Glecaprevir / pibrentasvir and Brain Fog: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• October 31, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I normally never write reviews but felt I needed to considering people are reading this when deciding to take the Mavyret. I, myself, did so before taking the medication and found myself hesitant and nervous because I am super sensitive to medication. Tomorrow will be my fourth week of taking it and it has been a lot easier than I had anticipated. My side effects have been dizziness, trouble focusing, coldness, slight nausea, tiredness. I had some anxiety which is now gone. The dizziness has decreased dramatically and I can focus much better now. My body just needed to acclimate to the meds. If I can offer advice to anyone who is reading this is to prepare. Drink 16 cups of water a day. Eat crackers for nausea and eat a big meal with the meds and rest when your body needs it. Take care of your body so it can take care of you. I can only speak to my experience of the medication. For me, it has been a lot easier than I had anticipated. Don't let fear stop you. You can do this."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2020

For Hepatitis C "OK, so now I'm a month in. My insides have been a bit soft, but I've found that if you take your Mavyret while eating, then it's not so bad. I've had a bit of fogginess in the brain and bouts of fatigue, waves of depression and anxiety. My advice is don't dwell on the side effects, it'll just make them worse. Let's face it, most of us got Hep C one way, and we know that when you were hanging, if you just got on with things, it wasn't nearly as bad as when you sat around feeling sorry for yourself. Compared with Interferon, this is nothing."

• Cat...
• August 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "So my PCP and then GI doc both assured me side effects with Mavyret are negligible. Nothing could be further from the truth; and they seem to be cumulative. Not much for the first week, then nausea to the point where I couldn’t eat. Next came the headaches, which were bad enough, but then came the fatigue/bone tired/flu-like feeling, including brain fog. I am almost six weeks into treatment, and the pattern seems to be I can “function” one day, followed by a day when I can only get out of bed to get to the bathroom. I didn’t research side effects of this drug because even though I am a pretty stalwart person who doesn’t give in to illness without a fight, I also didn’t want to be suggestible. Multiple calls to my docs have been futile. I have been told multiple times to “suck it up” and finish treatment."

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I'm on Day 4 of an 8-week course. I'm so very grateful to have this opportunity. So far, I've experienced brain fog. No nausea, a few times, I've had heartburn, but that could be from ibuprofen I've taken for the headaches. Yesterday in the evening, I crashed. I woke today feeling like I have the flu, but I don't even care, I just want this monkey off my back! I'm genotype 1a, level 2 scarring. I contracted the virus 10 years ago from needle sharing. I was an addict for 18 years, clean for 7 now. I hope I start feeling better soon, but even if I don't, I'm getting rid of this insidious disease. It's worth every ache. I have a strong constitution, so I'll push through. Good luck, everyone, I hope you all find healing!!"

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Well, fabulous! Blood work done and hep C gone after being on Mavyret! I go back in 3 months for a follow-up. Miracles are alive and well! And, yes on the mental fog, I am still experiencing it. Like everything is sort of surreal. I feel you. Must say, this is a very strange feeling journey. Can't explain exactly what I mean, but very profound! God bless you all, and I am praying for all of you! I love you..."

• Jok...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I'm on week 7. Not sure what to say about side effects, but most I've had are not listed. Heartburn within 45 minutes of taking every time, heavy weakness that feels like I'm being pulled down to the floor, lasting 4-5 hours after taking. Dizziness and a spaced-out feeling. Some brain fog, but it seems to have gone away. I take Mavyret after the noon meal, and I'm basically worthless for about 5 hours, mornings are okay, no sleep problems. The main problem is heartburn and acid reflux, you can't take anything for the reflux, so that makes it worse. Thanks to everyone for posting, as this is the only place you can see all the real side effects."

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

For Hepatitis C "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!!!"

• Car...
• September 23, 2019

For Hepatitis C "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?"

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

• Kao...
• October 5, 2019

For Hepatitis C "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."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I've been on Mavyret for 7 days, feel tired and flu-like sick. I've had hep C genotype 3a for 8 years. I get mental fog and depression too. I can't sleep well, have a headache every day, not debilitating, but enough to irritate you. I'm blessed to have this drug, and I know people who have died from hep C, so I'm just gonna pray and take my meds."

• Cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I am just in the first week of treatment. I contracted Hep C about 4 years ago and had a heck of a time finally getting approved for the medication. I am so grateful to have found this page and feedback because I have been giving myself anxiety about possible side effects as I live a very active lifestyle. So far, though, the only symptom I have been dealing with is a mental fog of sorts, perhaps it is due to fatigue. I didn't notice anyone else mention that, so I thought I would throw it out there. I am so excited to beat this thing and close out a chapter of my life, as well as sharing my experience with other people. I will check back in as my treatment progresses. Love you all, and God bless!"

• Mys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I'm on my 2nd day of my 4th week. Due to some side effects, I had my blood draw after 13 days, and every one of my liver functions was normal! The virus was detectable, yet barely! After 13 days, the side effects are a mixture of the Mavyret and my own body chemistry. I work with a researcher from San Francisco, and she said she's never seen a patient respond so quickly. Now my side effects are only sleeping a lot and brain fog. I feel so grateful, and December 28th will have more labs and will report to everyone here. Soon, I will be Hep C free, I am so excited. Please take this medication, the side effects are not that bad at all! Especially when you look at the interferon cocktail, which I never took. I have had this virus for 18 years, no cirrhosis, and my numbers were always high. Now, after 13 days, when I had labs, all is normal. I am being healed and want to share, you feel okay! Much love to all."

