into the second month. I go for a first-month checkup on Monday, so I’m hoping things are looking good. Do the treatment, your health is the first priority. You will get through this, and once you're hep C free, this will be a distant memory. Good luck, fellow patients!!!"

• Dre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2019

"I'm on my second day of Mavyret. Haven't had any side effects yet, so that's a good sign. Have waited 20 years for this, and I'm so happy it finally came on March 15, 2019, at 12:45 PM. I'm doing the 8-week treatment, and it comes in 4 small boxes (for a month with 7 individual smaller boxes (in slots) with the 3 pills in each one, one box for each week. You take 3 pills at once, and my doctor told me to eat at least 30 minutes before you take it and drink lots of water the whole time you're on the treatment. This way it would help with the side effects. So for 2 days, I've been drinking lots of water, and I eat a healthy meal 30 minutes before taking my pills. I decided to eat at 5 PM and take my pills at 5:45 PM. Gave myself 15 minutes to eat and 30 minutes for my food to settle a little bit. And since my doc said it could cause fatigue, I chose to take it after dinner just in case I get tired. This way my whole day isn't wasted by being even more tired than usual."

• Car...
• September 23, 2019

"Took Mavyret for 8 weeks. Finished April 22nd and the virus is undetected. Feel blessed to have gotten rid of it. So it’s been a full 5 months since I finished. The first 3 weeks taking Mavyret, I had no side effects, but for the remaining 5 weeks, I felt like death. Never been that sick in my life (extreme fatigue, brain fog, depression, chest pain, right tightness, irritable muscle weakness, itchy skin, nightmares, nauseous). Was in bed 20+ hours a day. Good thing is I’m starting to feel better, but very slowly. Most days I have nausea. Fatigue (I’m in bed 15 hours a day), bone and joint pain, irritable. But every day gets a tiny bit better. This has been challenging, but I’m cured. * Also, has anyone else had a recurring candida infection after or during Mavyret treatment?"

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

"I just finished my 8-week treatment the day before yesterday. I had extreme fatigue, I was very depressed and thinking crazy stuff, had nightmares, was in a weird sleep the first few weeks, like couldn't sleep, but maybe I was asleep... I don't know, just weird. Had diarrhea a few times and just very weak. I have 2 babies and could barely take care of them some days! It was a nightmare! I'm glad it's over! I haven't had blood work yet but will in a month. My doc told me to take 12 weeks but apparently got changed to 8 at the end but said it was 8 whole time. I'm pretty sure it was Medicaid not wanting to pay for more, and my doc is lazy! I stopped the day before yesterday and can't stop throwing up and having diarrhea today must be a bug I'm guessing. I was diagnosed in 2015 plus had some other liver issues besides hep... wish everyone luck! It's not easy but can be done! I wish I would have known about this treatment a few years ago!"

• LAM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2018

"I am 4 1/2 weeks into treatment out of 8 weeks. Week 4, I notice my cognitive thinking is improving. And my depression and anxiety is a 2 out of 10 today. Before treatment, it was a constant 5-8. Still have hep C effects. Like fatigue, soreness in my knees and ankles is still there. But less. My energy level is almost 50%, and soreness in my joints is subsiding. Plus, I have very few side effects from the treatment, which are minimal, not even worth mentioning."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2018

"Day 5 for me. Feeling a bit fatigued, but nothing that a short nap won't fix. No other symptoms. I'm a 77-year-old woman with type #3. Have probably had Hep C for over 30 years. Just became stage 2. Going to do treatment for 8 weeks. Best advice is: lots of water and a good-sized meal before taking the drug. I'm also walking and stretching and painting and cooking really good food. Good luck to all. I'm so grateful to be able to get this treatment. Will check in in a few weeks with my progress."

• MMC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2018

"My 63-year-old brother died today. He took Mavyret for his Hep C. Cancer was not detected. Under a year after taking this medication, he died of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). We don’t know yet of the connection, but he did not have it before. He was in healthy shape. He was diagnosed on August 6, 2018, and died today, September 15, 2018. We are heartsick."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2019

"Had hep C over 30 years, took Mavyret 8 weeks, finished a year ago end of May. I have tested 3 times since, no active virus, normal liver panels, still get pain in liver area occasionally, do have fatty liver, working on lowering carb intake. Side effects were not great, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, first and last week were unbearable, stomach felt like a hole burning in it. The best time to take meds was with a huge meal around 7 pm... then go to bed. I did notice I have raised tiny bumps scattered all over my body, were never there before, but at least I have more energy and can do family outings now..."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2019

"I am on day 9 and have no side effects. Not one headache, not tired, not foggy. So far, so good. Hoping it won't develop as I go on. The only thing I have noticed is a lot of energy, almost to the point of nervous energy. On occasion, a bit shaky inside. I am not complaining. It is better than the 0 energy I had before I started. Will report more as I go."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2019

"Day 4 on Mavyret. I am taking it at 10 pm before I go to sleep. I have had slight nausea during the day but have not thrown up. I don't feel tired, but my body feels weak. I have extreme thirst. I drink 3 cups of water at a time and still can't quench my thirst. Other than that, not much to report. Got a ways to go, but overall, it's not too bad."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2019

"Took my first dose of Mavyret for my hep C on March 1, around 6 pm, with a healthy dinner and plenty of water, and then I waited to be hit with the side effects like a locomotive, like 9 years ago with interferon/ribavirin. Nothing! I slept fine and woke feeling fine. I have just finished my first two weeks, and I can't say enough about this miracle. I have had no side effects to speak of. Perhaps a little headache, not enough to need an aspirin and not constant, but I had a head cold at the time, so it might have just been sinus congestion. I am approved for 8 weeks on Mavyret. Labs in two weeks, but my doc said she'd bet I'm undetectable already. It's the miracle we've been waiting for. I also thank the HealthWell Foundation for a grant to cover the cost of this medicine."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2020

"I'm on my third week of Mavyret. At my two-week mark, they did lab work to make sure the medicine was doing its job and not making it worse. Almost a month ago, my liver functions were at 160 and 116. On my third week, my lab work came back, and my liver functions are 27 and 16."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2019

"I was diagnosed in 2012, was advised not to seek treatment as new meds were coming out. Took me until now, 2019, to put enough clean time together to be approved for meds. I’m on my last two days of an eight-week treatment. Blood work done four days ago shows I have cleared the Hep C!! Have experienced extreme fatigue and light headaches. First week felt flu-ish. Wondering how long after stopping did other people notice their fatigue end? My doc swears that it’s immediate and that I will also see how tired the Hep C was making me prior to treatment. So grateful for this medication; also grateful it was covered by insurance."

• Kao...
• October 5, 2019

"So I just took the 1st day's pills for week 3. The very 1st 3 days were the worst so far, with the most side effects. However, those were mild compared to the complications the Hep C causes on its own. I do have brain fog daily within 2 hours of taking my pills, with that peaking by late afternoon. Sometimes if I don't eat enough throughout the day, I get a mild ill tummy. Easy fix. I suffer from daily and weekly headaches and migraines. But I've noticed twice I've had a new style migraine, which I'm assuming was from the medication. Easily fixed with some Excedrin and extra fluids. I'll come back to comment again probably after week 4 blood work when I'll have real results of if I'm responding for you. I would like to add this: I went in knowing despite being told no side effects, I very well could be sick all 8 weeks and sicker than I've ever been. I was willing to do that just to finally be well. So if that's your fear keeping you from getting treated, just do it. Weeks compared to decades sick and death are worth it."