Ledipasvir / sofosbuvir and Headaches: 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."

• Faw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I am entering the final countdown of treatment, 10 pills to go. Was put on the 12-week treatment after failing the triple medicine treatment 2 years ago. Developed a rash so severe my Dr. took me off the medicines. Harvoni has given me hope for a future without Hep C. I have had no side effects other than a slight headache the first week. Now the wait begins to make sure the virus is eradicated after 12 weeks of treatment."

• 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."

• Bio...
• June 30, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I picked up a cheeseburger wrapper off of the seat of a transit bus back in 1990. It had a syringe wrapped in it, and I managed to hit it on the back of the seat and stab and inject whatever was in it into my hand. I was a lab rat for the high-dose interferon-ribavirin combo treatment in early 2000 but was booted from the trials because of problems they found in my blood. I never told them about passing out, etc., I just wanted to be better or not be at all, as I felt so poorly. Harvoni side effects are mild for me, they include a ten-point increase in blood pressure, an increase in insomnia troubles, a metallic taste in my mouth, and a slight headache. I am sixty-three years old and on week nine of my twelve-week Harvoni treatment. Mental sharpness, clarity, and concentration were a little better right away. My night sweats and itching are mostly a thing of the past, my energy increased, extreme fatigue was replaced by a light relaxed tired feeling, and much of the HCV fog lifted by week three. I can actually think again and move at the same speed everyone else does. What a plus! I am grateful for those that pioneered the medication, I thank them, and God bless them for all their hard work. As for those who set the unholy prices to gain and extort money from us, our insurance companies, and the very government that paid billions for the research for the cure, they should be in prison. Shame on you, Gilead, and all of your greedy investors who make untold billions of dollars while so many millions in the world suffer and many die just so you can get monetary gain! Judgment awaits each of you."

• Pab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I started Harvoni on 2/23/15. I'm on my 6th week. The side effects are headaches, brain fog, body ache, and tiredness. My first lab results I received on 4/1/15, my doctor read the report to me, and it showed no detection of Hep C. I was so excited, I hugged my doctor. I had Hep C for 30 years. I've tried other treatments, and they failed. When I started Harvoni on 2/23/15, my Hep C levels were over ten million. I have 6 more weeks left to go with treatment. I'm getting through this by pushing myself and being active, it's very hard, but you have to push. That's how I'm overcoming the side effects. Thank you, Gilead, for making this drug possible and effective for a cure for Hep C."

• Kuh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I had Hep C for over 45 years. I got it from IV drug use. Harvoni is a miracle treatment for me. I took one pill a day for 12 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, it was non-detectable. My blood work is exceptional and I didn't experience any side effects that made me want to stop treatment. I got a few headaches, but they were mild and I took 1 or 2 Advil for relief. No big deal really. I had some stomach problems, but once again very mild and manageable. My stools were often loose but not diarrhea. You do have to be careful not to take anything that might affect the medication's strength. Simple things like antacids can lessen the effectiveness of Harvoni. I was taking Prilosec for acid reflux and was told that this medication would also affect it."

• KJ ...
• March 31, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I've been on Harvoni for one week. The side effects have been a slight headache but severe exhaustion. I'm so tired I can't think. I hope that ends soon so I don't become a couch potato over the next eleven weeks. Regardless of the tiredness, I'm so grateful for this medicine. Over the years, I was told Hep C had no symptoms, but now I know better, as the many symptoms I suffered are slowly subsiding."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I am on the Harvoni treatment, starting my second month of 3, and so far my only side effects are the headache and feeling tired at times, both quite tolerable, anxious to hear my blood results from month one... Thank you, Harvoni."

• Anonymous
• April 23, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I attempted 4 previous Pegasys-related treatments in the past 12 years. The last one in 2012 also involved Incivik, whose side effects actually resulted in my need to receive a live liver transplant from my wife on 3/1/13. I began my Harvoni treatment on 3/18/15, and as of my 4-week appointment, the virus has been reported 'Undetectable!' My side effects were headaches and an upset stomach for the first 3 days... but that was it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I'm still in shock. No relapse this time. This was my fourth try at getting rid of Hep C. Harvoni was by far the easiest in terms of side effects. I took it for 12 weeks, trouble sleeping and headaches were my mild reactions to the drug. I was diagnosed in 2001. I suspect I was infected in the mid-'70s. This disease has been a constant reminder of my poor choices in my youth. I hope the guilt and shame I sometimes feel will abate. I did not want to die from this, leaving my family the knowledge I died of a self-administered disease. I quit drinking (30 years February 1, 2016) and believe this helped keep me healthy until this medical miracle. Peace, Mark"

