Mavyret and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Jea...
• March 13, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I'm from Germany, got HepC in the mid-80s. Happy there finally is an alternative to Interferon/Ribavirin! Started my 9th week (of 12) today. Only had very mild nausea and very mild diarrhea after the first doses, for 3-5 days, but did not feel sick or otherwise unable to work. Also had sudden fatigue that quickly disappeared after I had some rest. After the first week, I hardly even noticed I was on medication. Virus load was tested after W4 - and all HCV had gone, a miracle! Mid-July, I will have my SVR12 test. So let's keep spirits up, folks! Whatever the side effect - HepC has such a bad prognosis, high risks and may also have various co-diseases. There's rashes and joint/muscle pain (which I have had coming and going for some years now), and there may be many more. Hope for alleviation of my joint pain after the medication. I'd like to encourage everyone to go for the therapy. Let's get rid of the virus, and be free to live a healthy life!"

• Boy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2019

For Hepatitis C "First off, thanks to all for sharing their experience and side effects with others. Mavyret does not tell you the side effects, and doctors don't know, so this is where you see the real story. I'll list my side effects so others can see: Headache-very mild, not an issue, Nausea-not often, but sometimes, Diarrhea-none, Fatigue and weakness-a very strong feeling of being pulled down like I'm carrying a 5-gallon bucket of water in each hand, Dizziness-constant dizziness, feeling spaced out some, Heartburn and acid reflux-heartburn after every dose. Not really feeling flu-like, but feeling like I just got over the flu. All in all, I feel like garbage, but I'll handle that until it's cured."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2019

For Hepatitis C "This med definitely has its ups and downs. Make sure you take it with food right before bed! It will create BAD insomnia otherwise. My main symptoms were being restless, sore, nauseous, headaches, clammy, and occasional diarrhea. I was so exhausted the whole treatment. I did get a cold for about a week during it as well. I also went to the chiropractor during this treatment to help with back and body pains. I also saw a counselor during this process as well. You have to keep up with the little things that keep you sane during this process because you’ll feel depressed and miserable. Just do what you can and don’t worry about perfection right now. It’s for a short time, and soon you’ll be able to say you’re hep free like me!"

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

For Hepatitis C "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!"

• Mum...
• October 16, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I am currently in week 4 and am starting to have the worst side effects such as tiredness, fever, sweating, nausea, body aches, and pains along with bowel issues. Before this, I suffered only the runs and headaches but felt great. Going to see a doctor today to get help and reassurance."

• Rd ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2023

For Hepatitis C "The side effects didn’t start until the third week. It started with diarrhea and acid reflux. Then I started feeling joint pain in my neck, shoulders, and hip. The side effects became so severe that I called the prescribing doctor and was told that it could not be the drug. It was just coincidence. I had to stop taking the medicine at six weeks, and now I’m unable to walk, still one month after stopping."

• Cas...
• September 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I just finished week 6 of my 8-week prescription of Mavyret. The first 2 weeks were a breeze, no symptoms, still going to the gym daily. Week 2, I got extremely sick, throwing up and diarrhea for 24 hours. Since then, symptoms have been on and off, one day I'll feel great, the next day I'm fatigued, can't work out, and can sleep all day. My muscle fatigue has been horrible. Has anyone else experienced this? Went in for my 1-month check-up, blood work came back good. I'll go in for my next check-up in 3 months."

• Wer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I am on my last 4 days out of 8 weeks taking Mavyret. The 1st two weeks were easy, as I had no side effects. After week two, I noticed I had diarrhea every morning. That subsided after about 3 weeks, and now I just feel very sleepy. The mornings are hard, as I have no energy, and I have been having achiness in my legs and feet. I also have slight headaches."

• SM8...
• February 15, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Took 8 weeks. I am on hemodialysis. No other meds except for a phosphorus binder with meals. BW shows no virus in my system at the end of treatment!! Worst side effects for me: fatigue (horrible, almost impossible not to take naps during the day); slight headaches (I normally never have them); stomach cramps, which became worse as treatment progressed, a constant gnawing pain in the belly accompanied by some nausea (best to take dose on a FULL stomach - yogurt and cereal in the a.m. is NOT enough); cloudy mind, no motivation, moderate depression, living in a 'dreamworld' (this was the worst for me and kind of slips in and takes you over, a feeling of never waking up from a dream, left of center, distanced from everyone, irritable, somewhat hopeless). Lastly, I had looser stools than normal and a lot of flatulence along with night sweats and tingling skin at times, which included numbness in both arms often when sleeping. BUT all that said, I am SUPER HAPPY I did this. It was worth the eight weeks of 'hell.'"

