Epclusa and Fatigue: 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."

• Hep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2021

For Hepatitis C "Finished taking Epclusa 1/3/2019. Almost two years later, I continue to have severe side effects. I had always been an extremely high-energy person, working and on the go for 16 plus hours a day. Since taking Epclusa, I continue to experience severe fatigue, memory loss (brain fog), and tinnitus. I have not been able to return to work since Epclusa. At this point, it appears that I traded a shorter but quality life with Hep C for quantity of life that's only watching it pass by. I'm continuing to search for answers for something to help restore my health. If I had known what the results would be, I would probably not have taken the Epclusa."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I thought my 12-week treatment on Epclusa was going really hard on me. Apparently, I had had Hep C in my body with no symptoms for 45 years from a blood transfusion. Was tested for it in routine tests and then had a liver biopsy, which showed only level one liver damage. I had, during treatment, and still suffer from extreme fatigue, memory issues, and insomnia. If I had ever dreamed how my life would change for the worse, I would never have taken the first pill! The only positive is that I am now free of Hep C, which I had apparently had for 45 years without symptoms. I am 79 years old and believe I could have lived the remaining years of my life without Epclusa!"

• Hav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "This is my 2nd week on Epclusa. I caught the disease early with no liver scarring. I was terrified to begin treatment regardless of the positive reviews. The 1st week was rough but nothing compared to the free life I am headed towards. Day 1, nothing. Days 2 + 3 I had such unbearable fatigue and weakness I could hardly walk and required help from my family to get through the day. I was concerned that would be my life for the rest of the treatment and was afraid. Day 4 I spontaneously recovered but I was still weak, not alert. Day 4+ I RAPIDLY improved. Yesterday I felt better than even before I had started the medication, 0 side effects OR symptoms. I have night sweats but those are disappearing. I haven’t had nausea or headache, have had slight diarrhea. Those two days of despair were a small price to pay for the freedom I will get. Don’t fret about starting this medication. The first pill is your ticket to your new beginning."

• Smi...
• July 26, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Took Epclusa for a 90-day course of treatment, fatigue, brain fog, lethargy, moody, lots of anxiety. 30-day blood work showed no Hep C. 2 weeks till I get final blood work done. Hopefully, I’m cured. Still tired and lethargic but not as bad. I’m 64 years old and am glad I did it. Don’t let the side effects hold you back or scare you. Just suck it up and do it. Price is frikkin' outrageous but I got help from a grant from the PAN organization. There’s financial help out there. If you wanna be cured, do it!"

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2017

For Hepatitis C "So, I began taking this medication for Hep C contracted from IV drug use. 24 years old. Doctor explained that since I had PPO insurance they would most likely cover the cost of the medication, which I believe goes for around 75k for a 3-month supply. The medication was delivered straight to my house. Genotype 2b. Viral load was 1.7 million initially. I started taking the medication on March 30th, 2017. I had labs done this week to check on progress. After just 21 days of taking Epclusa, viral load is completely undetectable. Initial fatigue first week, no symptoms after that. Great medication! Grateful that this option was available to me. Was absolutely worth it!"

• exh...
• August 14, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Was diagnosed four months ago with Hep C, it was a complete shock. Terrified, but my doctor assured me it would be fine in time. The medication at first caused extreme fatigue, restlessness, and inability to sleep. Late in the day, I would feel more energetic, so I began to take my medication at 8 PM to sleep through side effects. It helped tremendously. I returned to almost normal levels of energy. I am four weeks post-treatment, terrified because I am so exhausted that doing ADLs is about all that I can manage most days. I am terrified that the treatment was more destructive to my body than the disease. My review is mixed, my viral load is undetectable, that is success."

• Gra...
• September 20, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I’m on my fourth day. So far, no side effects, no headache, fatigue, nausea, insomnia, or diarrhea, nothing. I put this off after my trip thinking I was going to feel terrible after reading all the reviews. Maybe it’s too soon to tell, I’ll update later."

