Glecaprevir / pibrentasvir and Nausea: 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

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

For Hepatitis C "I started Mavyret 7 days ago. I feel great. I have found out that to keep the nausea away, it is best taken at night with food a few hours before bed. Drink plenty of liquids and eat your meals, do not skip eating. I take 40mg of Omeprazole in the morning with a large glass of water. I have survived Esophagus Cancer and am very sensitive to medication, so I was worried about the nausea others have reported. I tremble a little with the medication, so I increased my liquids and it stops. I hope whoever reads this tries the medication and gets rid of HEP C."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Rol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I'm a 62-year-old male. Was diagnosed with HEP C in April. Luckily, my insurance and the $5 co-pay has got me no out-of-pocket expense. I will take my dose today at 5:30 with food. This will make 5 full weeks, 3 more weeks to go. I must have had this for years and years. I knew something was wrong, thank goodness I found the right doctor! Like others, I have had some fatigue and nausea, but I'm SO GRATEFUL for the makers of this drug. Hang in there, everyone, I'm feeling so good and super optimistic about the future!!!"

• Bik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Just started week 6 yesterday of an 8-week treatment plan. The first two weeks were pretty smooth. Mild nausea and a little fatigue and dizziness. After my second week, my urine turned real dark, almost the color of root beer, but after I flush myself out with water, everything went back to normal with that. I have lost a lot of energy and feel a little lightheaded, so I don't drive as much as I used to. The good news is I've done blood work at 4 weeks and the virus was undetected. Looking forward to getting these next two weeks behind me. The only tips that I have for anyone under this treatment are to stay extra hydrated and eat a healthy diet. Good luck to all."

• 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!"

• 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."

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

• Spo...
• February 22, 2020

For Hepatitis C "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

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?"

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

• 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."

• Asa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I have had hep C for 22 years, I am 39 years old. It's chronic with inflammation and scarring. My genotype is 1a. I have been taking Mavyret for 6 days now. I have had many side effects: chills, dizziness, nausea, achy joints. It changes from day to day for me. Yesterday was the worst day for me, then today I woke up feeling decent, and as the day progressed, I had more energy than I have had in many years. So far, this drug has not had anything bad enough to make me wish I didn't start. I am so excited to hopefully be free of this. I will give an update at my halfway point."

• Sug...
• May 6, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I'm on my 3rd week of treatment. I'm experiencing terrible fatigue, nausea, flu-like symptoms but not 24/7. Sleeping only 2-3 hrs a night. Got 5 more weeks to go before I will know if I'm cleared. Diagnosed in 2005. Tried the Pegasus treatment and only lasted 8 weeks. This is not as severe. Gotta stay hydrated though, and I need to take little naps, but I think I can get through this one. Prayers for success."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "This forum is great. I do not have hepatitis C, but my husband does. He is really struggling with the lack of sleep, nausea, and irritability. He works road construction and long days. I appreciate your wisdom, as he is a quiet man and doesn’t share much. This has helped me understand Mavyret, the effects on a person, and your wisdom has been invaluable, so hopefully I can be more empathetic with the struggle he is going through. Originally, he told me we’d need to come up with $100,000.00, but so far we've paid $200.00. Thank you!"

• EBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I just started my treatment of this medication two days ago. I was so nervous and so excited at the same time. I am feeling a little nauseous, and my skin is pretty itchy. Now, I don't know if that’s from winter dry skin or a side effect. I can’t wait to be cured, I just hope after this is over that I feel better, because right now I feel awful!! Praying for a speedy and effective treatment!! I’ll tell again in a few weeks how I’m feeling. Thanks for reading."