Comparing Harvoni vs Ribavirin

For Hepatitis C I have had Hep C for 35 plus years. Just finished my first bottle of 28 pills of Harvoni. Just got my first blood work back viral load dropped from almost 9 million down to just 300. No real side effects and have been riding my bike as before over 200 miles per week , maybe just a bit slower. Will follow up next month.

For Hepatitis C Side effects are light- fatigue and a bit of a headache. I did find it easier to take it an hour after dinner. WAY better then the triple-threat approach. My blood work does indicate that I am in the beggining stages of cirrhosis. I also had Hep B in 1994. So far, it's like a miracle. Other than the fatigue (which is nothing if you've suffered Jaundice or the 'Sickie' symptoms that Hep C can cause), it's business as usual.

For Hepatitis C Its too early in my treatment to weigh in on how effective the drug will be. Taken in conjunction with Sovaldi. However, side effects are numerous and worrisome....Itching, black and tarry stools, shortness of breath, severe mood swings from bursting into tears to spontaneous laughter, nauseous feelings, muscle cramps and joint pain, vision issues as well as insomnia and trouble remaining asleep. I have phoned my doctor as he did not make me aware of the full spectrum of side effects nor how long they will persist during the course of treatment. I am eight days in to treatment for Hep C, genus II.

For Hepatitis C I was on pegylated interferon/ribavarin for 50 weeks in 2010. I developed anemia through out the treatment but it was not sever. I would cry at the drop of a hat, had sever fatigue and body pains. Six years later I still have fatigue and muscle/bone pain. I have not been able to work. I'm exercising but very minimal ( walk less than a block) and can not increase it due to being laid up for the next few days. I've been refused social security because my liver damage isn't sever enough. I would stay far away from this drug. The manufacturer should compensate people who have long term/permanent side effects.