Epclusa and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I've had hep C since 1994, and in 2010, I did the interferon, and it damn near killed me. Then, two years ago, I did the Vicaire pack, and it made my body swell up so bad that I had to be admitted into the hospital five different times for five days at a time. So I just started the Epclusa, I am two months into it, and I am undetected. At first, the only side effect I had was nausea, but now I'm extremely tired, and I'm having a lot of pain around where my liver sits, at the front side to back. But other than that, the medication is working great. I think I got about a month and a week left, something like that, I'll be done with my treatment March 1st. I've been on it since the end of November. I would highly recommend this medication for Hep C patients, this is the third one that I've tried and the only one that I've had success with so far."

• 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."

• Han...
• July 31, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I just finished my first month. Although I haven’t gotten my blood work yet, I’ll share side effects. I wasn’t really coached on a lot and was told that the time of day you take it, day or night, doesn’t matter. Well, it does. Dr. said a lot of people have more problems if taking it at night. Did for me at least. I ended up in the ER on night three from uncontrollable vomiting, ear ringing, and migraines that woke me in the dead of night (all 3 nights). I switched to morning and had to be put on Zofran for nausea, and ibuprofen is an everyday thing. My liver aches randomly and never did before. The only symptoms I have now are migraines and tiredness. I must also note I am tapering off methadone, so I’m more moody, anxious already, and everything is heightened. Didn’t really consider the effect it’d have on me doing both, but my GI doctor wouldn’t stop pushing treatment on me. But also, I’m happy I did it and hopeful. The beginning was just a little tough."

• 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."

• ble...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I have genotype 3a, I just started my second month of Epclusa. The first week I was really tired, but it was manageable, no headache, no nausea. Now, in my second month, I have no side effects and feel great. Just had my four-week blood draw and am looking forward to the results. I will update soon."

• Pk1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2021

For Hepatitis C "Terrible. I was told being tired was the main side effect. So they advised me to take it at night. I was restless from day one. But day 15, I started experiencing severe body aches. Pain. And major insomnia. Started taking it in the morning. It did not help. I started a sleep med. Slept two hours the first night. Barely anything the next. Added another Rx for sleep. Still can't sleep. Like my body aches and tingly unless I am moving. It's horrible. I want to quit. I'm miserable. I just want some normal sleep. It's awful."

• 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."

• UK ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Diagnosed 1 yr ago, Gen type 3, after other issues were being investigated. Now into my second week of treatment, no side effects to report, except tiredness and fatigue, which I was already experiencing for many years. I was also suffering from aches and pains, liver pain, and dare I say it, but I think I can already feel improvement, 'touch wood.' I have also been diagnosed with liver disease, not sure if the Hep C has caused this or my social drinking. I am now obviously abstaining. I go back for my first meds/blood check in a few days, I will keep you guys up to date, best wishes to you all. Thank you, Gilead and the UK NHS, without either, I suspect I would be on my way to the Grand Lodge Above."

• 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."

• 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."

• Eas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2018

For Hepatitis C "My hepatitis was first detected in 1980 during a routine annual physical. (Elevated blood enzymes.) I was 28 years old. No symptoms and no cure. They could not even identify the type (A, B, or C) or the specific genome type back then. It stayed hidden. Fast forward 38 years and my GI doc put me on EPCLUSA for HepC 1a on June 02, 2018. The doc also arranged for me to receive a grant from the Healthwell Foundation to help offset the cost, $88,000. It was cleared and gone in 3 weeks. But after the 3rd week, the side effects hit me like a brick. Extreme tiredness, memory problems. I finished the Epclusa a month ago and the virus is still undetectable, but the side effects are going away very slowly. A month later I am still exhausted but happy I was cured. (Fingers crossed - I will have my next checkup in 3 months)."

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Been on Epclusa for 6 weeks now. I'm pretty tired, nothing I can't handle... but I am concerned with the shooting pains in different parts of my body, the numbing sensations throughout my legs, muscle spasms, and ear ringing. I really hope these side effects go away once I stop treatment. They are disconcerting. I hope everyone writes follow-up reviews a few months off treatment as well... all in all, nothing I can't handle and better than the riba."

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm glad to have the medicine. I'm very tired. No headaches, but aching joints. A lot of gas. My second week. Skin tone is getting brighter. Eyes are getting whiter. Urine fluctuates from clear to dark. Got a real good deal on the meds. Didn't have to pay any out of pocket. Medicare covered the whole cost. I'm very grateful. I'm not itching as much as before."