• Bub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I've just completed my first month of Mavyret, and unfortunately, I have had severe nausea every day of the treatment to the point where I can't even get out of bed. Hoping it does the trick because I wouldn't want to go through this again. Other symptoms are tiredness and fatigue, with a little bit of brain fog. No headaches. Thanks, everyone, for posting, pleased I'm not the only one suffering."

• Mao...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I'm on day 6 of my Mavyret treatment. Side effects have been noticeable, the biggest one I'm having issues with is a mind fog. It's hard to explain. I'll be in the middle of doing something and completely forget what it is I'm doing. I find myself staring blankly into space, forgetting the names of objects, etc. Doctors want to see me Monday, let's hope all is well."

• Dou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2024

For Hepatitis C "I completed 8 weeks of Mavyret on 6/26/24. Two weeks prior, I began feeling so tired. I completed my 30-day blood work, which showed my numbers significantly decreased to greater than twelve, and my Physician said that in 3 months when I repeat my blood work, I will be completely cured. Now, 2 weeks after finishing Mavyret, I find myself very depressed, tired, crying, anxious, with brain fog. I did routine blood work with my family physician, and my blood work is abnormal. It shows my lymph absolute is high among other things. I am very sensitive to drugs. I hope and pray that Mavyret has cured my Hep C and not caused me any other harm. I question why my blood work changed, as prior to Mavyret, I had none of these issues. I am concerned about the effects. I hope I didn't make a wrong decision. I just want my happiness back. Please do your research. Reviews on this site showed that I'm not alone."

• Mys...
• December 5, 2018

For Hepatitis C "This is day 8 for me. Realizing we are all unique physically... wanted to share how well I am doing with side effects. I can handle Mavyret. I do sleep/rest about 14 to 16 hours a day and have brain fog. We have noticed some memory issues, brain fog - yet I am happy. I do have chills, muscle aches, nausea - very mild, no diarrhea or headaches, more like head pain of some sort at times. Also, oddly I am constipated. Not much side effects for the amount of benefits. I'm happy. Will continue to keep you updated. Thank you to all who post. Really helps us."

• 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.'"

• Mys...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Second day on Mavyret, and I give 10 stars. The side effects for me are brain fog, fatigue, nausea, body aches, as well as cold and hot flashes. I can feel the medication in my body. It's all tolerated!!! I am a person who is intolerant and allergic to many medications. I was so fearful, and now I can't stop smiling. I'm hopeful to clear this virus and will write more in a few weeks. Thank you to all who created Mavyret."

• Pos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Unaware I even had hep C for over 25 years! Had a liver transplant in Jan at Ochsner’s. Started treatment 3 days ago, the liver was so bad that I was unable to withstand treatment before. 3 days in and gagging, feel the fog coming on. Hep C has killed so many, I am very grateful to be able to take it and end this monster that has invaded me for so long! I wonder what it is going to feel like to feel good again."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2018

For Hepatitis C "On my fifth week of treatment with Mavyret, side effects manageable, no headaches, no nausea, but oh! Brain fog is bad, feel like if I was drugged. Going for lab work to check the viral load, hope to get better. Working full-time and tired."

• Unn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Just finished week 3. I’m grateful for the medication. I’ve been trying to keep my exercise schedule up (walking, hiking, and jogging), but I’ve had some weird pounding of my heart. More like a single hard thump when I exert myself and a little pain this time. I’ll back off on exercise until I’m done. Other than that, I’m pretty good until 2 hours after taking the meds. Then I can’t function. Oh... and some brain fog. Have had hepatitis since about Woodstock. Praying I can make it through treatment! Drinking lots of water. A little weight gain."

• Kas...
• January 27, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I had hep C for 50 years but only noticed it the last years of that 50. I took Mavyret for 2 months. It cured me the first month but required taking another month. I felt extreme fatigue, extreme thirst, extreme hunger, and weakness. I lifted weights for most of my adult life but now can't lift much. I was walking 4 miles a day before taking it and had brain fog, depression, and anxiety. Almost a year since the last dose. Now fatigue is less, still extremely thirsty, extreme hunger gone, energy slowly improving. Now walking 3.9 miles a day. Finally sleeping well but still get depressed. My diet is 85% plant-based and 15% animal, so I still have muscles. Sometimes my digestion isn't good, and there is heartburn, so I take probiotics and that takes care of it. I look forward to lifting weights again and I'm 69. Mavyret was scary to take."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I have had hep C since 2010 (type 1). I started Mavyret on Sept 22, 2018. The third day, the side effects set in with bloating and a foggy head. I was advised to drink lots of water, and this has helped me. I’m no longer experiencing any issues with my stomach. I recently switched from taking the medicine in the morning to taking it in the evening. I feel more clear-headed. I have been able to work. I’m so grateful for that. I am tired, but I’m able to continue with my routine."

• Dee...
• February 16, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Have just been approved for Mavyret. Presumably infected in 1969 after being transfused with 17 pints of blood during emergency surgery... no IV drugs, tattoos, or piercings... not even ears. Learned of the infection in the late '90s after donating blood. Symptom-free and a low viral count since I started following this thing. Interferon and ribavirin for 18 months (!!) in the late '90s. Was brutal. Virus went undetected but returned. Insurer refused to approve Harvoni, MD said because my viral load was too low. Would like to hear more from people who report symptoms similar to Interferon: aches, joint pain, brain fog, nausea, headache, hair loss. I had them all with Interferon/ribavirin. Not supposed to happen with this drug. Waiting to see if I can get some help with the cost. Will be reporting back when I begin my 8-week program. Doc wanted me to do 12 weeks because of the relapse, but insurance would only cover 8. I'm very hopeful."