Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir and Joint Pain: What Users Say

• The...
• November 10, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I am Genotype 1a, 59 years old, male, active, and otherwise healthy. I was diagnosed in 1995 but have not really suffered any ill effects of the virus other than mild liver enzyme imbalance. All of my FibroScans over the years have shown only minimal scarring. My doctor says Epclusa is a 'perfect fit' for my situation. I’m just starting my fifth week of treatment, with no missed doses. As for side effects, I’m putting 'extreme fatigue' at the very top of my list. Nausea, headache, and diarrhea come and go a bit, but the fatigue and achy joints are up there. But it is absolutely the right choice, no matter the annoyance of these temporary yet fruitful ill effects. I say hang in there and enjoy the added years to your life. Love to all."

• Emm...
• July 29, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I started taking this drug, Epclusa, in June 2022, diagnosed & started this drug. Two weeks in, blood tests show negative, great, but noticed straight away I had a weird heartbeat on taking it, a high blood pressure feeling. Also feeling sick, gradually went off food, lost my appetite, so lost weight. By the way, I’m halfway through and I still have no appetite, I’m still losing weight. I get severe headaches and sickness, so I feel like I’m losing my mind. Also, aches, pains, joint pain, head pain, back pain, sore throat. I feel like absolute rubbish. I cannot understand the weight loss, I’ve been reading through these and not once seen weight loss. Am I the only one? Anyway, the point is I feel like I’m dying."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2019

For Hepatitis C "First couple of days on Epclusa, I had joint pain in elbows and knees. Mild headache in the mornings. Energy same. Week 3, now experiencing swollen neck glands and sore throat. Drinking 4 bottles of water daily. I also take medication before bed. Please share your experience. There's not a lot of info, and the experts are very vague about side effects."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I am a 65-year-old female, type 2 with Hep C for the past 20+ years. Was treated last fall with Sovaldi and ribavirin. I lost 12 lbs, was always fatigued. All my blood tests were great, but the 3 months after treatment blood work indicated the virus was still there. Just started Epclusa 4 days ago and hope this will work. Have been fatigued with joint pain, but today I experienced a severe type of fatigue. Woke up this morning feeling okay, so I decided to mow both the back and front yards (and pull up weeds in the front). Our backyard is shady, but the front is 100% sun. After 30 minutes or so pushing the lawnmower through thick grass, I was overcome by severe fatigue and could barely walk to the garage. My hubby said it was too hot (93) and reminded me that my body is dealing with a strong medication. After resting for an hour, my energy returned, but I must be careful not to undertake strenuous activity for a while."

• 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."

• Deb...
• February 26, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I've been on Epclusa for 7 weeks now. It has been difficult for me... I won't lie. Joint pain, toe and fingertip neuropathy, constant ear ringing, insomnia. Much better than interferon/riba that I did in 2003... I'm so tired I can't keep my eyes open. But my numbers looked good... hoping the side effects resolve once I stop the medication. No prior health issues. Genotype 3."

• 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."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I just got my three-month blood test back after finishing treatment with Epclusa and am hep free. After a few days of starting treatment, I got severe nausea, and Gravol helped along with water (lots of water). I was also tired all the time, that got better after about the first month. The only thing that has been around for the whole length of treatment is joint pain, but all in all, I'm happy I took it."

• Stu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C, genotype 2 this spring. Not sure exactly how I contracted it, but I've likely had it for 48 years since I was in a long ago term, high-risk activity group. Fortunately, my fibrosis is stage one only. I do also have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to work on. I'm in week 11 using Epclusa. It amplifies all my pre-existing conditions (joint pain, post-nasal drip, fatigue, ocular migraine occurring, mild depression), plus I have gotten added visual issues that (sun and glare sensitivity) occur, and rare dizziness events, and have experienced chest tightness and cough, but these side effects have lessened during the last few weeks. I hope the Epclusa regimen works because I don't want to experience these side effects again."

• rre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Day 27. Known of the virus since 1990 while trying to give at a blood bank to help others. I have arthritis to the extent both hips replaced in 2016; but I am 5.9, 185 lbs. I was a kickboxer, flew out of surgery kicking again. Epclusa, no side effects, but was told to take Tylenol only, as another person says they have joint pain, but none above normal for me. 1st blood test tomorrow 11/15/2018. Best wishes to all and the grant to make it free!!!"

• Lea...
• November 30, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have 10 days left of treatment. It has been a struggle for me, joint pain mostly in my fingers and toes like it hurts to bend them, headaches, fatigue, tiredness, bad bland metallic taste in my mouth. I have gained almost twenty pounds but feel nausea at times and lack of energy. I am grateful to have received the funding all paid for from the Support Path Program. I am hoping and praying this works."

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

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."

• pur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2023

For Hepatitis C "So I've just been taking Epclusa for 3 days, taking it at night. Starting the very first morning, I woke up with very sore joints (the front of my hips, specifically) and sore/swollen neck glands. Both of these things have gotten worse each morning. I was told the only side effects to watch out for were headache, nausea, and fatigue. So since I haven't experienced any of those, at first I thought I was just crazy for attributing these as side effects. I suppose if it works to kick the Hep C, it'll be worth it, but it's gonna be a major struggle to get through the next 3 months if this just gets worse."

• nor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2017

For Hepatitis C "7 weeks into treatment and ears buzzing like crazy. It is relentless. Was prescribed Betahistine Dihydrochloride tabs, 16 mg taken half a tab twice a day for 2 weeks, but so far no result. Have also noticed a lot of joint pain over the last couple of weeks (well, more so than usual. I am 54, lol)."

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

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."

• ABA...
• May 26, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I've experienced muscular and joint pains, especially in the afternoons - shoulders especially. Fatigue seems to be the most persistent complaint."