Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir and Brain Fog: What Users Say

• Bla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Well, on my first review on July 28, 2019, I said I'd come back after a bit. Now I am just over halfway through my treatment. I get what you all say about tinnitus. Also, when I wake up in the morning, I'm the same with feeling rough. But once I've had a coffee, it dies down. My feet have been aching a bit, as has my back, but I've had no sickness or headaches. I think that if you have a life-threatening disease like hep C, which is never going away, then it's like carrying bad luggage around every day. If you get a chance to get rid of it and there are a few side effects that are quite manageable, then it's got to be worth it. I felt okay apart from brain fog at first, but it's got a bit worse as I've gone on with meds. But I am more than willing to suffer these for 12 weeks than stay sick forever. I hope you all have the best time on Epclusa that you all can and become hep C free. Take care, people."

• Jef...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I just finished my 12th and final week of taking Epclusa one week ago. I probably got Hep C in the Army during the early 1970s. I am now 68 years old. These are the side effects that I noticed: Brain Fog. Just not able to think clearly and rationally. Insomnia. I had to get medication to sleep. My normal libido was gone soon after starting Epclusa. I have had no sex with my wife or even the slightest desire to have sex. I will not know if the Epclusa got rid of the Hep C for another 3 weeks when I have the first Blood Test. Currently, I am just wondering if I will ever feel normal again. I still feel like I am on the Epclusa. Talking to my doctor is a waste of time. She does not believe that Epclusa caused any of the problems that I am having."

• jjj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I completed the 3 months of Epclusa treatment in December 2018 for my Hep C. It is now March 2019, and the side effects are worse now. I have constant buzzing in my head/ears (tinnitus), numbness and tingling, internal shakiness, insomnia, brain fog, feeling very weak, depression, and back pain. I regret taking Epclusa. I felt better before the treatment. I have gone to a naturopathic practitioner, chiropractor, and acupuncturist to try to help, but it is not any better. I don't know what to do at this point, and it is scary."

• Smi...
• July 26, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Took Epclusa for a 90-day course of treatment, fatigue, brain fog, lethargy, moody, lots of anxiety. 30-day blood work showed no Hep C. 2 weeks till I get final blood work done. Hopefully, I’m cured. Still tired and lethargic but not as bad. I’m 64 years old and am glad I did it. Don’t let the side effects hold you back or scare you. Just suck it up and do it. Price is frikkin' outrageous but I got help from a grant from the PAN organization. There’s financial help out there. If you wanna be cured, do it!"

• Say...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was taking it in the morning, and that isn’t a good idea. I felt sick all day long 'til about 4 pm, then I got my energy back, so I take it at night now. I do have insomnia, but it’s getting better. I started it on Aug 19, 2019. The brain fog is getting worse as I take the medication. Drink lots of water or I get a sick feeling and nauseous. My joint pain and fatigue are better. My eyes turn blue about 20 minutes after taking the medication, and I get this odd feeling all through my body after I take it. I only say it’s like you feel the medication working on fighting the virus. I have had depression just start 9-10-2019. I can say I feel more there except when the brain fog kicks in, and I have serious worry it won’t go away. My lymph nodes are swollen, but they are going down. I’m glad I finally got to fight this virus, I honestly can’t wait for these 12 weeks to be over."

• Hep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I took Epclusa for 12 weeks. The first few weeks, I didn't have many side effects. After about a month, I started having a lot of weird dreams and not sleeping well. Began having fatigue and brain fog. I thought I was going to get through the 12 weeks with somewhat mild side effects. About the tenth week, I started having severe fatigue, severe memory issues (brain fog). I could not wait to get through the last three weeks. It almost had me demobilized."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I do not usually Google side effects, etc., for fear of psychosomatic symptoms, but after 6 weeks on the drug, I am losing my mind. It is a relief to read these reviews. Headaches (when I rarely had them prior), absolutely no energy. Weight loss - the nightmare begins when I try to sleep - sleep? LOL - massive insomnia. My feet and hands tingle, resulting in my having to walk around. The tingling disappears when I move. Anxiety, depression, unable to focus - I am on my way to secure a Valium script :("

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Art...
• October 14, 2018

For Hepatitis C "On Friday, I finished my last Epclusa tablet. I am still having a low heart rate, and the cardiologist thinks it could be the medication, and we will wait and see since my script was finishing the day after my appointment. I had to do a stress test and echo cardiogram, which I tired out (two weeks ago), he still wants me to finish this ASAP. I have done much research, and my father, a physician, stressed the vagus nerve can cause much problems with heart, migraine, too many stomach upsets if it has been irritated. Since looking up the exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve, I can tell a difference in the sinus/ear infection and the heart arrhythmia that plagued me, thus causing discomfort and feeling fearful... Now no more, and also chocolate caused me to have them. My brain fog started clearing up three weeks ago... And my ammonia levels started to return to normal-so off lactulose/having some GURD. The virus was not detectable after the first month of treatment. God bless."

• Aus...
• June 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "45-year-old male here with Hep C, genotype 3a. I had non-specific symptoms (malaise, brain fog, and fatigue, especially after waking in the morning) for around 6 months prior to Hep C diagnosis early December 2018. These symptoms progressively worsened but were manageable, however, I did notice my mood improve quickly after the first few days. I completed my 12-week course of Epclusa at the end of March but haven't received my SVR results for 12 weeks post-treatment yet. My fatigue and brain fog worsened over the first 2 months after treatment completion, yet were still manageable. I have had tinnitus since just before the end of treatment, which has not improved as yet but is manageable, if not annoying at times. Over the last 6 weeks, I have been feeling improvement with all my symptoms, especially brain fog. If you consider the alternative to treatment and look at the previous treatments that were available, completing a course of Epclusa is a wise decision for many reasons."

