Glecaprevir / pibrentasvir and Headaches: What Users Say

• Mrz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I am on my second week of Mavyret treatment for hep C, Genotype 4a, and have had Hep C for over 30 years. I have good days and some weird days! I take my meds at 11:30 AM with food. Definitely eat! Side effects for me have been anxiety in the midst of the COVID virus (I live in FL), waking up at 3-4 AM with anxious thoughts, some fatigue during the day, and a very slight headache on and off. Hoping for a cure at the end of my 8 weeks! God bless everyone on this journey."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2020

"I contracted Hepatitis-C in 1998 from unsanitary tattoo equipment, and it has since gone untreated. I am a 56-year-old male, genotype-1, and I began the treatment process four months ago. I started taking Mavyret two months ago and experienced very few side effects. No nausea, no headaches, slight fatigue, and I was able to maintain full-time employment throughout. I was tested at the four-week mark and there was no Hepatitis-C detected in my system. I took my medication at the same time every night before bed, with food, not missing a single dose. I have three days of treatment remaining, and my life has changed considerably. There is finally hope for the future and the stigma is gone. Don't give up hope. Take action!!! Even if you are low income like me, there are doctors and resources who will help you obtain treatment at no cost. This medication saved my life. Now I just have to quit smoking."

• gr8...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I have had Hep C since 2000 but did not have insurance that would cover Mavyret until recently. The side effects were not a concern to my doctor. I was seriously ill with bone pain, nausea, fatigue, and headaches. Worst of all, about halfway into treatment, I started getting severe panic attacks - I had never had a panic attack in my entire life. My doctor said it had nothing to do with the medication. Uh, yes, it did. I also developed red lesions on my hands, feet, and legs that have not stopped forming even after three weeks of being off the medication! My doctor says that it is psoriasis, which I have never had as well. I am still suffering with the anxiety and skin lesions today. I hope it worked so it is worth all these side effects. I find out in January if I am free of Hep C, but my mid-treatment blood work showed good signs, so pray for me, pray these lesions go away too, please! Thanks for all the posts and support. I do not feel so alone."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I just finished my 8-week course. The side effects are minimal but still suck, it really depends on your lifestyle choices. I'm an avid coffee drinker, so guess who dealt with headaches every day despite how much water I drank. The nausea leveled out, and FYI, the bigger the meal is, the better. You get much fewer side effects that way. I took it with a glass of milk. The thicker liquid gave the medication a better absorbency, which = fewer side effects. I have alopecia areata and had thinning of hair during treatment, but I expected that due to underlying illness. I couldn't wait to finish this because the side effects basically got on my nerves, I was tired of being tired, but they weren't unbearable. I could still function fine. I just kept in mind the day I got to 'cross the finish line': a healthier version of myself thanks to Mavyret. I was non-detected at my 4-week visit, btw. Despite some mild side effects that get on your nerves, it's totally worth it, your future self will thank you for doing this."

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I'm only on my second day of Mavyret, and it is kicking my butt. I'm not a complainer, but this medication really makes me feel out of it. Nausea, dizziness, headache, and tiredness are also side effects I'm having. I had no liver damage and had a pretty loud viral load. I'm 26 and obviously will continue treatment to cure my hep C, but it's not a pleasant feeling. I'm currently taking my medication in the morning with light food. Maybe I should switch to before bed? Is that better? 7 weeks to go! It'll be fine."

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

For Hepatitis C "I have used the Mavyret for 2 weeks now. I get this 'psyched out' feeling like I am worrying and self-absorbed, scared I can't keep taking the med if it worsens. I go to the gym and exercise to help the muscle pain, fatigue, and headache symptoms. I am drinking a ton of water. I am so sensitive to medicine, but I am convinced I will get through this treatment. I have had hep C for over 45 years and I want to cure. May the Lord grant me a miracle."

• 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."

• Ins...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2024

For Hepatitis C "Week 7, serious insomnia basically every night, except 4 or 5 nights; have felt 'a bit better' then the next day back to a lead-heavy body, headachy & feeling distressed. The treatment has more side effects than I expected. Thank you everyone for posting; reading other people's experiences has helped get me through. I won't know until 4 weeks after if it has worked, I am just hoping it does, meanwhile just hanging in there..."

