Harvoni and Fatigue: What Users Say

• WAT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2014

For Hepatitis C "Side effects are light - fatigue and a bit of a headache. I did find it easier to take it an hour after dinner. WAY better than the triple-threat approach. My blood work does indicate that I am in the beginning stages of cirrhosis. I also had Hep B in 1994. So far, it's like a miracle. Other than the fatigue (which is nothing if you've suffered jaundice or the 'Sickie' symptoms that Hep C can cause), it's business as usual."

• Rmi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2015

For Hepatitis C "Had Hep C for many years but didn't worry too much (except to protect others) until my tests (liver function, Hepascore, etc.) began to indicate treatment was in order. Admittedly, worried about the side effects. I (a bit psychosomatically) attributed every sound of my body, twitch, pain, rumble, headache, discomfort to the Harvoni. It became difficult to remember exactly how I felt before the pills and even if I could, was whatever problem I had related to the Hep C? A bunch of things did occur during the 84 days of treatment including one night of night sweats, some real fatigue in the 16-21 day period, Bell's Palsy symptoms (all of them), and a few other things which I recalled also sometimes occurred before the Harvoni. As to the sweating -- You know how when you have a cold, after a few days you sweat during the night and the cold is broken. Colds are viruses. Hep C is a virus. I decided to interpret the sweats as a good sign the virus is losing ground. There’s so much more to say but overall my side effects were minimal and 2 months after my 84th pill I’m undetected and clearly the Harvoni did that, so thank you Gilead. My advice is unless the doctor tells you, don’t stop. A couple of months of discomfort is nothing compared to the consequences of Hep C and we’re fortunate we don’t have to endure the interferon regimen of those who were treated in the past. I wish you all the best."

• Kde...
• March 5, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I have been on Harvoni for 4 weeks. It's cleared my psoriasis up. I was covered with it. I also have lost weight. Headaches, fatigue, nausea. This is helping me better than anything else I have tried. I have been waiting a long time for this."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2015

For Hepatitis C "Have been on Harvoni for 6 weeks. Only symptoms are some fatigue and sometimes slight stomach upset. I have already cleared the virus, but I must keep on taking Harvoni for 3 months. It seems like a miracle!"

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2016

For Hepatitis C "Today is the sixth day of taking Harvoni. I have had Hep C for over 30 years, I am sure from my wild days and sharing needles. I feel like something must be wrong with me. I am reading all of the other reviews, and everyone is reporting no or little side effects. I have been on this for six days, the first few days were a breeze, but the last few... I am experiencing diarrhea, nausea, I am so fatigued, I can barely get out of bed. I am weak and dizzy. None of these will make me quit taking the medicine, but I wonder how I will be able to do this for 12 weeks. I really don't have a choice, my numbers jumped from 4,000,000 to 10,000,000 and I have cirrhosis. I hope I get to the part where I feel better and more energetic than before soon!"

• Jam...
• March 18, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I am on a 24-week regimen and into my 12th week. Some increased fatigue, way too much gas, increased appetite, and some insomnia are my current side effects. These are nothing compared to Interferon/Ribavirin. My only disappointment is my doctor told me that my fatigue might not improve due to the fact that I have cirrhosis, but my blood work (low platelets, liver enzymes, and viral count) is all normal. She told me that some of the fog associated with Hep C will be gone. I am very happy with the medication and course of treatment."

• Yip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2016

For Hepatitis C "To be completely honest, I have only been on it a week. The first thing I noticed is at bedtime I became really tired, or fatigued. Just tired!! I am hoping these are the only things that distress me. I mean, come on, people, hep C will kill you in a horrible way. What is wrong with a little discomfort for a short period of time to save your life? Be positive, pray to God above, and thank Him for your healing."

• Rog...
• September 17, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I started taking Harvoni for an 8-week period in February 2015. Yesterday, September 16, 2015, I had my second viral load blood test, and the Hep C I had is completely undetectable. This is considered a complete cure in the medical world. For those of you new to Harvoni, the only side effects I experienced were fatigue and a slight headache for the first 8-9 days. After that, I had zero side effects. I didn't even know I was taking the medication. Harvoni is everything they say it is. Keep with the dosage and take it EVERYDAY! 8 weeks goes by really fast."

