Harvoni for Hepatitis C User Reviews (Page 5)

• Au_...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2016

"I only just picked up the prescription today and just wanted to say that I was feeling nervous about side effects, but after reading quite a few of your stories, I am now feeling very positive. My specialist is in the Gastroenterology Dept. at the hospital, and the hospital pharmacy supplied them, no cost whatsoever. It's a 12-week course. I thought this tiredness, lack of energy, lack of concentration, and the feeling of a foggy brain were from depression, now after reading your stories, I realize it's from the Hep C. I am so happy to read that all those symptoms disappear while taking Harvoni and that people are now cured. Looking forward to reading more positive stories and watching mine and others' progress."

• WEA...
• March 18, 2017

"I started Harvoni on Dec 26. After 2 months of taking the pill once a day, I was cured of the virus. I continued with the 3rd month, and tomorrow is the final day and the final pill. I had absolutely no side effects the entire time. I am one grateful man at 64 years old. Thank you so much."

• MsN...
• February 13, 2017

"One month post-treatment of 8 weeks. I had quite a few side effects, the mood swings, insomnia, and depression were the worst. However, it was well worth it. My side effects wore off 2 weeks ago. I CAN'T STRESS IT ENOUGH, A WHOLE LOT OF WATER MINIMIZES THOSE SIDES. This was especially hard for me because, actually, I don't like water, but I had to drink plenty, and it worked 95% of the time. Unlike others, I actually lost weight due to the loss of appetite. Before treatment, I had the same problem. I said that to say it's different for some people. Just in case you happen to experience the side effects. Don't be discouraged, you never know how strong you are until you go through it. IT'S WORTH IT, I'M NEGATIVE FOR THE VIRUS."

• Tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2015

"Hepatitis C has been a part of my life for over 30 years now. Having failed treatment with interferon and ribavirin twice (1998 and 2005), I have been waiting until now for another run at a cure. The new Harvoni one pill a day for a twelve-week regimen that I'm on is flawless. Currently in week 4, this drug is without any noticeable side effects. What a relief this go-round. Previously, the interferon was so devastating physically, as well as emotionally, that I lasted twelve and forty weeks, respectively, before throwing in the towel. In 2005, after 20 weeks, my levels of the virus were undetectable, and although I continued the horrid treatment for another twenty weeks, the virus returned with a vengeance less than three months after stopping."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2018

"Took Harvoni for 12 weeks. Now have permanent tinnitus, 24/7 headache, neuropathy, joint pain, muscle pain and weakness, fatigue, floaters, hair loss, decreased lung function, and change in heartbeat... all from within 12 weeks. Had none of this before."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2017

"I think I have had every side effect listed and some not. The swelling of my hands and joint pain, headache, itching, rash, small sores on my scalp, but some of these side effects were short-term, lasted about a week except the swelling of joints and feeling like my legs weigh 100 pounds a piece, and the fatigue is unreal, but I have a hard time sleeping when I wake up is when the hands and joint pain is at its worst. I've been on Harvoni almost 8 weeks. I go to the doctor today fingers crossed, hope to God my blood work is clear and they take me off the Harvoni. I just took it one day at a time, praying the results will have made it worth it."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2017

"I am age 24. I believe I contracted Hep C through an IV drug habit. I thought my low energy and brain fog were because of the many drugs I have done. I had the virus for 2-4 years unknowingly. I finally got a checkup and came back completely healthy except for having Hep C. I work out and eat healthy all the time. My viral load was under 15,000 (very low). I was put on Harvoni for 8 weeks and was tested the last 2 weeks of treatment and came up negative. The medication eradicates a resilient virus from your body. Harvoni definitely has side effects, do not let any doctor tell you otherwise. The medication is extremely effective, however, and the trade-off for mild discomfort is well worth it. I am now a few months clean of Hep C after taking Harvoni."

• Dip...
• July 10, 2016

"59-year-old female. I've had hep C for 39 years. Genotype 1, cleared the virus 11 years ago, after taking interferon and ribavirin. Relapsed after 6 months. Viral load of 2,000,000 now. Am now in my 2nd week of Harvoni, and am hopeful. So far, my side effects are irritability, fatigue, and insomnia, with occasional night sweats. Feels like menopause, but I know it's not. So it must be the Harvoni. Hope side effects will diminish."