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I have had hepatitis C since 2013, and it is now 2020. I started Mavyret 4 weeks ago, and my blood work from the third week mark showed my chronically high AST and ALT levels have normalized drastically. On top of that, my viral load went from 650,000 to 15, this is an amazing medication. The first two weeks, I had diarrhea, a pounding headache, stomach discomfort, and major fatigue. Fatigue is still an issue. I wish I had gotten this medication sooner, as I have mild liver fibrosis. Don’t wait to get treated for hep C, this medication is expensive, however, there are ways to get treatment without coming out of pocket. Thank you, Optimum Health."

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

For Hepatitis C "So I commented before. After 2 weeks, viral load was 0. 4 weeks, AST and ALT and all blood work normal! BUT, not to be ungrateful, my stomach is jacked up. I have 2 weeks left. I have no energy, nonstop diarrhea and gas, constant headaches (mild). I've found Tylenol helps better than Advil/naproxen. I start a new job in 2 days. I thought about going to the ER today to get a stomach workup. But after reading other comments, it makes me feel better that the kidney/liver gas pain isn't that abnormal. I've also reported symptoms. Say a prayer for energy and diarrhea at the new job, hahaha! Even though I'm clear, I'll definitely keep taking meds to make sure I'm cured!"

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I've had hep C for a very long time, early '90s. I tried to get treatment but kept getting denied by my insurance. As time went on, my knees, back, and neck felt like I was 80 years old. When I went back to see my GI doctor, she told me it was from the hep C. So I wanted to try again, and a biopsy was taken and some lab work. I got denied again, so I waited for about a year, and I switched my insurance, and lo and behold, I was approved for this medication. I'm on my third box, one box left, which lasts a week, and I have to go in the first week of October for my blood work. Now, the first day I took the medicine, I had a headache. The second day I had a headache, and I had really bad diarrhea, and my stomach was flipping. So the diarrhea is not that bad, but I still have it here and there. Right now, I'm on day 2 of feeling like I have the flu. I'm drinking ginger tea and soup. I can't wait to get this bug (hep C) out of my body. We'll keep everyone posted in 3 weeks."

• Ohi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2018

For Hepatitis C "In week 4 with the Mavyret and about to do 1st blood work. Have had a little headache but not bad and some diarrhea, but it kept up after 1st week. My energy level is amazing, I haven't felt like this in years. I am grateful and blessed that I got accepted to do this 8-week program. I will update you as I do the follow-up blood works. If you get denied, please keep appealing your insurance - you will win eventually. I had to try 3 times with appeals, and finally, I got it. I know it's working because I feel amazing."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I finished my dosage (my eight weeks), and I'm just wondering if anybody else is experiencing headaches and diarrhea after finishing your treatment? I experience headaches and diarrhea during the treatment time, and ankles, knees, and feet hurt."

• Ykr...
• December 15, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Last week of treatment. Minor side effects, sleepy after taking medicine, soft stools, no diarrhea. 1 kidney, radical nephrectomy 11/2013. 35% improvement in platelet count at 4 weeks. Hypertensive, taking BP meds and .25 levothyroxine prior to treatment start. Noticed additional BP elevation week 5, increased BP meds and backed off of levothyroxine until end of treatment blood work, BP getting better. Is thyroid working again? Do not be apprehensive about this treatment."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2022

For Hepatitis C "True to what it is meant to do, but this medicine was a complete nightmare. I was on the couch for the majority of my 8 weeks. 2 hours after taking a dose, I would be falling asleep anywhere. Unable to keep my eyes open, and that was only the beginning. At the halfway mark of my 8 weeks, I started to get nausea and horrible headaches. On top of that, diarrhea sometimes, with the worst stomach pain. The worst part was the chest pain and chest tightness that lasted for a week. Went to the hospital and was told nothing was wrong. I dealt with it thinking it's just 4 more weeks. Now I have just finished my treatment as of 3 days ago, and the aftereffects are worse. I am running to the bathroom all day, trying to take it easy through the chest tightness, and just straight-up feel overwhelming anxiety, which is yet another side effect the doctor swore could not be from this medicine, like the chest pain. But others have it too, so maybe it's time to change that side effects list."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I’m on week 4 of Mavyret, and I take it at night. I was diagnosed with hep C genotype 1a in 2015. I have battled mild depression/anxiety before taking this drug, however, since being on it, the depression/anxiety has gotten significantly worse. So, I started an antidepressant 4 days ago. I just noticed today in the shower that I’m also experiencing hair loss. I have had incredibly low energy the past 2 weeks and some nausea and diarrhea since starting this Mavyret. But I am so grateful to finally have an opportunity to try this medication in hopes of a cure."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2018

