Glecaprevir / pibrentasvir and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I cannot recommend this medication enough. I am 51 years old and have been living with hep C since my mid-20s sometime. My insurance turned me down for Harvoni twice. I needed a cure, otherwise, this disease was going to eventually kill me. I got on Mavyret. The side effects that I experienced were few: a slight headache, which got relieved with drinking water, and one time I needed to take an ibuprofen. A little bit of gas, but really nothing major. At my 4-week blood test, I was undetectable and started with an eight million liver count. I had another blood test at 8 weeks, I was still undetectable for the hep C virus. Hallelujah, thank God for this medication. My life now has a whole new meaning. If you're straddling the fence about this drug, get off of the fence and start your recovery. I highly recommend this medication to anybody suffering from hep C."

• som...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Well, I have 4 more days left of Mavyret treatment. I was expecting a treatment similar to Interferon, but that's not what this is. It makes you feel a little like you are on Benadryl or something. One morning, I got up and puked, and my throat felt real scratchy, but it only seemed to last for 1 day, three weeks in. I can't say I've had serious side effects, however, I didn't get any headaches. I find taking it with a bag of microwave popcorn to be the best. I won't find out if it actually worked for another month when I go get labs done. However, I've made it to the point where there are 4 packages and have not missed a day of taking the medication. So hopefully it worked."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2018

For Hepatitis C "So, I am checking back in. Most important thing. If you can receive Mavyret, do it! I had a tinge of a small headache. After 5 days, every single day got better. Not even one headache. Didn't even feel punishable. Gained weight. So what... Regained this energy, I had no idea how or why that happened. Fast forward 6 weeks. I was at a 6.9 million viral load. Results came today. Zero viral load. All results MINUS. ALT and AST numbers drastically changed. I feel so blessed! If you get side effects and have the ability to give any side effects to Mavyret, please take the time to do it. It goes privately into a database and is used to help others. I gave this a ten. Please do it. If you can, you should. Amazing outcome, amazing results, amazing life!"

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I must say that I am thankful for finding this forum! To be able to talk about it and share is such a huge relief! I am finishing up 5 weeks this Thursday. I too experienced the slight pressure headaches, nausea, vomiting, sleeping about 3 hours, waking up and after a bit I am able to lay back down and sleep another 3 or so, dehydration, very weak and tired, very dry cough, hard time breathing, flatulence, etc. After reading your reviews, I determined that it could have been other meds. And I don't experience these symptoms all the time. I am very thankful to God for the inventor, for guidance to get it and use it! I just know in my heart, it's the cure! As said in other reviews, don't give up and don't quit trying! I will update when I am able, for sure the end results!"

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

For Hepatitis C "I start my final 8th week tomorrow. I also had the pleasure of experiencing the old ribavirin and interferon in 2007 following an unwanted transfusion in 1999. Anyway, enough history! I must say this treatment is a far better experience than the former. I have had come and go expected symptoms from the beginning. One thing I find different is I have severe light sensitivity with my headaches. And as I get closer to the finish line, the common symptoms seem to be worse, not better. I am pretty much a couch potato with very little energy. Nausea and urgent diarrhea that prevent me from going too far from home! I am undetectable at 4 weeks. I hope you all have success in the cure. Bear in mind, you CAN be reinfected, and even with a"

• 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."

• zip...
• April 12, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Thank you for all of your most helpful comments; they have been priceless in setting my routine and understanding the effects of Mavyret! I have had chronic hep C for 30+ years - type 1 - with liver damage; 12 week treatment; waited many years for this treatment due to the poor results and side effects of earlier treatment regimens; day 8 and taking after dinner so as to not affect work; dehydration is real - drink up! Most disconcerting has been the odd time waking up after a few hours of sleep with a strange pressure headache - drinking water immediately seems to work for me - only lasts a couple of minutes - some wild dreaming - the other side effects are present, such as tiredness later in the day, but it is okay so far. It is early days, but I'm quite excited, but anxious also; I'm just going to take it one day at a time! Thanks again, and here is to all of us looking to the future! Cheers."

• Cor...
• October 2, 2018

For Hepatitis C "On my 6th week. Just got a call from my nurse that so far, virus undetectable. The drug is doing its job. Doing a happy dance...even though side effects have been kind of heavy. I have felt the drug coursing through my veins and tissues. It kind of grips you as time goes on. I have experienced insomnia, minor headache, dehydration no matter how much water I drink, and some emotional problems due to impatience with not being able to sleep as well. Strange thoughts/dreams, inability to cope at work under stress. Fatigue, heart palpitations. I know this is way better than the older treatments akin to chemotherapy. When you start Mavyret, it is good to have patient supportive people and friends around you. Try to stay positive. I am grateful for the opportunity to get this treatment to kill the bug. I had a large viral load, but Mavy is working and I think I can endure 2 months of uncomfortable for a new start in life...a lifetime without a bug eating my liver. Happy dance!"