• sjp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2016

"Apparently quite typical from reading many of your reviews... I contacted HEP C (Type 1A, Stage 2) back in the late 60s to early 70s from continued IV sharing with other dumbasses just like me. Tried to give blood some 20 years later, and they said no thanks. I'm like so many here, I also tried Interferon with Ribavirin, and it about killed me - I don't think I have ever quite recovered. The interferon/Ribavirin actually started to show some success, but then all my counts just blew up. I just met with my doctor today, and I'm about to start Harvoni and pretty excited. 12 weeks with 1 pill a day with a 95% success rate for my genotype sounds pretty appealing. All the best to you all, and here is to a long and healthy life!"

• smp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2015

"Finished Harvoni April 30, 2015. First blood work undetected HCV. Second blood test August 19, 2015 still undetected. Next blood work December. The final blood work May 2016. Doc said after August blood work, most likely cured. Was on three-month treatment."

• Hap...
• June 27, 2016

"I took the full twelve weeks of Harvoni. I was concerned, as most, about the side effects. I was lucky and did not have any side effects at all, unless you consider having more energy a side effect. I was religious about taking it at the same time every day. I planned my day around it. The best part of all was getting my six-month blood test, and the test came back undetectable. Don't let money be an issue. If you have insurance, use it and get a copay card from the manufacturer for the balance. It gives you a great piece of mind when the process is over."

• rel...
• February 3, 2016

"I must have gotten Hep C back in the 70s when I shot heroin for a fun experience. What a jerk when I found out about 10 years ago that I had Hep C. I was involved in a trial using interferon injections that was a disaster, and the study was discontinued because it did not work. It destroyed my thyroid, I lost my hair, and got really sick. I just started on Harvoni today and appreciate reading all your experiences as I'm a bit scared. I'm glad that I'm getting the Harvoni for free. No side effects so far except gratefulness."

• pan...
• August 13, 2015

"Today is day 84, my last day on Harvoni. I had lab work done at 25 days, which came back detectable. Then at day 74, labs again. The last lab came back undetectable. However, my doctor wants me to take another 12 weeks due to having cryoglobulins. The only side effect I've felt was being more tired than I already was. Basically no side effects."

• Mar...
• May 12, 2017

"In 2016, 8 weeks of Harvoni cured my Hepatitis C. I must note that I did have a low viral load; the issue with Harvoni is that during my last week on Harvoni, I noticed some slight swelling of my hands, and within the next few weeks, the swelling became worse. I developed a lump on my forearm (later diagnosed as a rheumatoid nodule), and my eyesight became progressively worse. My hepatitis C was cured, but my quality of life deteriorated. ANA was negative, but rheumatoid factor was high, and I could no longer hold a cup. Pain, swelling of hands, and developed a pilot cataract with my eyesight tested at being 300/20. I firmly believe these developments are directly related to Harvoni. I know I am not the only person this has happened to."

• fee...
• May 20, 2016

"Day 6 on Harvoni. Headache problems, but a Motrin 800 and it really helps! Sleeping is not good as well, soft stools, and more anxiety than normal, thinking it is more in my head because I have never taken this. My emotions are higher than I would like them to be and also feel weak at times. I’m sure it is due to my lack of appetite. On the heels of that, I will start eating better. I feel blessed to know that this will be over soon, and I have heard many worse side effects. Whoever is going through this, I encourage you to stay with it! You can always lay down if you do not feel well. God bless you all, stay positive!"

• top...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 18, 2019

"I had Hepatitis C for 20 years. I took Harvoni for six months. Hepatitis C virus undetected. Two weeks later, gained 29 lbs! I lost my motivation to do everyday chores. Three and a half years later, I am in a deep depression so bad that all I want to do is shut the world out, sleep all the time, find no joy in life. I feel apathetic every day. Is this from Harvoni, or is it just chronic depression?"

