Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 3)

• ret...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2024

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I'm on week 7 of Epclusa. I started after I was hospitalized for liver failure in June 2024. At week 6, my tests came back as nonreactive. I am cured! I need to finish the 12-week course. I have had severe fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea every day of treatment, but it's so worth it. I am a retired nurse and got Hepatitis C working in the hospital. I am so grateful. Better living through chemistry! Lol."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2018

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I just started this 3 days ago, and the word fatigue should be replaced with pure and utter exhaustion. I have gen 3a with 1,170,000 viral load, so it seems low in comparison to what I've read here. I took the dreaded interferon/ribavirin in '05, which almost killed me, and I had to DC 5 weeks out of 6 month tx due to pneumonia. I had to have blood work every 10 days, and it showed negative for hep C the entire time I was on it, which my GI said was normal. The 12-week post-tx labs are the ones to watch. I wish everyone so much luck!"

• Amy...
• September 23, 2017

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I'm 37 in a few months, had Hep C for most of my using, so 15 years around that, I guess. I'm on 90 mg biodone and have been on it for 9 years (dose level up and down most of this time spent on a very low dose). Unfortunately, I began drinking very heavily about 2 to 5 years ago. I'm 4 months sober now, but that is what progressed my Hep C, and I have chronic cirrhosis. I've been on Epclusa for 2.5 weeks, and I'm also taking ribavirin twice daily. I've had a few light headaches, but the fatigue got me these last 3 days. But it doesn't help the fact that I'm on a high level of biodone and put a lot of weight on from my drinking. I'm eating right and taking a lot of natural things that help the healing processes for the liver (apple, C/V, green tea). Hope this helps."

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

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir 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)."

• And...
• October 15, 2017

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I had Hep C G4 2 for 40 years. I am into my 8th week of the 12-week Epclusa treatment. I'm having terrible gas pains. My viral load started at 90,000+ and was down to 20 as of my last blood test. My next blood work is this week. I still have no energy. I was disappointed since my viral load is so low. I thought I would have more energy by now, but the medication is causing fatigue. I’ve been through chemo, so these side effects don’t seem so bad. I've had no nausea. I had headaches and gas pain since day 1. I've been chewing Gas-X and also using Digest Zen essential oil, but nothing is working 100%. I have had skin issues inside my right arm along the vein. It was swollen and itchy. I had to get a grant to cover the co-pays."

• Gun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2018

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "Today is the 27th of June. I'm starting my first day. Up to this day, hepatitis C has ruined my life. I am genotype 2. I don't know what my viral load was, the doctor does, though. I have been so scared to take this medicine, but I have deteriorated from 250 lb down to 180 lb. I had bad liver pain, abdominal pain, very fatigued, and other issues. Hopefully, this works."

• Nix...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2022

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I have been off the Epclusa since September 2021, so a bit over a year. In January of this year (2022), I was told I am Hep C free. That’s great and all, but I’ve been miserable since taking it. I have such horrible depression and anxiety, my fatigue is so bad that when I’m not at work, all I want to do is sleep. I don’t want to go anywhere anymore, I prefer staying in bed. I used to be so happy and active. I’m also having a lot of gastro issues since taking it. I have lots of joint and body aches too. I have had so many blood tests to find out what’s going on with me to no avail. I really think it was the Epclusa because all of my issues began at the same time I started taking it. It’s been a year now, and I just hope it will someday get better. Oh, another thing: it caused my hair to get thin in the front, mainly on the left side. And that, my doctor did think the Epclusa caused."

• swa...
• October 30, 2017

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I first discovered I had HEP C back in the late 90s. Maybe from tattoos, maybe from sex, I really don't know where I got it. In 2001, I went through the Ribovlfavin pill and injection program for a year. That was a rough, rough go, but it knocked my viral load down to next to nothing. Fifteen years later, my viral load began rising again. Today I am near the end of the program on my last three pills from the 90-day run. I have had some minor side effects...mostly weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps near the end here. I have my last labs next week...hopefully I am good to go."