• Amb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

For Hepatitis C "I am on week 11 of 12. Almost done! I have genotype 3a. I have only had hep C for two years, but it's been a rough two years. I already have stage two liver fibrosis, as well as fatty liver disease, not to mention my liver enzymes had consistently stayed around 90 and 200. I learned that genotype 3 can be very aggressive. Even though my doctor told me this medicine should work great for me, I was still worried it wouldn't work for me. The first couple of weeks taking Epclusa, I was more fatigued than usual, but that side effect subsided. I haven't really had any other side effects at all! Since six weeks in, my viral load is undetectable, and my liver enzymes are back to normal levels for the first time in two years!"

• Mr ...
• May 11, 2021

For Hepatitis C "Took Epclusa mid-2018, had no Hep C symptoms, went to the doctor for a stomach ache. Test showed Hep C, no liver damage. Felt sick every day taking Epclusa, my side effects are nausea, headache, fatigue, body aches. Doctor said keep taking it. Hep C was cleared, but now, three years later, I am so ill. I am in so much pain all over, it hurts to move. I also have nausea, weight loss, sleep issues, the list goes on. I was not sick like this before Epclusa, but it's been like this since I took this medication. Been told I have fibromyalgia. All I know is this medication has ruined my life, and I live with extreme pain every day. If I could go back, I would never have taken it."

• Aus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I'm 7 weeks into my 12-week course of Epclusa after having Hep C genotype 3A for about 10 years, and I'm 44. I had not been aware of my Hep C until a month before I started Epclusa and had some aggravating symptoms: lethargy, general malaise, sore eyes, slight memory lapses, and reduced motivation. Since starting my course, I was initially much more energetic, which subsidized to what I consider feeling normal after a week or so. I have been having mild sleeping issues, almost like very light sleeping. My eyes are nearly back to normal again. I have tinnitus, which can be annoying, but is generally bearable. 60% of the time I wake feeling unrested and find it difficult to get out of bed, but a quick strong coffee cures that. I take my medication at 9:30 a.m. sharp, which works for me. In general, I feel much better, I am back at the gym 6 days a week and haven't felt the desire to skip gym days through feeling tired or unwell at all. Highly recommended."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C in February 2019. 56-year-old male. Started Epclusa April 22nd. After 31 days, had blood work. No signs of virus. I will finish the 90 days in July. Only real side effect: tiredness and fatigue about 2–3 PM each day. One pill daily at 7 AM. Miracle drug! Very happy. My insurance covers it all!"

• cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2024

For Hepatitis C "Hi, I'm on my last month of Epclusa, and I thought I was the only one to experience these severe side effects! Since I started taking the medication, I itch like crazy and now have a rash on my leg, and the stomach issues, forget about it. The headaches-I've never had such bad headaches in my whole life, and the fatigue and tiredness is unreal. My boss has had to take me home because my body would just not do anything! So, as for having hep C, it's uncanny, let alone having to deal with it. I would not recommend this drug by any means, especially if I have other issues with my liver and/or other organs already."

• Hep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I took Epclusa for 12 weeks. The first few weeks, I didn't have many side effects. After about a month, I started having a lot of weird dreams and not sleeping well. Began having fatigue and brain fog. I thought I was going to get through the 12 weeks with somewhat mild side effects. About the tenth week, I started having severe fatigue, severe memory issues (brain fog). I could not wait to get through the last three weeks. It almost had me demobilized."

• Hep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I took Epclusa for 12 weeks. The first few weeks, I didn't have many side effects. After about a month, I started having a lot of weird dreams and not sleeping well. Began having fatigue and brain fog. I thought I was going to get through the 12 weeks with somewhat mild side effects. About the tenth week, I started having severe fatigue, severe memory issues (brain fog). I could not wait to get through the last three weeks. It almost had me demobilized."