For Hepatitis C "So I am 3 weeks in. I take mine right before bed and woke up throughout the night with diarrhea and would have a weird intense headache in the first week. After that, I felt fine, but today is kind of rough. I missed a dose because I was too nauseous to eat. So I took it this morning, and it’s not going very well. Major stomach issues and vomiting. I may have a stomach bug because it’s very intense to the point I can’t go to work. I just wanted to see if these symptoms are common, and I see they are just not so intense. I have to remind myself how lucky I am to have the chance to take such an expensive medication to change my life, so this is a small price to pay."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2018

For Hepatitis C "So I started Mavyret on May 3, 2018, after being diagnosed since 2013. I am finally on my way to being cured, which is a blessing. So far, I'm in my second week now and have experienced only a few side effects, such as headache and diarrhea, which was only once and could have been totally unrelated to the meds. But I'm starting to feel better already. I have my first labs done on May 30 and again the following month in June, and then my final labs to see if I'm cured. I'm now thinking about throwing away all my old razors and toothbrushes just to be safe, and regularly switch them out from time to time. To anyone who is going to take this medication, do it now while you can, it's a blessing to have the opportunity to be cured."

• Cry...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2018

For Hepatitis C "On day 12 of taking Mavyret after dinner before bedtime. Side effects haven't really been too bad. Just more energy and a little diarrhea. The last couple of days I've noticed my hip joints have been hurting, but nothing too horrible. I had my first set of labs 7 days into treatment. It's hard to believe, but my nurse said my viral load was almost at undetectable levels already... this stuff goes to work fast. My next set of labs is at 4 weeks, and then I should be cleared, I was told. I'm super excited to get the chance at this medication, even if my copays are in the thousands."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I am in the middle of my third week of Mavyret. The first week was diarrhea and headaches. Now just headaches, but occasionally pop a couple of Advil and I'm fine. I honestly have a TON more energy. I feel slight 'liver twinges' occasionally, like after a night of drinking with hep C. I called the company, and they said that has never been reported as a side effect. Not painful. I'm being positive and considering it my liver healing. Eagerly awaiting my 2-week lab results! Genotype 4. I'll keep you updated. I'm on a few psych meds, but honestly haven't noticed any horrible side effects!!!"

• Mun...
• July 21, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Week two - have no liver damage or fibrosis. Initial count of 7 million. Have had the usual reported side effects, headache, nausea, etc. I already suffer from abdominal issues and chronic diarrhea, so difficult to pinpoint whether or not the drug has made things worse. We are currently in the middle of an excruciating heat wave, so thought my worsening symptoms were a result of heat exhaustion. My usual diarrhea, tummy pain along with chills, fever. When the projectile vomiting and muscle cramps started... so. I was 108 pounds when I started treatment, I am now 103. I put that down to dehydration, inability to eat for the last two days, etc. I intend to stay the course, as there is some concern that this may be immuno hep C."

• Rok...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2022

For Hepatitis C "It all started with a strange feeling in the stomach area, nausea but no vomiting, then continued anxiety-like depressive symptoms in parallel, a rash on the inside of the hand, and constant cracking of the lips and even bleeding, and finally fatigue, lethargy, and absolute lack of strength. I have not had an appetite for 4 years and lost about 10 kg, from 68 kg to 58 kg. ALT and AST liver enzyme indicators were raised, so hepatitis tests were done, and the diagnosis was hepatitis C 1GEN. I got Mavyret for 8 weeks of treatment, which is financed in the EU. The strangest thing is that doctors deny my side effect symptoms. I decided to take the medicine in the evening with dinner, it is very important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, eat healthy, and avoid alcohol. I hardly felt any side effects except weakness, diarrhea, and nausea. It is now 4 months after treatment, I am still being treated for liver fibrosis F2 and often have diarrhea. I hope it will pass, and I feel so good. Therefore, the disease is not as innocent as the doctor."

• Bak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I just finished week 2, and I have not had any side effects other than some diarrhea two times. I can't say it is from that medication or diet. I saw reviews where, after the 1st week, people were bedridden 18-20 hours a day, and that has not been my experience. I am excited to get through the next 6 weeks and take my follow-up blood test to see what it shows. I have had Hep C since 1986 and have been blessed to have no symptoms and very little effect on my liver. I lived long enough to see the cure for this disease and look forward to being free of it."

• Sea...
• January 26, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I’m 30, I’ve been living with hepatitis C since 2012, and it’s currently 2021. I have genotype C3, and I’ve been waiting for this drug for years now. I was scared to start because I’m very afraid of new medications, but thankfully this drug has been just fine. I have a slight allergy to it, but nothing I can’t manage. I take it at night with food and water. I have some fatigue, but I can still work my corporate job. The first day, I had diarrhea, but it’s gone. I’ve been breaking out, but that could be hormonal. Overall, I don’t even know I’m taking anything, it doesn’t really make itself known. I’m on week 2, nearing week three. I’m really hoping the blood tests are clear!"