• san...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2015

"I just started Harvoni 5 days ago. Just started with headache and nausea, some shortness of breath. I'm drinking a lot of water, which helps with nausea. Headaches are mild. Overall, I feel pretty good, no aches or fatigue or insomnia."

• Cle...
• April 1, 2017

"First off, thank you to all of the users who posted on this. I was really nervous starting Harvoni and read all of the entries on this post. So helpful! 25 years of Hep C wiped out in 8 weeks! Just unbelievable. I've had a couple of other things going on (broken foot that kept me from work, which was distressing) and gastritis. Maybe my insomnia was stress-related? I had a few headaches initially and some mild fatigue (or was I just tired from fretting over my inability to work and dragging myself up and down stairs?) Whatever has gone on, it's nothing at all because I am clear! I don't have to stare 'it' in the face anymore! Grateful? Thankful? Somewhere way beyond the limits of those words."

• Hep...
• June 12, 2016

"I was on Harvoni treatment for 8 weeks. At the end of week 4, the virus was undetected. I was very scared to take this medicine, as I read horrible things about Harvoni on the Internet. I am so happy that I decided to take it. I had only minor side effects, such as fatigue. I had no problems with stomach, insomnia, or weight gain. I was working as usual while being on treatment."

• Geo...
• October 23, 2016

"My lab work came back that HCV was not detected after 6 months of treatment. I believe I am cured. Had Hep C genotype 1a for over 35 years. Previous treatments did not work. Started Harvoni/Ribavirin last March for 16 weeks. Minimal side effects compared to hair loss from previous treatments. I could have continued taking treatment to 24 weeks, but insurance would not approve it. Glad that I am cured. Good luck to everyone taking Harvoni."

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2016

"I contracted the Hep C virus about 30 years ago. I tried the treatment to kill it about 20 years ago, and the side effects were way too much for me, so I had to quit. I have been without symptoms for all these years. However, in the back of my mind, I knew I had Hep C, and it bothered me. About 6 months ago, I started having pain in the area of my liver. Thank God I went to see my old liver doctor a few weeks ago because I was worried. He informed me I had gallstones and that my liver looked great. The best thing he told me was all about Harvoni! I started taking Harvoni two weeks ago. I noticed fatigue on days 5 and 6, but now it's gone. I seriously feel better now than I have in years. Thank you, Harvoni creators and staff!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2015

"Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C genotype 1. So my doctor recommended the interferon treatment, and it did not work, and the side effects were terrible. Six months ago, my liver enzymes were really high, and I went to the doctor, and they put me on Harvoni for three months. I highly recommend this medicine because I am now cured and hepatitis C-free. Fight with your insurance to cover this drug because I had to fight for it as well. Good luck."

• Cha...
• March 22, 2017

"Look. Ending 8th week. 2 months only. ... 22 months ago, my AST and ALT were over 480. Stage 3 cirrhosis..... MELD score not too bad, but prognosis not good.... I just got my blood checked today. AST and ALT 40 and 35. NORMAL... And... NO SIGN of Hep C virus at all? Re-sent. Same results as a few weeks ago...? Wow. How can this be? It's a miracle as I have been very sick for at least 3 years."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2016

"I'm 56 and have had hep C genotype 1A for about 30 years now. Biopsies (2) were both mild, never treated until now. Started Harvoni today. A little dizzy ... kinda feel loopy, but otherwise no other side effects. Time will tell! Feeling pretty excited about this drug for sure... read all of the reviews here and that's why I am submitting mine, so others can be inspired as well... will update as labs come back and if any problems arise :) Cheers!"

• Nod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2017

"I'm 16 doses into a 12-week regimen. I take the drug at 5 pm, I eat about 4 hours before. If I don't, extreme stomach cramps and diarrhea, this will last for about 2 hours. Soreness in legs, armpits, and arms, foggy, and fatigue easily. I will get my first blood work results on Monday. Sleepy in about 2 hours after I take it, and I have insomnia. I do not have a great appetite anymore. I'm 65 years old and retired. I don't work, so I have the luxury of taking it easy. I don't know how I got it. It's been ticking in me for about 20 years that I know of. I will let you know about my blood work. Good luck everyone and hang in there because it does work."