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2015

For Hepatitis C "On my 5th week of 12. Because of the slight nausea, I found it eased up if I eat supper a few hours before I take the medication. Taking it at night before I go to bed has been working very well for me, as it makes me tired [sure gonna miss the sleep aid when treatment is over!]. Occasionally, I've felt a slight headache; drinking water usually takes it away with no additional medication. I 'play' with my diet to eliminate bowel problems, and a daily walk also seems to help. My current lab shows it's working!!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Tho...
• February 10, 2015

For Hepatitis C "Started this month, get headaches and am tired. Had a liver transplant in July 2014, and have had recurring ascites, getting tapped 2 x a week. It has almost stopped. Keeping fingers crossed. Very expensive, thank God for Tricare."

• Out...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I started Harvoni 10 days ago. Feeling good in the morning and then I fizzle out. By nighttime, 8 p.m., I'm completely exhausted. 63 years old, but that's not that old. I was told by the nurses who called to check on me, DRINK lots of water. No antacids - if necessary, 4 hrs before the pill or 4 hrs after the pill. Not touching them. No upset stomach, mild headache, but the tiredness is a killer. They told me to 'hang in there,' and believe me, I will!! This has been a blessing. Didn't even know I had Hep C, and the doc told me, you usually don't until something else goes wrong with you. Stick with it, all you people ~ as difficult as it may seem. Can't wait for the blood test!!! Even if it's undetectable, I was told you have to finish the treatment!!"

• Mox...
• March 24, 2016

For Hepatitis C "This was my third round of TX, first two relapsed, so 24 weeks of Harvoni with 17 days left of meds, and truly have no complaints. This TX is NOTHING like the previous two with side effects. I take medicine at bedtime with Melatonin 5mg to help sleep. In the beginning, I would notice a little upset stomach, but crackers helped. I would have headaches here and there, but can't truly say it was from the medicine. At the end of the day, I honestly believe you must have a positive attitude starting and not fixating on the neg that one may read. I pray daily that my EOT and post-TX test still are undetectable, so I can bury this beast forever! Good luck to you all and focus on the end, not the day-to-day!"

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2016

For Hepatitis C "My 6th week of Harvoni. Have not missed 1 day of work. I work part-time, so that is just great. No side effects, just a slight headache, a little tired at the beginning. Drink plenty of water or your head will hurt. Now, lots of energy I don't know what to do with the energy. The disease had me so tired for so many years. I have been awakened again. I will think about getting into a salsa class or something. I did notice I am not able to get to sleep at night with so much energy. Body tired, but my brain is wide awake. I stay up later than I usually do without being exhausted the next day. I was always so tired back then. Will be 50 this summer, feeling like a spring chicken. Just took my 4th week blood test and waiting to hear good news. Great med."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2015

For Hepatitis C "Day 15 slight headache and insomnia. Other than that, no side effects. Helps if I drink plenty of water. I have severe panic attacks and was nervous about taking Harvoni, but taking the first pill was the hard part. Been a breeze, very excited to complete all meds. Update: just completed day 28, labs came back virus-free. Yay! Dr. said take for one more month and done. Sleeping much better, very excited. If you can't get meds covered, call the manufacturer for the medicine assistance program."

• Ree...
• October 9, 2015

For Hepatitis C "3 weeks, 3 days in. Had blood work done, waiting on first check. Hep for almost 30 years, first attempt at treatment. Breast cancer survivor, 8 years, with neuropathy and chronic pain issues. Already have insomnia for many, many years, so I live on Ambien and medical marijuana to sleep. I'll be 54 next week. So far, I have experienced very mild headaches but quite a few gastro issues inside my gut. Morning tummy ache, and it seems the longer I'm on, the more issues, but it could just be pre-existing conditions. As far as the Harvoni, I cannot differentiate if it's me or the drug making it worse... WAY WORTH the sides if it clears the virus, and I really did not believe there would be no side effects from such intense drugs."

• jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I'm starting my 3rd week of Harvoni. I don't know when I got hep C, I am 50 years old. Ok, the first week everything went smooth till about the 6th day, then I started getting headaches and dizziness. Then my anger and my temper have been going off the charts, but I will trade that any day to get this virus out of me. For 8 years, it's been a nightmare, it's gotten so bad I could not walk to the mailbox without being tired, so as I said, I will be so glad to get rid of hep C."

• 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."