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

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I am thirty years old and have had hep C for about eight years. I was a very heavy IV drug user. After several years of abuse and horrible situations, I decided to get clean. I started Epclusa in February. Genotype 3a, the more aggressive one, and I did blood work after three weeks, and there is no indication of any hepatitis left. In either test. I will continue to take the medicine for the rest of the twelve weeks. And I had some side effects, in the first three weeks, it was worse: headaches, body aches, nausea, and fatigue. But now it's a lot better. Still some side effects, but they're not as prevalent. Definitely worth it in the whole scheme of things. Excited for a new chance in life."

• Bir...
• March 31, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I took my first dose of Epclusa today. I have had a headache most all day. I am very worried about what is going to happen in the next 3 months while taking this medication. I have acid reflux disease really bad. My doctor has had to change my acid reflux disease medicine from 40 mg two times a day to 20 mg one time a day, because the reflux meds stop the Epclusa from working properly. I'm suffering from the acid in my stomach right now until I'm wondering if I'm going to make it through the 3-month treatment, if not longer since my viral load is so high. My insurance paid most of the cost of the medication but not all. Thank goodness for the program through Epclusa that I qualified for. Couldn't have done it without them."

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I took Epclusa in October 2019, and my last pill was in January 2020. I had constant headaches, shakes, loss of appetite, weight loss, and I vomited nearly every day. I was told it would pass, so I kept going and tried to think positively. The mornings were great, as it was the only time I felt myself, but then after taking the pill, the headaches would return and so forth. It was horrible. After three months, I was done and Hep C free (yes), but I was so weak that it took several months to get rid of my symptoms. Now, I am getting moles, and IDK, as I never had any before. And on my back, they found a melanoma. Before I took the pill, I was in pretty good health, with just a few aches and pains here and there, but all the Epclusa doctor said was that it wasn't the pill. Hmmm, well I'm not a doctor, what do I know? I do know that I went from seeing a doctor a couple of times a year to seeing my gut doctor, my cancer doctor, skin doctor, and my regular doctor, but it wasn't the pill, they say. Anyway, I just wanted to let people know that my life has been upside down since."

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

For Hepatitis C "Was starting to feel the effects of the disease before starting treatment with Epclusa. Began to feel better after the first four days. Just finished 12 weeks of treatment, now we wait to learn if it worked. Only side effect was a slight headache, but no meds required. It was tolerable. I’m feeling better all the time, and energy level is returning. Modern-day miracle!"

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I took Epclusa about 5 years ago after being diagnosed with Hep C. I had gone to the doctor about lack of energy, I just knew something was not right. I got it about 30 years ago from sharing needles (not proud but honest), so I got on 3 months of Epclusa. It was horrible: headaches, bones hurt, irritable. Got clean from Hep C, but now osteoporosis, my legs hurt, I fatigue, hoping Hep C isn't back. I think my bones are deteriorating because of Epclusa. Started taking inflammatory, which helps."

• raa...
• September 7, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I have had Hep C for 20 plus years, maybe longer. Ten years ago, the procrit and interferon ten-month torture did nothing other than make me sicker than I have ever been for longer than I have ever been. Ten months of God knows what, tired, extreme flu-like symptoms, fatigue, diminished brain function, divorce, etc., etc., etc. Did not get rid of the virus and took at least six months to recover to 80% of my physical and mental capabilities. Ten years later, I am on my fourth week of Epclusa. Although the long-term effects of taking this are still unknown, I can say my side effects so far are minimal. A tolerable headache - less headache the more water I drink - fatigue, but manageable. Sleep just fine. No noticeable joint pain. No additional depression. So if this is all I will endure for the next eight weeks and it kills the virus with no long-term side effects, then this is truly a marvel of modern science."

• 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)."

• rma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have taken Epclusa for 12 weeks. The side effects were unbelievable: nausea, stomach cramps, irritability, sleep apnea, burning skin sensations, sore joints, headache, zero energy. I've been off the pill for 1 week and still feel awful, hoping this will pass. Docs said the only side effects I would have would be headache and fatigue - boy, were they mistaken. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given, but may have given it a second thought if I knew what I was going to go through. Now I'm just hoping my blood test comes back negative."

• 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."

• Man...
• June 20, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I am on week 7 of my treatment, and I have had severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fatigue. My doctor says she doesn't understand why I'm having these side effects and doesn't seem to want to do anything to help alleviate them. I'm going through a clinic that has helped me get my medication for FREE through the Gilead Support Path Program. The people who work for this program are so helpful and wonderful! It took me a couple of months from the first doctor's appointment until the medication finally arrived at my doorstep (yes, they actually deliver it to my house!) But it was well worth the wait. I don't know how well I'm responding to treatment yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The side effects have been awful for me, but I know that it's all worth it in the long run! Thank goodness for the Support Path Program! Without it, I would've never been able to afford treatment."

• pac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C, gen type 2, six years ago and was devastated. I started treatment 8 weeks ago. After the first 4 weeks, my viral load was undetectable, talk about a relief! I was feeling pretty poorly before the treatment started, and I feel great now! I have had no side effects other than a very slight headache a couple of times. I am starting my last 4-week treatment this Monday, and I am thrilled with the results."

