Ledipasvir / sofosbuvir and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• 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!"

• Tum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2015

For Hepatitis C "I think that I contracted hepatitis C when I was born as a blue baby and needed blood (back then they didn't test the blood). It was a direct transfer. But this can't be proven! Because the day you get hepatitis C is all a guess. I tried a treatment about 4 years ago and lasted about 15 days before I almost died (INCIVEK). I did go through the Harvoni last year, with complete success so far. BUT I had major stomach issues since. This started in the 2nd month of treatment, and it has become a problem. Very strong burning pain only after eating or drinking anything, including water. I tried the BOD diet, but it didn't work. I'm wondering if anyone else is having this problem? Hepatitis C is still gone and has NOT returned... YEAH!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

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

For Hepatitis C "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."

• Lov...
• April 26, 2016

For Hepatitis C "Started taking Harvoni Feb 3rd, 2016. I was scared to death and very apprehensive. My gastro and his assistant really helped to answer all my questions. Few more pills to go and soon I'll find out if it worked. Diagnosed 2002, G type 1a. Probably had it for years and never knew about it. Life changer, no doubt! Very minimal side effects include slight headaches, tummy aches once in a while. Fatigue minimal, but I don't seem to have the insomnia part. I've been more sleepy than I ever have prior. The bloating just started a few weeks ago. Best advice: drink lots of water, eat healthy food throughout the day. I work full-time, walk a lot, keep really busy, it takes my mind off the pills and helps me stay positive about everything."

• Pro...
• June 10, 2016

For Hepatitis C "Okay, so today is day 2 of Harvoni. I'm working 3 part-time jobs. So far, just a few spots of speediness, a little lack of appetite, stomach bloated, and some brain fog. I'm hoping that's all it's going to be. I'm hanging in there and will keep you posted. I'm 50 years old. I've had it for over 20 years, and my viral load is 2 million. This is my first treatment ever, but I'm hoping I'm one of the hundred percenters."

• Jef...
• April 1, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I started my first Harvoni pill on 2/15 for my HEP-C genotype 1b (AST-55), which has been with me since 1969 through a blood transfusion. I believe. The virus was undetectable after the 4th week's blood test (AST-22) on 3/14. Minor side effects including bearable headache, stomach ache, and insomnia."

• La6...
• March 19, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I have been taking Harvoni for 2 weeks. I am on the 8-week dose, and so far, it's a piece of cake. All I notice is a mild tummy upset and diarrhea, but it's nothing I can't put up with 8 weeks in order to be rid of Hep C. I will come back a month in and then at the end of my treatment to update."

• Mal...
• February 8, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I've completed a 12-week course of Harvoni successfully at the end of 2016. The pills have worked a treat for me, and I only had a slight upset stomach for the first 2 days. After that, I was feeling very tired and would run out of energy in the early afternoons at work. A side effect that seems common, but is not mentioned, however, is WEIGHT GAIN!!! I didn't change my diet but have somehow managed to gain a solid 10 kgs!!! I still haven't worked out a way to lose the weight, it almost seems as if my metabolism has changed altogether. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm fit and active, run half marathons, but the weight is sticking to me like the plague. Though in saying all that, thank goodness for Harvoni - it saves lives!!!"

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Do not fool yourself into thinking this is a miracle drug. I'm on my fourth week out of 12 weeks of treatment. I am EXTREMELY weak, depressed, all of my joints ache, stomach issues, and irritability I have never felt in my life, also rage. I won't stop treatment, because I don't want this disease to destroy me, just please don't fool yourself. I mean, it's different for everyone, but it's been awful for me. I wish everyone the best."

• ins...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I am very sensitive to medications. However, I needed to take Harvoni because I didn't want Hep C anymore. One side effect was the first few days. I was tired and dizzy. After that, I struggled with stomach upset. I have acid reflux, and I couldn't use any heartburn medication at all. Harvoni works with stomach acid. I took my pills every day at the same time. I was only late once in the whole 12 weeks. The end result was no more Hep C. I did gain weight afterward. I am guessing because I am not sick anymore. I was around people in public and my children. I never got sick from being around others."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm only rating this a 9 because of a few side effects...mostly in the beginning. Stomach aches and TMI loose bowels. After about 6 weeks, Hep C wasn't detected in my blood anymore. I have about 3 weeks left of this treatment. My energy comes and goes, but I have depression, so I'm on other meds. I feel as if they don't interact well with the Harvoni...but finishing this treatment is my goal. I will be tested when I'm done and then a few months afterwards. I'm very thankful."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2020

For Hepatitis C "Just started my 7th week on Harvoni, had a little headache problem the first few weeks, sometimes upset stomach if I don't eat the right foods, and now insomnia. I was diagnosed with Hep C 3 months ago after my dermatologist noticed I had PCT blisters on my hands that were caused by liver cirrhosis that I didn't know I had. Found out I probably had Hep C for over 30 years undetected."