• Car...
• March 12, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I have genotype 1B (whatever that means) of Hep C. I'm 63 years young and found out 28 yrs. ago that I had Hep C. I've been on the treatment for 12 days. I've had some nausea along with some diarrhea. The worst part is fatigue, brain fog (big time), or is it depression? I do suffer from situational depression, so it could be that. Loss of appetite and weakness and very dry mouth. It's been such a short while, and I'm afraid of what's to come."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I'm 51 F Hep C type 2. I just started taking the Epclusa. I'm 8 days in. I was expecting to be sick from it, but NO!! First day, I felt less fatigue. Less pain. Not having any bad side effects, a little more gas, and I feel a little irritated. Not to be gross, but I noticed my stool looked dark green. I'm very pleased with the lack of side effects and hope it continues to be the same through treatment and, of course, that it's working and rids my body of this horrible virus. I pray for all of us every night that we get cured. I'll update when I do my blood work on week 4. God bless everyone."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Wanted to update my first post. The Epclusa for me has been awesome. Some fatigue and I have ringing in my ears (tinnitus?), but this has been mild. I have 18 days left to go, my numbers are good with no sign of hepatitis C. :) I knew I had it for a long time but was not insured, and the price was prohibitive, so I just lived with it. I had no idea how much of a mental burden that was until it was lifted. I am feeling healthy and free. If this is available to you and you're on the fence, just do it! To the people who are struggling, God bless and do not give up!"

• 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."

• Ilo...
• April 5, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I've had Hep C for 42 years, unknown to me. Had an ocular migraine and ended up in the hospital to find I had low platelets, which led to Hep C diagnosis. First month sick as can be: nausea, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. But after 4 weeks, no Hep C detected! I'm almost done with my second month, and symptoms wax and wane-mostly nausea and fatigue. Hoping that after the next month, my results are still perfect and that I am cured."

• Jym...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2017

For Hepatitis C "Second day on meds. I was so glad people took time to post a review on Epclusa, as now I am not worried about side effects and most who take this get cured. I do have that hangover feeling, fatigue, and I am tired, so thank you, people."

• 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."

• Aus...
• June 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "45-year-old male here with Hep C, genotype 3a. I had non-specific symptoms (malaise, brain fog, and fatigue, especially after waking in the morning) for around 6 months prior to Hep C diagnosis early December 2018. These symptoms progressively worsened but were manageable, however, I did notice my mood improve quickly after the first few days. I completed my 12-week course of Epclusa at the end of March but haven't received my SVR results for 12 weeks post-treatment yet. My fatigue and brain fog worsened over the first 2 months after treatment completion, yet were still manageable. I have had tinnitus since just before the end of treatment, which has not improved as yet but is manageable, if not annoying at times. Over the last 6 weeks, I have been feeling improvement with all my symptoms, especially brain fog. If you consider the alternative to treatment and look at the previous treatments that were available, completing a course of Epclusa is a wise decision for many reasons."

• Aus...
• June 17, 2019

For Hepatitis C "45-year-old male here with Hep C, genotype 3a. I had non-specific symptoms (malaise, brain fog, and fatigue, especially after waking in the morning) for around 6 months prior to Hep C diagnosis early December 2018. These symptoms progressively worsened but were manageable, however, I did notice my mood improve quickly after the first few days. I completed my 12-week course of Epclusa at the end of March but haven't received my SVR results for 12 weeks post-treatment yet. My fatigue and brain fog worsened over the first 2 months after treatment completion, yet were still manageable. I have had tinnitus since just before the end of treatment, which has not improved as yet but is manageable, if not annoying at times. Over the last 6 weeks, I have been feeling improvement with all my symptoms, especially brain fog. If you consider the alternative to treatment and look at the previous treatments that were available, completing a course of Epclusa is a wise decision for many reasons."

• F2f...
• January 13, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I just finished treatment. I am going for my blood work today. Overall, Epclusa was manageable, but I did experience very low energy days, brain fog, and insomnia. But I think that is a result of sleep deprivation. Mood fluctuations were extreme some days. Nonetheless, I feel hopeful. All blood work has been normal so far!"