• jam...
• July 8, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I'll be done with the pills next Wednesday. Here is my advice to you: As much as possible, plan nothing, especially strenuous or even mildly active things, even if you feel really great most of the time, like I have. If you do have to go to work or do something active, really try hard to have some backup, a contingency plan. Today I was slammed really hard with the lowest energy and fatigue I have experienced yet. There is no way I could have worked. After two to three hours of this, I am just starting to feel a turn for the better. Having said this, I do not want to alarm you. 85% of the time I have been fine. 10% of the time I dealt with some headaches, fatigue, brief tinnitus, and stuff like that that seemed to pass fairly quickly. 5% of the time, however, I was in the shits and basically good for nothing productive whatsoever. I have heard that everyone is different. Just take this advice to heart, and go as easy as you can, including social events, sports, and any active type of things. When those bad days hit, and you never know when they will, you will really be glad you can take some space for yourself. Such has been my experience with Harvoni. Also, I had to make sure I took a pill at the same time every day, and I made a calendar to 'scratch' off each day, at the same moment I swallowed a pill. They say it is important NOT to miss a day. If you're anything remotely close to like me, trust me, make a system to keep exact info of taking your one pill each day and observe it religiously. I took mine upon arising each day so there was no question for that day."

• luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I got Hep C from a blood transfusion in the '70s and really didn't have any problems until last fall when my liver functions went crazy. The doctor suggested Harvoni, but it was impossible for me financially. The doctor was able to get me assistance, and I began treatment on 10/14/15. The first few weeks were difficult, I experienced confusion, upset stomach, fatigue, and mild headaches. After 3 weeks or so, the side effects eased up, especially the brain fog, and I discovered eating something sweet helped a lot with the stomach problems. The side effects for the rest of the time, on a scale of 1 to 10, I would describe it as a 3 or 4 and would do it again if I had to. Today (1/14/16), I got the results, it is undetectable! What a relief!"

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I am on day 12 of taking Harvoni. I have had hep C 1b for over 30 years. I never knew my real self. At days 1-3, I felt tired, fatigued, irritable, had headaches, and brain fog. Felt the same as I always had. Started noticing changes on day 4: increased energy, could see the whites of my eyes instead of a murky brown-yellow, skin looking better. Relapsed on day 7, started to feel tired, had to sleep after eating lunch, no energy. Days 8-13, feel amazing, no joint pains, feel 10 years younger, brain active, eyes alert, glassy, yellowing almost gone. Palms of my hands were always bright red right up to my fingertips, seeing patches of white through the redness, redness starting to fade a little each day. Thank you, God, and the minds behind Harvoni."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2016

For Hepatitis C "Remarkable! Have had Hep C for over 30 years. Asymptomatic. Started an 8-week course of Harvoni about 7 weeks ago. Viral load went from 2 million down to UNDETECTABLE! After just 28 days. Wow! Side effects are annoying but manageable. Have had headaches, fatigue, bloating, insomnia, and body aches. But I just rest when I need to. Don't give up hope!"

• kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I was told by my doctor I have had hepatitis C for 25 years. The only symptoms I have are fatigue and some jaundice, thank goodness. I currently have hepatitis C genotype 1. I have been taking Harvoni for 3 weeks now. The only side effects I have had are headaches and fatigue. I have noticed I get up in the morning now feeling great, I used to have a hard time getting out of bed. Now I spring out of bed, I can exercise and do daily chores. I thank God for Harvoni. I go for my first lab tests on July 27th. I can't wait to find out the results. 10 years ago, I tried the interferon and ribavirin with the weekly painful injections. I was stopped after 3 months due to suicidal thoughts and the fact that it wasn't working. I was devastated."