• chd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Diagnosed Hep C positive about 15 years ago, but have probably had it around 30 years. I am in week 10, and the worst and most consistent side effect has been insomnia. Other side effects that come and go are brain fog, depression, body aches, and weakness. The only one really bad is the insomnia. This last month has been the worst with the other symptoms, especially weakness and body aches, compounded by the worst and most consistent side effect of insomnia. Still very much worth it since my liver damage was at the worst stage right before cirrhosis. Taking this med just in time to prevent permanent liver damage certainly makes it worth it. But very grateful I only have two more weeks to go."

• F2f...
• January 13, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I just finished treatment. I am going for my blood work today. Overall, Epclusa was manageable, but I did experience very low energy days, brain fog, and insomnia. But I think that is a result of sleep deprivation. Mood fluctuations were extreme some days. Nonetheless, I feel hopeful. All blood work has been normal so far!"

• 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!!!!"

• 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."

• Jon...
• March 24, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Been on Epclusa for 7 weeks now, had bloods done at week 4 which showed not detected. I've had Hep C type 1a for at least 24 years, could be longer, had a blood test for insurance come back as Hep C, I was shocked. Now lying in bed at 1:33 am can’t sleep, but very tired, feeling down too, sore bones, it’s weird, mouth tastes of metal, another 5 weeks to go, hope I’m cured. Thanks to the Australian government for putting this on PBS, Hep C is a real hard one, I always felt dirty because of it. I quit drinking, not a drop since Xmas 2017, my family was amazed that I did not have even a drop on Xmas day. Quit smoking too, been two months, not one cigarette, that was easy giving up, and I had smoked for 50 years, never thought I could do it, but with the hope of a cure I went the whole hog, lost 12 kg too, I just eat clean now. I was in the gym and on my bike all the time, but stopped now as I’m too exhausted. My mind is in a fog sometimes too. Weird. GOD be with you."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I've just finished my first 30 days of Epclusa. I'm still not sure how long ago exactly that my ex-husband infected me with Hep C. I found out 5 years ago I have it. I was feeling and seeing in my body the effects Hep C had on me. Huge pot belly under my breasts and went from 125 to 189 lbs. I have lost down to 147 lbs since taking Epclusa. I have no appetite, my taste buds are nearly gone or changed, and I have lower back pain so severely that I can't function in a stand-up position for too long. Brain fog and loss of memory is scary. I feel so sick all the time. My stomach hurts so bad. I must fight to get food down without choking or throwing it up. I can't eat. I've been so hungry. But I couldn't believe it after 2 weeks on the pill, I looked down, and my stomach is flat again. I don't know what I will do if these side effects don't wear off eventually. I wish everyone the best results. Why weren't our doctors more forthcoming with what all the side effects were?"

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I have just started Epclusa just over a week now. It wasn't till a few days ago it hit me like a ton of bricks. On Saturday, I was feeling so good, worked around the house, no pain from my diabetic neuropathy, no nausea or headaches. Then the next day, I had to call into work! The worst thing is this tiredness. I am so very weak I can barely move, and the headache goes from my forehead down the back of my neck, some dizziness and brain fog. I feel like I need a trip to the emergency room, but I will just keep going and do another update later. Good luck, people!"

• 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."

• Aar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2022

For Hepatitis C "The first few days on Epclusa are a little shocking, but I got used to the medicine. I had genotype 3 with a viral load of 3,630,000. Hep C was eating me alive. At week, I was completely undetectable. I'm on the last 3 weeks, and I will say it may be the hardest. Pretty tired and some brain fog. I did get some itchy skin, a little tinnitus. My advice: keep moving, listen to what your body needs, and drink a gallon of water a day. I hear a lot of people say they were good before starting... but yet they were slowly dying from Hep C. Hang in there. You can do it."

• jme...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I finished my 12 weeks of Epclusa almost 5 months ago. According to my last blood test 3 months after treatment, my Hep-C is gone. I am currently 69 years old and sure that I got Hep-C in the early 70s while in the Army. My Hep-C was detected around the year 2000. I did go through the ribavirin/interferon therapy at that time. It made me very sick and did not work. Epclusa caused me to have insomnia and horrible brain fog. I was not able to think rationally or make decisions for the whole 12 weeks of the treatment. My doctor said that the side effects I was having were not caused by Epclusa. Two weeks after finishing the treatment, my brain fog and insomnia went away. Although I am happy to be Hep-C free, I am wondering when I will actually feel better. I find myself getting tired much more easily. I am not able to recuperate from any strenuous exercise. I am reading these reviews just to see if anyone actually felt better when they completed the Epclusa 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I'm on day 34 and just got my 1st-month lab work. I've not had any serious side effects. No mood swings, nausea, or muscle aches...but I have experienced possibly a little brain fog and lazy feeling. The only thing I can complain about is a UTI/yeast infection, which I haven't reported to my Dr yet. I probably just need to drink more water while taking the meds. If it cures me, I can bear the minimal side effects!!"