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I have been on for a week and 2 days. I get minor headaches, but I start to drink water when it happens, and it goes away quickly. As the days go on, I am getting more and more tired. I just feel weak and have zero motivation to do anything. I can't think straight-my thoughts just feel very cloudy (like I've taken steroids). I'm feeling too weak to do anything besides laying around, which has me feeling depressed. Feeling so tired and not being able to think straight makes me not want to be around anyone, which makes my social anxiety worse. I am really hoping that I start feeling better as the days come. I am truly grateful for the chance to try this medicine, and I am by no means complaining. I am just expressing how I feel. I've been struggling with Hep C since 2006 and am so thankful it is nothing like the Interferon treatment because that was so awful."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I've been taking Mavyret for 3 weeks now. The first 5 days were pretty rough. Extreme tiredness and headache, as well as becoming winded when I'm just sitting there. Side effects now aren't as bad but still tired and headaches, and after I take them, my ears get super red and hot. Oh, and I had massive hot and cold flashes, waking up soaked in sweat. It seems each day is getting easier but still, this stuff is potent! It has got to be to get rid of the virus, right? I'm super grateful for it even though it makes me feel icky. I was so scared to start it due to the side effects, but I'm almost halfway there, so I think I've made it past the hardest parts! Another thing, it makes me super light and sound sensitive. Anyone else have that issue?"

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Early 60's. No health issues except Hep C virus found during older age checkup and blood work. No clue how long I've had HCV or how I was infected, as no blood transfusions or IV drug use in my history. Just started week 7 of 8-week Mavyret treatment. Had 4 million + viral load. Undetectable at 4-week viral load test. Only side effects are tiredness, gas, occasional acid indigestion, and light headache. All easy to deal with, as none are severe. Getting a HCV undetectable at only 4 weeks is sure happy news. Will post 8-week results and the 12-week after treatment end viral load results when I get them. Happy to be lucky enough to get the Mavyret treatment and have such positive results so fast. Hope many others have the same experience."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Starting the 2nd week and fighting extreme fatigue and minor headaches. Contracted Hep C from dirty transfusions in the early 70s. Already have Stage IV liver damage. Really hope the fatigue gets better. Waited too long for these meds to be invented. Head feels like it's full of mud. Retired - can't imagine trying to hold a job and go through this treatment."

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Just finished 8 weeks on Mavyret, few headaches, but I had nausea all the way through and really bad stomach problems. It didn’t seem to matter if I’d eaten little and often. I struggled eating properly at all in the whole 8 weeks. But now I’m done, I’m feeling better in myself, more energy, just generally well for the first time in 15 years. I have type 2 diabetes and it didn’t interfere at all. So grateful."

• Mis...
• July 30, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Have had hep C since the late '90s. Avoided treatments because of horrific side effects. Offered this and was fearful of side effects. Kept an open mind and already eat a low-carb, very active, very healthy lifestyle, also quit smoking last Oct. Fast forward... Started it a full four days ago and a mild headache, which I cured with TONS of Gatorade. No calorie, no carbs Gatorade. Ate a really good, healthy meal before taking it, and I think this is the key. Outside a little tiredness, I am having zero side effects. I personally believe now the healthier you are going in, and with a positive attitude, anyone can do really well on this drug. The headache is not like a normal headache. It's not even painful, actually. Just dull, like you know it's there but not inhibiting. Weird... It didn't stop me from doing my day. The more I drank water and Gatorade, the less I seem to be experiencing this. Good luck."

• 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.'"

• Sma...
• September 16, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Two weeks in and things have been going as well as I expected. I'm genotype 1a. Fibrosis at a 2. The side effects are up and down. Most days I feel just OK. Not bad, but not great. Some dizziness and very mild headaches on occasion. One particularly bad headache on day two I quickly realized was an allergy headache and completely unrelated to Mavyret. I've had some muscle and joint pain. This hasn't been very bothersome, though. Just feels sort of like I worked out every muscle in my body REALLY hard the day before. Stretching seems to help a lot with that. The first week was the worst, and things have leveled out since then. If you can get this medication through insurance or patient assistance, do it. I was really apprehensive and anxious going into it, as I really don't like taking medication and avoid it whenever possible, but this has been a very manageable experience so far."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I have gene type 3, stage 2 fibrosis. I've just finished week 2. The first night, I woke up with a bad headache but took some Advil and went back to sleep. I woke up feeling great. In the first week, I had more energy and slept well. In the second week, I started feeling a little sick, it comes and goes. A little less energy, but I am so impressed with this medication. Nothing at all I can't handle. I was so scared at first because of some reviews. So glad I got this chance, will check back in at 4 weeks. Good luck, everyone."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Started the treatment on Nov 24, 2017, and finished exactly 2 months later. Little to no side effects besides headaches. Labs were undetectable first and second round. Just had my final blood work 3 months after completion of treatment, and I'm happy to say that HCV was not detected! Would definitely recommend this treatment!"