• COL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2021

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "In 2008, I had a viral load of just over 21 million! When I started the Interferon/Ribavirin, I only had to take it for 6 months because of my genotype (type 2). Thank goodness it was only 6 months. It was just awful; I looked and felt like rubbish. I did clear the virus-but only for 1 year. I started the Epclusa in May 2021 and cleared the virus after the first 4 weeks. The Epclusa was as easy as taking a vitamin with breakfast. The only noticeable side effects were headache and fatigue the first 4-6 weeks. (My husband said that I was pretty grouchy that first month!) My doctor says that I am completely cured. It has now been 4 months since I completed the Epclusa. I am having headaches almost daily, I cannot get my blood pressure in check, and I am experiencing floaters and flashes of light in my vision. The doctor has found no explanation for these issues, and neither one of us ever even considered that perhaps these problems were long-term side effects of Epclusa."

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2020

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I’m a 68-year-old female. I was diagnosed 20 years ago with type 2b but only started having high enzyme levels 2 years ago, was dealing with a lot of stress at the time. This week I start my 4th week of treatment. I feel very blessed that the only side effect is fatigue. I always had energy even with Hep C, so I must pace myself so I don’t get too exhausted. I have a small job 2/3 hours a day but take a nap every day to make it through the day. Had my first blood test today."

• Txg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2017

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "Only been on Epclusa for a week. Super fatigued an hour after taking the med, then much better, full of energy but lost most of my morning. Changed to nighttime but got headaches. Back to taking in the am, but about 9 pm I hit a wall of tired—like someone slipped me something to make me pass out. I know I need to nap more, but my job won’t allow it, so I’ll take it at 7 am, work my butt off, then pass out at 9—not a bad idea anyway for daily living. Diagnosed 2 years ago but know I’ve had Hep C since the '80s.....more to come."

• 151...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2024

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I have taken for 6 weeks. Extreme fatigue. Swelling potassium/sodium for five days, then three, then eight. My sister says I slur my words, I think I am just tired. What I did for a day, I can do for 2 hours. Unbalanced but I am sticking with the plan. I have stage 3 cirrhosis. Hard to work, I'd say try PT. I'm retired. God bless."

• Hug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2022

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I got hep C due to a blood transfusion when I had a rare malignant tumor removed from the back of my leg at 26. I am now 63 and started feeling really tired and arthritic. I am really getting so immobile, that was my type 2 diabetes, they would say. I went on to them that much that the practice nurse ran a blood test for me, and it came back hep C positive. All of a sudden, my health center went into panic mode, and I went to the infectious disease clinic, who were fantastic. They told me I have severe cirrhosis of the liver, as it has been chewing away at it for 37 years. Now I have to have a doctor fill in a letter to prove negligence. I feel I am being made to feel like a burden on them, it ruined my life. So I was put on Epclusa, it has cured my hepatitis, but all my fillings from teeth fell out, and now my dentist couldn’t cope anymore and booked me into the hospital waiting list. Horrific. I am in agony and can only eat soft, non-biting food."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2022

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I had Hep C type 1a for 40 years. Low level of fibrosis, but viral load in the millions. I was very scared to take Epclusa. I had very few side effects, but I mostly didn't have to work during my 3-month treatment. No headache, occasional fatigue when I was outside gardening. My viral load is undetectable 2 months after treatment. The only unfortunate thing is that I had a herniated disc in my neck and didn't pay enough attention to it because I was so focused on my liver treatment."

• Fig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2022

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "Started August 12, 2022. First blood test at 11 days, and Hep C was non-detected. Felt so good. Stomach was better, had more energy. Felt better than I had in years. I am now a little over 30 days in, and side effects are starting to appear. Fatigue, insomnia, and stomach problems are back. Nothing I can’t handle. 2 more months to go."

• Tjj...
• December 3, 2017

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "In July or August, I found out I had Hep C 3a with over 15 million in virus load. I started taking Epclusa on Oct 23, 2017, should be done by Feb 2018, I hope, because getting married in March. I don't know if it's the medicine causing me to hurt more or because I just had back surgery 5 weeks ago. I get stomach cramps like period cramps but had a total hysterectomy in 2013. I also have fatigue, some headaches, and sweats. My doctor raised my estrogen, and I also have bad gas, I can't hold it or even know it's coming. I thought it was from the colonoscopy in September because of the air they put in. I had 12 polyps, still haven't heard from the doctor on that, which is the same doctor I see for the Hep C. He's the one who officially diagnosed me, and I have also gained 12 lbs since I started taking it."

