Epclusa and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Hay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I have finished my first bottle of Epclusa, and am now on week 5 of treatment. So far I’ve had no side effects that I have noticed, because I already had headaches and diarrhea before treatment. I had to stop taking my heartburn medication because of the drug interaction. I will get my first round of blood work this coming week and am very hopeful this medication has worked for me. It has honestly made me feel better about myself as a person. I am 3 years sober of IV Meth use and this was the one thing from my past I was still dragging around… hepatitis. I feel once this is over with I will have completely gained my life back."

• The...
• November 10, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I am Genotype 1a, 59 years old, male, active, and otherwise healthy. I was diagnosed in 1995 but have not really suffered any ill effects of the virus other than mild liver enzyme imbalance. All of my FibroScans over the years have shown only minimal scarring. My doctor says Epclusa is a 'perfect fit' for my situation. I’m just starting my fifth week of treatment, with no missed doses. As for side effects, I’m putting 'extreme fatigue' at the very top of my list. Nausea, headache, and diarrhea come and go a bit, but the fatigue and achy joints are up there. But it is absolutely the right choice, no matter the annoyance of these temporary yet fruitful ill effects. I say hang in there and enjoy the added years to your life. Love to all."

• Hav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "This is my 2nd week on Epclusa. I caught the disease early with no liver scarring. I was terrified to begin treatment regardless of the positive reviews. The 1st week was rough but nothing compared to the free life I am headed towards. Day 1, nothing. Days 2 + 3 I had such unbearable fatigue and weakness I could hardly walk and required help from my family to get through the day. I was concerned that would be my life for the rest of the treatment and was afraid. Day 4 I spontaneously recovered but I was still weak, not alert. Day 4+ I RAPIDLY improved. Yesterday I felt better than even before I had started the medication, 0 side effects OR symptoms. I have night sweats but those are disappearing. I haven’t had nausea or headache, have had slight diarrhea. Those two days of despair were a small price to pay for the freedom I will get. Don’t fret about starting this medication. The first pill is your ticket to your new beginning."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I have been taking Epclusa now for 4 weeks, and the main side effects are as they say: nausea (but haven’t actually thrown up, just a strong feeling) and extreme tiredness (you’ll sleep for a couple of days if you're not on a schedule). Your fluid intake needs to double with this medication!! I’ve been having diarrhea, and it is very easy to get dehydrated, which can cause other problems. Other side effects have been tolerable. I have genotype 1a chronic hepatitis C. And before taking this medicine, I was very weak, and the brain fog was so extreme it had me depressed. Now the cloud is starting to clear, and my strength is coming back too. I too was nervous about taking it, as we all are, but it is worth it to me so I can have a fresh start. Good luck!!!"

• Gra...
• September 20, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I’m on my fourth day. So far, no side effects, no headache, fatigue, nausea, insomnia, or diarrhea, nothing. I put this off after my trip thinking I was going to feel terrible after reading all the reviews. Maybe it’s too soon to tell, I’ll update later."

• Hpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I was tired before with Hep C, but on Epclusa this is exhausting to a whole new level. I've had migraines, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. For a month of taking it, it was causing asthma exacerbation along with thrush. The thrush was horrible. I have five weeks left, and I am looking forward to feeling better. My color came back, and during the second month, I have had good days where I've had energy. I didn't have that before. I also broke out in a rash like shingles and scabies mixed on my neck and arms. I refuse to stop taking it though. The shortness of breath is better than the first month. I have ringing in the ears a lot. My blood pressure is higher than usual. My body is usually aching. The exhaustion from it is the worst because I have never felt so tired in my whole life."

• ali...
• May 13, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I take my last pill tomorrow. My arm, around the elbow, is hurting real bad. Real, real bad. I felt it about a week into it. I did my 6-week blood test and no sign of the hep C. I hope it stays that way. I'm not sure of my level? 3-4-5? I forgot. It messed with my memory too. I feel confused and not sure of myself. Nothing worse when 500 craft personnel depend on you. I just turned 58. Had this for 20 years, is my guess. I haven't drank alcohol in 3 months. I hope you folks who are starting the program don't either. Never had headaches or diarrhea like everyone says. My arm is killing me. Can hardly do anything with it. I hope this rids this terrible virus. I wish the best for everyone."