• Pat...
• November 14, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I found I had Hep C approximately 20 years ago after being exposed to blood at the Lipid Research Center. There were the old treatments at the time, but I chose to just use milk thistle until recently. I am 65 years old and was very fearful at first, but the changes I was going through told me to do it. I was recommended Mavyret. The first 2 weeks I had some pretty bad headaches and was very tired. The headaches subsided, some nauseousness, and I was very tired. Some light sensitivity to my eyes, but mind you, none of my symptoms made me want to quit. At the 5th week, Hep C was not detectable. I finished all my medicine yesterday. I feel so much better. Even though I am 65 years old, I feel like I have a new life. Thanks for reading."

• Cur...
• February 25, 2019

For Hepatitis C "My final post, and thankful this journey has ended well. I was genotype 3, and viral load was over 9 million. Started Mavyret on September 25, 2018. Side effects were tolerable and short-term: headache, weight gain, and thirst. Nothing you cannot handle! Completed 8-week treatment on November 20, 2018, and final blood work done on Feb. 18, 2019. Results: UNDETECTED! CURED! I am so thankful for this new start on life! Thank you!!!"

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Hepatitis C "Started Mavyret exactly a month ago, and I didn’t see any side effects for the first three weeks, but now I feel like I have the flu. Initially, I assumed it was the flu, but after reading a lot of these posts, I’m convinced it’s the meds. Side effects include chronic headache, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, fatigue, sweating, and my mental health is worse than usual, also chest pains. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have this disease cured. I also believe I will be able to make it to the end result no problem, but it’s nice to know these side effects aren’t super rare, thanks to everyone who posted their experiences."

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

For Hepatitis C "So I was diagnosed with hep C in 2013 and started treatment (Mavyret) at the beginning of May 2019, my last dose was Tuesday. The overall experience was great. I had very mild side effects (headaches, fatigue, and occasional bellyache) the first couple of weeks. I felt amazing! I had so much energy and felt normal again. It was great. I had a few bad days throughout the 8 weeks of treatment, but overall it helped me so much! I now feel good again, I don’t want to stay in bed all day, and I'm actually getting my appetite back! Since ending my treatment, I’m still having headaches and have felt a little weird the last day or two. Does anyone know how long the side effects will last after you finish treatment? Are there any withdrawal symptoms? I didn’t think to ask my doctor and am kind of curious. I’m so glad I found this site! It’s awesome to see other people on the same journey as me! Good luck to everyone!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2020

"I've been taking Mavyret for 5 days. I have a slight headache sometimes, and I feel quite tired, but apart from that, I'm fine so far. Cool to read others' experiences with this. Seems my symptoms are fairly normal. Gonna be weird being well after 40 years, but I'm ready!!❤️❤️✌️✌️"

• 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!"

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm on my last six days of my eight-week treatment. First round of labs is looking promising. Second set is next week. *Fingers crossed.* And the side effects are very real, and no, I'm not just stating a headache, nausea, and fatigue. About four weeks in, I noticed a mental decline. Bouts of depression, anxiety, and at times immense irritation, plus facial blemishes, thinning hair, weight gain, and excessive sweating. Worth it, I hope, considering if one stops treatment, the likelihood of insurance authorizing another is very unlikely. I have always had adverse reactions to medicines (my luck), ultimately, the potential benefits are worth it. Treatments' alleged side effects suck vs. Hep C and its damage... treatment was an easy win."

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

• 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."

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

• 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."

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

• Aft...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2024

For Hepatitis C "It is now three and a bit weeks after completing treatment, and still waiting to get final tests. The first 10 days post-treatment, I was still experiencing nausea, headaches, and sleep disturbances. This started to settle down around 12 days post-treatment, but in the last few days, I am back to feeling 'mildly unwell,' sleep unsettled, and depressed. Probably not knowing results yet is not helping, but I am posting this as there is no 'immediate feeling better' once treatment is ended, and that is taking a bit of getting used to. Trying to not burden people around me with how I am feeling, but to be honest, I am talking myself into feeling OK each day, and hoping that is how it turns out."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2019

For Hepatitis C "My husband and I both have Hep C and took Mavyret for 8 weeks, and after the 8 weeks, we are both cured! The only side effect that either of us had from the medicine was a headache off and on, but it was well worth the slight headache."