Epclusa and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Tex...
• October 14, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C geno 3 in April 2019 after I had symptoms of always being tired, and my body felt sluggish all the time. I got the virus from donated blood back in '91 when I had my last surgery. I was scared when I found out because I have kids and friends whose parents passed from Hep C. My biopsy came back great, and I’ve been taking Epclusa for a month now. I’ve had some headaches, but I think the weather changing plays a part because it goes away. Other than that, no problems, and I feel great. I have more energy, increased appetite, sleep better, and I’m just thankful for this medication. I was nervous, but Epclusa is worth it. I had my kids tested, even though the percentage is low, there’s still that chance, and my youngest, who’s 11, came back positive. I had complications during my pregnancy (complete placenta previa) with her. She has been so strong through this process, and I answer any questions she has. We are waiting for her to be approved for treatment by next month."

• Jac...
• July 25, 2018

For Hepatitis C "My husband is on day 55 of Epclusa. He has done fantastic so far! Levels have lowered, soon hopefully gone, and he has had minimal issues and no serious issues that have prevented him from working (he does concrete and physical labor in 100+ degrees daily). He has had some headaches, and the further on he goes, the worse his bone and joint pain gets, but again, not debilitating. He looks at the brighter side daily, and having a positive attitude is the key to tolerating the aches and pains that come along. He has had dizzy spells, so we increase his water intake, and it makes it better. No other medications were tried prior to this, so I can't speak for them, but I can say that Epclusa has definitely been a liver saver! It also takes a lot for your significant other to be a part of this, speaking personally, and dealing with the irritability and mood changes... but I also look at the brighter side and stay optimistic. A good attitude is needed for all involved!"

• KQT...
• July 20, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have 10 days left on my Epclusa treatment! Before I started treatment, my viral load was 5,740,000. After 4 weeks of treatment, it was down to 79! My liver enzymes are normal now. I struggled for about a week (week 9) with stomach problems, headaches, and joint pain. I had stated previously I was Genotype 2 (B) and was diagnosed in 2005. Had 2 healthy kids, and I am looking forward to kicking Hep C and my stage 2 fibrosis. I have a new lease on life, and I have a good feeling about curing this virus and watching my kids grow up. Stay positive, eat right, and drink your water!"

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I am a 46-year-old woman, and I have had Hep C genotype 4A for 29 years, with thankfully very little liver damage so far (it probably helps that I quit drinking 25 years ago). Tonight is my sixth night since starting the Epclusa—I had bizarrely dry lips the first two days despite drinking copious amounts of water (so dry they sort of tingled), but that seems to have passed. My main side effects so far are terribly raging mood swings and tiredness. But also I have a 16-month-old toddler, and we are living in a pandemic, and I work a pretty taxing job, so... who knows! I also just got a Covid vaccine three days ago, and there is definitely no data whether that might also be contributing. No other side effects so far, which is great because I was very worried about headaches and nausea. Feeling very grateful we all get to try this rather than the horrors of interferon. Will report back whether anything changes with the moodiness/fatigue."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I am on day 24 of taking Epclusa and so far just some headaches and brain fogginess, staying positive and nervous for the end result. Almost seems too good to be true to be cured from Hep C after 19 years with it. I have a 2-year-old to raise, so I really need it to work. My liver hurts every once in a while, but trying not to overanalyze if the medicine is working by my body aches. Lol."

• Bla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2019

For Hepatitis C "On my 8th day now. I get what everyone says about the brain fog and a few mild headaches, but it is manageable. If it stays like it has, then it's well worth the feeling a bit rough for a while - I think. Good luck to anyone else who's on Epclusa. I hope it works for you all."

• Cen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I am halfway through my 12 weeks. The side effects I've had are headaches almost daily, mainly in the evening. Most of my joints have discomfort/pain in my upper body. These issues are tolerable by all means. I do get exhausted easily. I did my first blood test last week, and it appears that the virus is gone. I am getting anemia according to the test as well. So far, none of these side effects are horrible, just annoying. Keeping the prayers going for us. Will update more later."

• H j...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I did the 12-week treatment of Epclusa. I am genotype 2. I started with 12,000,000 million, I am now hep C free. I have one more blood test left at the 3-month blood test. Anyway, here lately I have been feeling bad headaches, a rash, nauseated, and I'm just not sure what could be going on. Has anyone else had side effects even after taking the meds? During the treatment, it wasn't terribly bad, and I had some really good days as well."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Let me say when I was first put on Mavyret. Within 3 days, I had the first psychotic episode of my life.....side effects they don't mention. Epclusa was fantastic, though. Day 1, I could feel the medicine hit, and I could also feel when it was metabolized a few hours later. I felt high day 1, but after that, not really. Honestly, maybe some mild relaxing effect. My first bloodwork came back viral load undetected and subsequent tests the same. I am done with the medicine now. Overall, I had such mild side effects it is hard to say that they even were side effects. I felt really tired for about 3 days after completing the medicine. Maybe a few slight headaches. I made sure to drink 90 oz of water a day and took the meds with food in the evening. These definitely helped curb side effects. If you feel sick at all, drink more pure water and take the meds with food."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2020

For Hepatitis C "Started taking the drug a month ago. Mild headache, a bit hard to sleep for a couple of weeks. Felt very emotional for about a week, but that went away. All in all, very little side effects compared to interferon, which I had to stop prematurely due to anger from the drug. Really gotta drink a bunch of water on this one. Dry mouth is helped with OTC Biotene mouthwash. When I wake up, I swish with that and it helps. Cheers!"