• Dis...
• August 5, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I have been on Epclusa for 3 weeks and so am experiencing negative effects: headache, chills, earache, muscle aches, numbing in hands and feet, diarrhea, sores on hands and mouth. I’m also anemic, and one of the side effects is anemia. Sometimes I wonder if the doctor did any homework before putting me on this medication. Unfortunately, I’ve had to do my own, so I hope this helps anyone who is suffering the way I am. I will definitely stop this medication before it does more damage to me."

• Car...
• March 12, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I have genotype 1B (whatever that means) of Hep C. I'm 63 years young and found out 28 yrs. ago that I had Hep C. I've been on the treatment for 12 days. I've had some nausea along with some diarrhea. The worst part is fatigue, brain fog (big time), or is it depression? I do suffer from situational depression, so it could be that. Loss of appetite and weakness and very dry mouth. It's been such a short while, and I'm afraid of what's to come."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I am on month two. It has been very rough. A lot of nausea, diarrhea, night sweats, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, chest pain, blisters on the inside of my mouth, itchy skin, hot flashes... it hasn't gotten any better. I am forever grateful though. I am diagnosed with genotype 3A. I am still in F1 but almost F2 (mild scarring). I was denied treatment for 4 years or so, and they finally approved me. I don't care what I go through now, as long as I am hep C free. My last labs are almost clear of hep C. Keep fighting!!!"

• Sti...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I started my treatment 11 weeks + 2 days ago, now I've only 5 days to go, and my experience of the treatment using Epclusa tablets (1 daily) has been fine. Now, don't get me wrong, I've suffered diarrhea and tiredness but only had a few days of it. I think that the price of Epclusa treatment is surprisingly excessive at 25 thousand pounds for only 28 tablets."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Today is my second night taking this. A little nervous, as today I woke up and had diarrhea and also was throwing up at the same time, with bad cold sweats, which had my body shaking and twitching. I hope tomorrow is a new day and hope these 12 weeks fly by. I guess dealing with a little pain for 12 weeks is better than dealing with Hep C forever!!!!"

• Pra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Started Epclusa 400 mg, 1 tablet a day, and I'm up to day 6. I contracted Hep C in 1970 at the age of 5 from a blood transfusion. Diagnosed in 1996, genotype 1a. 1st treatment in 2002. Have seen more specialists and tests than I care to admit. Referred in Jan. for evaluation for a liver transplant. Meld (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score was 15. On an early transplant list. Insurance will only cover 3 months (12 weeks) of treatment. Epclusa was chosen. Side effects are more mild than previous treatment, but still very early in the process. Constant headache, pressure like a band around the front of the head, nausea, extreme tiredness, and some cramping and diarrhea. Very low energy. I drink 90-100 oz. of water daily. Take medication right before bedtime with a light snack. On 5 other medications as well. Have never smoked, drunk, or taken drugs. It’s taken decades to get here, and I pray once and for all there is a cure for this insidious virus that has affected millions upon millions of people around the globe."

• Non...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Just took my last pill yesterday. Three months of Epclusa brought varying side effects monthly. First month— a crushing depression would come on approximately one hour after my dose. My mood would go from bright to dark like clockwork. If this happens to you, start dosing RIGHT BEFORE BEDTIME so you can sleep through the blues. It’s weird and rare, but IS a side effect. Second month- diarrhea, but my skin brightened and so did my eyes. Third month—fatigue. Some days I had to take three naps. And I’m usually manic/anxious and can go all day without ever sitting down. Not on Epclusa, though. It made me tired the last month. That being said, it was all bearable and controllable. I’m undetectable now and am also blessed because of this medicine."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I have one more month to go. I can't sleep and have diarrhea. But just overall, I feel like I don't want to finish, but I've gone this far. I'm 64, disabled, so I just have to make myself get up. Depression getting worse!"