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

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir 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."

• NST...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2021

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I am on my last week of Epclusa. At my 6-week blood work, I was down from 5 million viral load to less than 10. My symptoms were fatigue and headaches, which were manageable, however, these last few weeks have been unbearable with the headaches, and I am getting lightheaded more often."

• STE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2023

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I am currently on my fourth day of taking Epclusa for the treatment of HCV. Although my RNA was detected, the lab did not provide any information regarding my genotype, which I assume is due to a laboratory error. I have been experiencing extreme fatigue, depression, and pain in my joints, muscles, and abdomen, but I suspect these symptoms are related to the virus, which I have been living with for a long time. I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive this drug without having to pay for it. I am willing to endure any side effects that may arise from taking the medication if it means that I can regain my health and get my life back on track."

• Ala...
• October 30, 2022

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I'm on day 6 of starting Epclusa. On day 3, dizziness was so severe I almost had to crawl to the bathroom, went back to sleep, and 3 hours later still couldn't get my head to stop spinning to walk. But when I got up later, the spinning was gone. Seem to always have a slight headache and nausea in the background. Short of breath and cloudy vision really bad. Day 4 and 5, extreme fatigue. Hope it all gets better."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2021

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "This is an update from my first post when I was a month into the treatment. I am 63 and have had Hep C for many years. I knew others who had tried Interferon and gave up with the symptoms. I was virus-free after 6 weeks, but of course, continued on and have now been finished for a few days. When I first started, I had ringing in the ears, tingling in the fingers, and fatigued but could not sleep more than 1.5 hours. I don't know how much REM sleep I was getting, but I think that was the biggest contributor to the other symptoms of brain freeze, lack of interest in most things like going to work or being around people, although Covid contributed to that too! I had to work my way through that stuff as I am not depressive. I forced myself to get back into life! Last night I got a full night's rest and feel pretty good. I am hopeful that my liver may recover some as I have cut out carbs, excess sugar, processed fat, and salt to help my liver. I am grateful they came up with this Epclusa."

• ret...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2024

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I'm on week 7 of Epclusa. I started after I was hospitalized for liver failure in June 2024. At week 6, my tests came back as nonreactive. I am cured! I need to finish the 12-week course. I have had severe fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea every day of treatment, but it's so worth it. I am a retired nurse and got Hepatitis C working in the hospital. I am so grateful. Better living through chemistry! Lol."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2021

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir "I read a lot of people saying how horrible this medication is. I have to say that I have not experienced anything other than mild fatigue at the beginning. Also a tiny bit of upset stomach on occasions, however, after your 1st month, all that really goes away and you don't feel anything at all! I am 4 pills from finishing my 3-month cycle and I feel great! Gained all the weight back that I had lost (and muscle), and my labs are near normal levels. You won't regret it at all by taking this med."

• Hep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2024

Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir for Hepatitis C "I have been experiencing fatigue, nausea, exhaustion, but unable to sleep, extreme appetite loss to the point that I don't eat for days, and my stomach shrinks. Have issues defecating. I can't wait to week 12, I'm currently only on week 4. It has been debilitating that I can't work and am fighting disability, so I have no income, unable to pay rent, food, buy any clothing, and am gaining a lot of weight."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2021

For Hepatitis C "My HCV was discovered 24 years ago when pregnant. My husband has it also. Different genotype, though. I was genotype 1a. He was treated years ago, but I delayed my treatment due to unknowns with his therapy. I finished my 12 weeks in December 2020. Viral load disappeared after 4 weeks. Symptoms included fatigue and lower back jabs on occasion. I was COVID-19 positive the last month. My remaining symptom 7 months later is a numb feeling in my toes; no tingling, burning, or pain (neuropathy ruled out). I am told it’s my body learning to live without HCV. That it may take a bit to be ‘normal’ again. Also, a diet I followed 10 years ago to lose 75 lbs. no longer works for me. My chemistry has somehow changed too, but with no health detriment except I’m unable to lose weight. I just keep active and try to be patient. I’m just grateful to be HCV-free with zero liver damage after 24 years. Thank you, Gilead."