• Tre...
• March 12, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Side effects, mild, but tired. Take a lot of short naps. Drink water. Be careful of OTC drugs. At 6 weeks, bloodwork 15< undetected. The week after I was done with meds, not detected. This site has drug interactions list. The reviews were helpful. Hoping next bloodwork will be good."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Excellent treatment. I had a blood test during my 8th week after taking Epclusa, and the hep C was not detected. Gilead issued a coupon that reduced my copay to five dollars. The only side effect I had was being more tired than usual, but it did not limit me from doing whatever I needed to do. The tiredness was not severe. I got the much-needed rest that I needed. I had a great experience overall and excellent results. I am currently in my 10th week."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I wanted to share my experience with Epclusa. I know it's very limited (first week), but after visiting this site, I felt like I should be part of the solution. I was not doing poorly, my numbers were good, I felt okay - tired but not sickly, and I really did not know if starting this now was a good idea. But for me, this has been an amazing first 3 days. Tired, felt bad, just wanted to sleep. Day 4 through 7, I feel great, energy is up, liver pain and feeling full have gone away. I have been hungry the whole time! For the people who have a tough time, my heart goes out to you. For me, this has been just short of a miracle."

• nor...
• September 7, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Have been taking Epclusa for just over a week now, constantly feel tired, but after 35 years of living with Hep C, I reckon it's a small price to pay. I'm also on Suboxone 8 mg a day, wondering if this has anything to do with tiredness. Can only hope that it knocks this disease on the head and I can get a few extra years out of this abused body of mine. Glad it's on the PBS scheme here in Australia."

• KQT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Today I am halfway through my 12-week course of Epclusa. I have noticed some tiredness and a bit of weight loss, but overall a dramatic improvement in energy. I would venture to guess this is from not drinking. I was diagnosed with stage 2 fibrosis a few months ago. I was diagnosed with hep C in 2005. I went on to have 2 healthy children and hope to be disease-free in 6 weeks! I have been waiting for this cure. Good luck to everyone in treatment. Drink lots of water!"

• Jar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I started Epclusa two months ago, and my side effects that I have: anxiety, tiredness, anger, everything makes me angry, mental fog, anguish, accompanied by the desire to vomit at all hours. I hope that when the treatment ends, all the symptoms disappear. I forgot to mention tinnitus in both ears."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I took a 12-week course of Epclusa for genotype 3, non-compensated, beginning with a load of less than 100. At thirty days, the load was undetectable. At twelve weeks, undetectable, and 30 days after the last pill, still undetectable. I am awaiting the final blood test, but am confident I am cured. Epclusa made me really tired the whole course, but I ground through it (I work outdoor physical labor). That was the only side effect. My insurance covered about two-thirds, Gilead provided a coupon for all the rest except my $15 copay. Although I never felt any symptoms of HepC, I lived with it for at least 25 years and am truly appreciative of the peace of mind I now have regarding my liver function."

• Aus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I’m on my 3rd month of Epclusa now, I’m always very tired, but I had put that down to Methadone and caring for my 2 children. But after reading others' posts, maybe it’s not so. I’ve also just started having liver pains and needing to urinate non-stop. Has anyone experienced this? As I’m now wondering if it’s down to the drug... My father contracted Hep C from an amputation 30 odd years ago from a blood transfusion. He has done the trials for all these drugs, including interferon, he had an awful experience, almost sending him delusional, divorced, and couch-ridden. So for the small side effects we endure, I think Epclusa is amazing..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm 54, and I've had genotype 3 for about 17 years from heavy drug use. The first 4 weeks of starting Epclusa, I had headaches on a daily basis, and I'm not a headache person. Along with that was fatigue, tiredness, and a gassy tummy. I take my dose about 1 hour before bed, and I sleep extremely well. I have 2 weeks to go, and now I'm starting to feel extremely nauseated off and on. It also caused me to have sensitivity to the sun and tan very easily. I had to take allergy meds for it, as it caused a rash. It all sounds bad, but it's a small price to pay for what I have put myself through, and I have a lot of faith that I will be cured. My doctor says he will do blood work 3 months after I have been off to get an accurate reading."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

For Hepatitis C "For anybody worried about taking this, take it, it's totally worth it. I'm 35. I found out that I had Hep C just recently. I've had it for at least five years, I used to be an IV drug user. I was very worried about taking Epclusa after reading the reviews, but I wanted to take it anyway because I want to get rid of this. I started November 21st, by December 21st, I'm negative. I have another month or so to go, and everything's pretty good. At first, I had really bad headaches and was really tired. I would say a couple of mornings I felt a little nauseated, but that was about it. Everything was bearable, now I don't even get anything, maybe a headache, it's not that bad."

• Rob...
• December 2, 2017

For Hepatitis C "The side effects were severe: I became extremely exhausted and weak. The exhaustion was beyond any form of tiredness imaginable. Month 2 and 3 were the worst. I slept for 12 hours at night and 4 hours in the afternoon. I also had extreme body temperature-very hot at night. I had to sleep with a wet towel around my neck. I did not experience headaches. My treatment ended in August. All Hep C is gone. I am slowly recovering my strength. Good luck!"