• Dec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I found out I had Hep C in 2006. The only treatment available was ribavirin and interferon. I read too many horrible experiences that people had, so I did not treat the hepatitis C until this year when my liver showed up 22.6 FibroScan, and I was diagnosed with cirrhosis. During the time leading up to my decision for treatment, I have had numerous illnesses, and I believe they are tied to the Hep C!!! I've only been on treatment for two weeks, and my side effects have included headaches, some vivid dreams, and light sleep, for which I am getting some sleeping pills. I would also advise drinking plenty and staying hydrated. I am 63 and very grateful for the Epclusa, because I really believe a lot of my illnesses were caused by my sick liver! I think things are going to improve significantly once my liver starts to get healthy again. I have noted to come back and leave a comment at the end of my treatment. Stay strong, everybody!!!"

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with depression, have been treated for the past 5 years. The Epclusa has intensified it. My doctor upped my antidepressant, which has helped a lot. I’m 64, have had the virus for 15 years. Been on the Epclusa for three weeks. Experiencing headache, fatigue, body aches (ibuprofen helps) and mood swings. The worst part is the side effects come and go throughout the day and vary in intensity. It’s very hard to get a grip on how to deal with it because of that, it’s disorienting. So far, my sleep hasn’t changed, nor my appetite. The very worst is being tired all the time! It makes me angry. I usually drink tea but had a half cup of coffee this morning. I will not be doing that again. I almost had to scream into a pillow. After losing my marbles for a couple of hours, I ate, had an extra bottle of water, and felt much better. Nine more weeks to go."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I am thirty years old and have had hep C for about eight years. I was a very heavy IV drug user. After several years of abuse and horrible situations, I decided to get clean. I started Epclusa in February. Genotype 3a, the more aggressive one, and I did blood work after three weeks, and there is no indication of any hepatitis left. In either test. I will continue to take the medicine for the rest of the twelve weeks. I had some side effects, in the first three weeks, it was worse: headaches, body aches, nausea, and fatigue. But now it's a lot better. Still some side effects, but they're not as prevalent. Definitely worth it in the whole scheme of things. Excited for a new chance in life."

• Ind...
• February 12, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Just started Epclusa a week ago for genotype 3 Hep C, which I was diagnosed with a year ago, that's why I only gave it a 5-rating. It's been a rough first week, with fatigue, headaches, and nausea. I'm trying to remain positive after reading all the success stories below. I go for my first blood test in another week and will post follow-up with results. Fingers crossed I'll be another success story!"

• She...
• July 18, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have been taking Epclusa for 2 weeks, the first week was a terrific headache after 1 hr of taking it that subsided. Now the horrible joint pain and locked joint pain. I've tested positive for RA, which is an effect of Hep C. The numbers are increasing since on the medication. I have Geno 3 for 30+ years, will keep posting."

• PSA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I am halfway through the 12-week course of Epclusa. I had mild to moderate headaches the first couple of weeks, but now the headaches are rare. The biggest side effect I have is fatigue. The fatigue started early on, and at this point, it's pretty intense. I can do normal activities such as shopping and housework, but there's definitely a limit to how much activity I can do each day, then I'm exhausted. The great news is that after one month of treatment, the virus is already undetectable in my blood work. So it's worth the side effects! Hang in there and take the super negative reviews with a grain of salt. Your main goal is to cure Hep C, and this medicine does that!"

• Amm...
• September 10, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I am at 3 weeks today, and I have noticed I do have a headache pretty much all of the time, and the pain in my lower back is starting to get pretty bad. There are the occasional muscle aches, and I am noticeably much more tired, but even all of this is okay with 2 Excedrin. I have not noticed any changes in mood, even being on antidepressants. I am just grateful!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

For Hepatitis C "This is the 2nd day of taking this medication. I had extreme nausea and headaches, along with hot and cold chills and insomnia. I'm hoping these symptoms ease up a bit. I have been taking the medication at 8 am, but I'm thinking of switching it to bedtime. I'm just worried it will increase the insomnia."

• Gin...
• October 11, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Hep C, GT 3, age 52, Hep C for 30 years. I did Interferon - it was the devil himself and did nothing but raise my levels after a year - that was 20 years ago. I did a 'trial' a few years ago of the Harvoni w/Ribavirin that I again failed miserably. I started Epclusa 13 weeks ago. Promised no side effects. I went to sleep & woke up in an 80-year-old body, it was/is causing muscle wasting, extreme muscle/joint pain. Everything else is hardly noticeable comparatively. Includes: ringing of the ears, headaches, fatigue, bland taste buds. Raised ALT & AST and of course, the levels of CK are well over 560 weekly, severe skin rash that grows daily and has now moved to my face/arms. BUT SHOWING NEGATIVE!! Let's see what 3 months says, fingers crossed!"

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I’m grateful for this med. But the side effects for me were immediate. The first thing I noticed is my libido was gone! And my feelings of intimacy and being happy, etc., with myself/my girlfriend were gone against my will. I love her more than anything. After 2-1/2 years together, it tore our relationship apart! She thought it was me and not the medicine feeling how I was. I couldn’t work and barely got out of bed the entire time! I think it messed up my hormones. I was depressed, lazy, tired, unhappy, body ache, bad ear ringing, headache, like a zombie. I felt like I was 90, and I’m only 30 (in pretty good shape too). My girlfriend left me over how I was being/feeling (or not feeling). I’m afraid she isn’t coming back because she doesn’t believe this medicine messed me up to that extent. With all my heart, it truly did. I’ve never felt this way in my whole life. Now I’m off it, I’m feeling better SLOWLY. If I knew this would tear my relationship apart, I'd have waited."