• TRT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2024

For Hepatitis C "I had a very satisfying experience with Epclusa. I have been infected with Hep C for over 30 years, but I kept holding back from the earlier cure, which I heard was not effective and painful. Recently, I decided to see a gastroenterologist who recommended Epclusa and said it was very effective with minimal side effects. I was skeptical and decided to look up the drug and came upon this website. I found out that most patients had the worst side effects, such as insomnia, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headaches, muscle aches, and worst of all, the symptoms did not go away at the end of the treatment. After much cajoling from my doctor, I decided to start the treatment around 1/2024. To my surprise, I had absolutely no side effects (not even a light headache, itching, loss of energy, insomnia, nor diarrhea). It has been 4 months since I finished my treatment and negative blood test. My advice is to exercise a lot before and during treatment (90 min daily running, walking, lifting weights)."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2024

For Hepatitis C "Epclusa cleared my Hep C in 12 weeks. Simple to use. Dose was one pill at the same time every day. I had been infected with the virus 56 years before, so to me, this was a miracle cure. The side effects were extreme tiredness, no appetite, brain fog, insomnia, diarrhea, and depressed mood. I was never anemic, probably because I had severe Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) with major iron build-up in my liver, which was the reason I went to the doctor in the first place. My major obstacle to treatment was the cost of the drug. I considered leaving the country for treatment, as the cost in America is outrageous. However, with the help of a foundation and a manageable co-pay, my Medicare paid for the treatment."

• Rec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I completed my 12-week course of Epclusa a little over 2 years ago now, and I felt it would be good for others to know what may happen after treatment. I had a few side effects that impacted my quality of life - brain fog, insomnia (2 hours a night for a LONG time), diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue. Some of those symptoms were worse at times than others, but I managed. My symptoms were actually worse after treatment was complete, with my sleep not normalizing for about 12 months, although it did slowly improve. My brain fog persisted for about 18 months, with my other symptoms clearing up within 18 months. I was clear of the virus after 6 weeks, but continued the full 12-week course. I am 47 (44 when I started the course) and active, but my fitness took a real hit during treatment and for the next year; it was a struggle to do much. I am now at a point where I feel very sharp-minded again and back to normal. The symptoms are manageable, well worth it for your future. Good luck, everyone."

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2021

For Hepatitis C "Found out I had hep C genotype 3 in April (guess I was tested last summer and no one told me). I started generic Epclusa 3 weeks ago. I have missed about a day of work a week because I'm so sleepy (usually don't sleep well the night before I miss work). Anyway, I had really bad IBS, had to run to the bathroom many times a day. Not anymore!!! No more diarrhea (well, on occasion I still have it). That is a major plus, just wanted to share that. I was lucky enough that the backup state insurance covered the meds. The one I pay for at work didn't do a thing to help. I'll post again in a few weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I am a 36-year-old male who has had Hep C for over 14 years due to IVDU, and I have never really felt any side effects from it. I have been taking Epclusa for a little over a week now and experienced some diarrhea in the first two days, but it subsided. However, I have been experiencing racing thoughts in the middle of the night, which led me to this site. I am feeling hopeful and optimistic about putting Hep C behind me, but I hope it doesn't come at a cost, such as developing other diseases like cancer, which Hep C has been keeping at bay for now. I read this in another review. I will provide another update when I get my labs done soon. I hope everyone's treatment goes well."

• 2nd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I'm on my third week, and I have very few side effects, such as diarrhea twice, and I'm hungry a couple of days a week, like I can't get full. After the first week, I've been full of energy most of the time but have had three days that I couldn't get enough sleep. I've seen lots of good reviews, and I've seen some negative ones. I would, at this point, absolutely recommend it."

• Mis...
• December 16, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm 38, nearly 39 years old, and was diagnosed with hep C in 2011 from IV drug use. I've been on Epclusa for 3 days with nausea and diarrhea. Did anyone have diarrhea throughout the entire treatment?"

• Sno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2018

For Hepatitis C "First two days of Epclusa, and I have horrible stomach pains with diarrhea and tiredness, hopefully, it passes. Just ready to be cured. I have heard good things about this drug."

• Hac...
• September 3, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I've been taking it for over a month. No headache so far, but at first, I got really bad diarrhea. It's helping me, and I'm eternally grateful."