• Fir...
• October 3, 2015

For Hepatitis C "Today was the first day I started Harvoni. I was pretty anxious before taking it this morning. I took one tablet this morning at 6 AM, and the only thing I noticed was a little fatigue, and the fatigue was definitely manageable and didn't impact my day at all. I went to the gym and worked on my car, fixing brake pads and wheel bearings. So I figure if I can handle this kind of work on day one, this medication sounds like the miracle pill everyone has said it is. Feeling optimistic and grateful for science and research."

• TIR...
• September 11, 2016

For Hepatitis C "38th day... lots of naps, fatigue, lightheaded, tough getting to sleep, cold fingertips and toes, buzzing in ears, metallic taste in mouth, leg cramps, hemorrhoids... type 1A, 1,300,000 viral load at beginning, waiting for test results from Friday... hopefully will find out Monday, also low BP on Friday... 19 pills to go... lose of breath easily... fighting the dragon... hope it's working... praying hard... easy for some... not for me... 63 yr old male..."

• Sha...
• August 28, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I contracted Hep C 1a thirty years ago. I am 53 years old and have stage 4 fibrosis. Started taking Harvoni one month ago and have had various side effects, including headaches, nausea, insomnia, and fatigue. Nothing I can't handle. On the upside, my red palms are fading to white, my spider nevi on my legs and chest are also fading and disappearing. I felt like a different person after 3 days on Harvoni. My brain fog started to clear, and my moods stabilized. I'm not saying that I don't have bad days, I do. The side effects are transitory, so hang in there. I have my first blood work due in two days' time. Hoping to see a significant drop in my viral load and hoping that my liver is recovering somewhat."

• hap...
• September 25, 2015

For Hepatitis C "Day 19, just received my first viral count, it is undetectable. Thank you, Lord, for Gilead. I still experience some fatigue and insomnia, but it does not bother me at all. I have about eight and a half more weeks to go, my doctor said I have to finish the treatments. I am truly happy!"

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2016

For Hepatitis C "Type 1a, probably contracted 25 years ago. My liver panel was normal, 0-1 fibrosis with doc saying it was extremely mild at worst, viral count at 500,000 at the beginning of Harvoni. Viral count after two weeks was"

• WCT...
• June 1, 2016

For Hepatitis C "Was diagnosed with hep C in 2002. Doctor says probably have had it for more than 40 years. Like many, have no idea how the disease was contracted. Have tried two previous treatments of interferon with no success. Started Harvoni 12 weeks ago, was undetectable after 4 weeks. Have suffered some aggravating side effects since my first week: headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and heartburn. Side effects subsided after three weeks but now have returned after 12 weeks. Got 12 more to go, I'll make it through. Not nearly as bad as interferon. Thanks, Gilead, for the good work."

• myn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I have had fatigue, headache, insomnia, and nausea. It is still much better than the interferon and ribavirin meds. My doctor had hoped it would work, and I am now hep C free. His words, the only thing I am trying to do is to keep your liver from having cancer. He prescribed 6 months of Harvoni. My liver is eaten up with cirrhosis and will always have trouble with that. That will never go away, but now I at least have a fighting chance of it not getting any worse."

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm 52, female, HIV+, cancer survivor, liver transplant recipient. I was one of the people who studied this medication through clinical trials. I tried all the other treatments, but none of them cleared the Hep C. During the trials, a slightly different combo of this medicine worked within 4 weeks. As my liver was already severely damaged, I developed cirrhosis, then cancer, then I had a transplant. After 3 months, Hep C was detected in the new liver. I was immediately placed on Harvoni. I've cleared within 4 weeks again! I do have side effects. The main one is headache. Then nausea, slight fatigue, and the occasional throw-up session (which lasts only a few minutes, then I'm fine). I do get a dizzy feeling, but it is not a problem at all."

• Par...
• February 27, 2017

For Hepatitis C "The first week I took this med, it kicked my butt. My symptoms were fatigue, nausea, headache, and insomnia. I then started to drink a lot of water, and I was feeling so much better (fatigue here and there), but nothing you can't handle. Totally worth it!! Drink lots of water to stay hydrated!!!"

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

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

For Hepatitis C "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

For Hepatitis C "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."