Sofosbuvir / velpatasvir and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• 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."

• cv2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Epclusa cured my chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1b, so it works. I took it for 3 months. Side effects were negligible: nausea, heartburn, fatigue. After therapy, HCV RNA negative, after 3 months, negative, and after 6 months, still negative."

• BSk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I’m on day 47 and can honestly say I’ve been free of bothersome side effects until yesterday. Up to that point, the only issue I really noticed was feeling jittery about 30 minutes after taking the pill. That would only last a few minutes, so no big deal. However, yesterday afternoon I noticed soreness in my neck. I also felt slightly feverish, though my body temp was normal. Today, I have the same neck soreness and fever fell, but also a little nauseous. I thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones, but not so sure now."

• KJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Brilliant. I contracted Hep C from a blood transfusion in 1975. I have lived a healthy life to give myself the best chance with this disease (no alcohol, no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and a healthy diet). It has had minimal effects on my life. No other health issues except back and joint pain. The first 3 days on Epclusa, I suffered nausea for about an hour after taking it, but from then on, I felt amazing. More energy and, to my surprise, my usual aches and pains disappeared. Now, one month after completing the course, the test results are fantastic, and I feel great."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Day 4. To me, feels like a mix of sick and pregnant, lol. I'm nauseous all day. At night, I get restless. Nothing too bad considering what I'm taking. I get tired. I take the meds at 4:20 pm every day. Can't complain as things aren't too bad. I've been through worse. Counting my blessings. My viral load is 160,000 genotype 3. Have had Hep C about 6 or 7 years."

• 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."

• Bat...
• October 7, 2017

For Hepatitis C "GT 1b, viral load 53 million, enlarged liver, gotten from blood transfusion 37 yrs ago. I'm in week 2. I don't think any of the side effects are unbearable. But so far, nausea and vomiting daily, headaches similar to tension headache, tiredness, and lack of appetite. The lack of appetite has been bad because I just can't eat. A spoonful of food every hour, and I have to force myself. Smells/taste buds are off, and I'm very sensitive to smells. I've started noticing patches of peeling skin. It's on my fingertips and temples. I don't even know if that's a side effect. I vomited one night for two hours after my dose and was concerned if I needed another dose. I called Gilead, and the nurse told me full absorption is in 2 hours, so I was okay."

• fiv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed about 2 years ago with hep C. This is my second week of taking Epclusa. So far, the only side effect is occasional nausea. I have other medical conditions that cause fatigue, weakness, little appetite, sore joints, and shortness of breath. I don't know if after I finish the hep C treatment, any of these conditions will improve."

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

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."

• 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!"

• Sma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Just finished my first month, and here is a breakdown. Week one felt tired. Week 2-3 felt great, had a few bouts of insomnia, have gained weight, and notice I want to eat all day. If I take the medicine on an empty stomach, I get a nauseous feeling, so I now take it with food. I've also noticed if I don’t drink my daily intake of water, I feel tired. Week 4, I’ve suffered from a slight headache in the mornings but not sure if it’s due to the medicine or a sinus/allergy problem."

• Ski...
• September 30, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I have had Hep C for nearly 40 years and was always very tired. It got to the point I could only work 4 hours a day. I started Epclusa in May and at first had headaches and some nausea. I am now viral free as of my last blood test in August. I do have more energy, but I now have gastritis and haven't felt well for two months with this problem. Now taking Nexium, liquid silver, but it still persists."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2022

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C 10 years ago. I was an IV meth user for 20 years. I took the first treatment of shots, which was absolutely horrible, but made it through. I was Hep C free. Then, stupid me, had a major relapse for two years. Well, I'm now Hep C positive yet again. I am on my third week of Epclusa. I'm tired, weak, nauseous, and depressed somewhat. But that is the medicine fighting the virus. My numbers are coming down. My doctor has said that with this treatment, my liver will eventually recover. I was almost in stage 3 cirrhosis. My numbers are already coming down to close to stage 2. I am so grateful for this chance to live a longer life with my family. I am now 3 and a half years totally clean from everything. So, yes, I can do this for three months to spend a lifetime with my family."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I have one week left of Epclusa, genotype 1. I don't believe I had it long based on my liver damage, which was only 0.022. I have no idea how I got Hep C. I'm not an IV drug user, I know some, but it's not my thing. Over this past two weeks, I've had horrible knee joint pain, it's so bad I can't get comfortable in any position. I have suffered from insomnia prior to even starting the meds, but it's even worse now. My legs hurt so bad I can't get comfortable to sleep. Once I do fall asleep for a few hours, my knee pain goes away, and then it's back pain. I take my pill at 7 every night. I just am praying the pain in my legs goes away after I'm done, otherwise, I may go bonkers. I feel slightly depressed, no motivation, but no major headaches or nausea. So... it's very odd how the knee pain didn't start until this choice to be off the med."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I'm an ex-intravenous drug user. I've been clean for 30 years. I tried a Hepatitis C test swab, even though I was sure I didn't have it, and was shocked to discover that I was positive. Amazingly, my liver is okay. I started Epclusa 5 weeks ago, and I am really having problems staying awake and have no energy. I'm also experiencing headaches and nausea, but I can totally understand that as I've had it for all these years, so I'd expect to feel something. I'm only too grateful that this drug exists at all. I think it's a real miracle, given the success rate. I feel the side effects I'm personally experiencing are a small price to pay for being cured."