• Mar...
• February 22, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have hep C genotype 1, and I've had it for many years, I assume. Found out 13 years ago, but suspect I have had it for over 20. I have wanted treatment for many years, but raising a family and homeschooling my children, I just couldn't imagine feeling like I have the flu for a year. I'm so thankful for this medicine. I've had headaches and tiredness, some nausea, but I also have many great days with lots of energy. I have 29 more days to go, and I'm so thankful and excited about having this wonderful opportunity to get rid of this and only having to pay a $5 copayment. I am 53. Today is 2/22/17."

• Sto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "After 3 weeks on Epclusa and no Hep C virus detected. First 4 days had brain fog, mild headaches, and muscle cramping. I'm in the 9th week, I feel pretty good. Ringing in the ears has started. I go to the gym to help with cramping. Eat every few hours and drink plenty of water."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Week 2 of Epclusa. Severe headaches that do not go away no matter how much water I drink. Tired a lot. Have to work, so I'm doing my best. Avoiding caffeine helps, but I'm still dizzy and weak. Having strange dreams and mood swings. But I want to be cured, so I'm keeping in close contact with my doctor and praying it gets better."

• Ski...
• December 7, 2016

For Hepatitis C "It's been ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE!!! The first week, whole body shaking. Had to start anxiety medicines. Headaches. Urinary tract pain, bladder pain since day 3, it is going on week 7 with this pain. Will be glad when it is over!!!"

• Fre...
• September 8, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C and chronic cirrhosis stage 3 a day after my 62nd birthday. I have been in recovery from alcohol and drugs for over 32 years but was an IV user in 1974. Total surprise and shock. I felt fatigue this last year, had some discomfort in my stomach area, and some nosebleeds, as well as headaches. I have always been healthy, and this was out of the ordinary for me. I have been on Epclusa for 6 weeks and feel so much better. Very minimal side effects of headache and joint pain, as well as sweating, especially when in direct sunlight. I am so pleased with this treatment and thankful every day when I take the medication. Co-pay of $5.00 is amazing."

• Ilo...
• April 5, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I've had Hep C for 42 years, unknown to me. Had an ocular migraine and ended up in the hospital to find I had low platelets, which led to Hep C diagnosis. First month sick as can be: nausea, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. But after 4 weeks, no Hep C detected! I'm almost done with my second month, and symptoms wax and wane-mostly nausea and fatigue. Hoping that after the next month, my results are still perfect and that I am cured."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have been on Epclusa for 2 months. They tell you that the only side effects are light fatigue and headaches, well, they are wrong. I sleep 10 hours at night, then I have 2 naps during the day and afternoon. Splitting headache usually within an hour of my dose. Also, joint pain. Very sore. Bland taste. Depression has been the worst for me. Constant thoughts of I'm a failure and feelings of worthlessness on this medication. I hope people realize the potential of these side effects for 12 weeks on this medication. The FDA needs to look into this more from the reviews I read and people I talk with who use Epclusa for a cure of hep C."

• Que...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2022

For Hepatitis C "Before I started taking Epclusa, I fainted and got a concussion. When I went to the hospital, I was diagnosed with Hep C. I am currently still taking Epclusa. I'm on my 3rd month of taking the medication. I've been experiencing a lack of appetite and a lack of sleep. One day, I went about 72 hours with only 4 hours of sleep between the days. I went 3 days without eating, and I'm on day 4 still no appetite. So I have to force-feed myself in order to keep myself from feeling more side effects, like headaches and weakness. I find myself crying randomly from time to time for the smallest of things. I haven't worked since I physically feel like I cannot keep myself together in order to work a shift, so I can't wait until I complete my treatment and hopefully can go back to my normal self."

• Smi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2019

For Hepatitis C "On day 13 of Epclusa - so far, so good. Mild side effects - headache, brain fog, increased appetite - am able to work. All in all, much easier than the 6-month ribavirin/interferon treatment - just hope it does the job!!!!"

• Fat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have been on Epclusa for 8 weeks. Just got back from Dr. Had blood work done at 4 weeks in. No hep C type 2 detected in just 4 weeks! Probably got hep in the early 80s. Diagnosed in 1990. Side effects were very tired at times, body aches, headaches, but not much worse than I had before taking meds. I would like to thank Gilead for the co-pay program. Doing better now. My mind seems clearer and starting to feel better."

• Wom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I'm only on week 3. Headaches every day. Weak at times. I have mental health issues that were keeping me stable. Now I'm angry all the time. My anxiety is too much. I'm getting more confused than I normally do. I'm calling my doctor on Monday."

• My ...
• July 3, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I called it my million-dollar medicine for the first two weeks, then the side effects started: ears ringing, weakness, headache, nausea. Keep on with the commitment to finish the 12 weeks and started calling it my poison. Yes, I took my poison, it had killed the virus so far, 6 weeks out, but I'm still not to full energy yet, so I pray."

• 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."

• Gra...
• May 16, 2018

For Hepatitis C "60+ male, probably 40 years of infection from intravenous drug use. Did the Ribavirin/Interferon 10 years ago. Didn't work and felt pretty bad. Have side effects with Epclusa but able to better manage them after a month. My viral load was low before I started, so not sure of the efficacy 5 weeks in. Headaches I control by not doing too excessive exercise and maintaining a high water intake. The light band sensation around the forehead is constant. My tinnitus sometimes is very loud. Nausea was initially bad, and I didn't want to eat. I use nuts as a top-up between meals. Fidgety and manic feelings are hard to control, and I do slow exercise, riding my bike. This is also connected with irregular sleep patterns. Sometimes it's 5-6 hours at night and an afternoon nap. I have always juiced and have beetroot, apple, and ginger with other fruits and veggies. Some weed at times helps me feel normal as the afternoons can be draining with a lack of energy and inability to focus."