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with chronic hep C in June due to being very ill. I am finally being treated now in February. I am miserable. I can't get out of bed most days. I wake to eat dinner about 6 pm with the medicine. Then I try staying up a couple of hours, and I doze off. My left side hurts so bad at night it puts me in tears. So I sit in the shower with the hottest water possible to numb the pain. I am told 8 weeks of this. I never got headaches, and now they are so severe, lasting most of the night, or I wake to them as I try and sleep off the pain. I just hurt and ache. Before, I was nauseous and couldn't eat much. Now it's the opposite. This is the hardest thing I've had to deal with in my life. I honestly hope this is done and gone soon."

• Jun...
• August 26, 2019

For Hepatitis C "First day of the second week. So far, I am not experiencing abnormal fatigue. I didn't with Hep C and am not now. I take it at 6 pm with a meal. My main side effects are nasty headaches that so far have stayed the same, not worsened. (I may not be drinking enough water), almost no nausea, some abdominal discomfort, some itching, and the flu/cold-like symptoms that I see people are having. I feel warm after taking, but no fever, no rash, no swelling, no difficulty swallowing, but my mouth feels like when you eat spicy food for 4-5 hours after taking. This has not worsened, and I told the nurse in the Mavyret Nurse Ambassador program about it. About 11:30 pm, I take Ambien and go to sleep. Ambien is the only thing that helps the headache so I can sleep. The doctor's office knows I take Ambien. The mornings are when I feel the best. But the headache comes back at some point. I'm retired, so I don't have to go to a job, and I'm glad of that!"

• Pen...
• January 31, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Currently on week 3. The first few days, I was very tired and had the worst headache, but once your body adjusts to the med, the side effects diminish. I learned that I took Mavyret best with my biggest meal of the day. Every person is different, but for me, taking it with just a slice of toast or a bowl of cereal wasn't working out in a good way. It gave me horrible stomach issues. This week, I noticed that I have much more energy. I feel great overall. Forgot to mention that I also take several other meds for PTSD and depression: Prozac, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Topamax, Minipress, and Vistaril. No drug interactions and no weird side effects. Mavyret is definitely worth the try. Every person is different, but so far in my journey, I say it's a true blessing."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Well, it's day 8 for me. Hit the floor running in the a.m. After lunch, pooped out. Last night was the first night I didn’t sleep well. Maybe I went to bed too early. No stomach issues, no headaches. It hasn’t kept me from doing my normal daily chores. I'm still able to cut grass, cook ok, and clean and do laundry. I just do it all in the a.m. I will take it for 7 more weeks. Concerned about weight gain, so I am curbing my eating of sweets. Good luck, everyone, I’ll post again next week."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I am a 60-year-young woman, have Hep C for 40 years. The blood test showed the virus almost undetectable after 3 weeks. Round 1 - Medication was like speed for me. It was a happy drug, I had incredible energy, focused and very optimistic. The feeling was like having taken steroids. I take it in the morning with yogurt to prevent stomach issues. I was ravenously hungry, so I ate, gained 15 pounds. Round 2 - The speedy effect dissipated, occasionally I am tired, a 1/2 hour of rest sets things right. At week 8, I'm less hungry. I get an occasional headache relieved by Advil and coffee. I have been experiencing pain in the lower back, hip ball joints, and wrist. I have not exercised in 8 weeks. What a great weight lifted off my mind. I am so grateful to those at AbbVie who dedicated their time and knowledge to this treatment. What a gift, you have my deepest gratitude. My experience exceeded my expectations."

• K-K...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2019

For Hepatitis C "It has been on Mavyret for 5 and a half weeks and just got a call from the blood work to say no sign of Hep C. So happy as I had had it for 20 years. I, like other people have said, have less energy and flu-like symptoms, headaches in the morning. Hopefully, all that goes away when I am done. I feel for the person who said it's still showing after almost being done with treatment, but I hope you will beat it. Hang in there, everyone! There are very low side effects compared to the old medicines that only put you in remission."