Epclusa and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Sto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I have 5 days left of Epclusa. The first two months I experienced some headaches and tiredness. This 3rd month is really taking a toll on me though. The headaches are worse, and I have no energy. I’ve felt too weak to even go to work for the past week. The worst part is I feel like I’m losing my mind. I don’t know if it’s depression or anxiety or what, but it’s definitely very difficult to function in a normal, healthy way."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2019

For Hepatitis C "The first 3 weeks of using Epclusa was insane... I was incredibly tired & nauseous. Like a mix of morning sickness and the worst hangover of your life. I used the comfort meds for the entire 90-day ordeal. However, now 3 months after my treatment I am still hep-free, and am living a normal healthy life. I have no lingering side effects. Mentally, it was refreshing... like the last trace of damage I had done while being in active addiction had been erased. Like I now have a clean slate. It has been an incredible gift, despite the 90 days of wanting to throw up. I would 100% do it again. It was worth it."

• Aan...
• January 13, 2021

For Hepatitis C "On my 2nd month with about 7 pills left. 3rd month was denied, but I had to reach out to Gilead, I think it was, and they gave me a coupon. Instead of the $3,700, which I could not pay, it will be 5 bucks for me, thank goodness it worked out. 27 years old, had hep C for about roughly 6 to 7 years. Was just tested 3 days ago, viral load is undetectable. My side effects: Extremely tired, so so so tired. Terrible headaches. Random weird sores. Ringing in ears. Random neck pain. Pain in lower back. Extreme hunger in the morning mixed with extreme sickness. Some diarrhea. Mood swings. Irritability. BRAIN FOG AND CONFUSION IS THE WORST, itchiness. I'm getting it all ways but in the end, it's worth it. Also, I get up at 2 am every day and work about a 10 to 11-hour shift and come home to my baby after and do not get to bed till 8 or 9, so I understand that is a lot on my body while fighting this also. Anyways, hopefully this helps someone stay strong and keep fighting!!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Took my last dose of Epclusa in the morning. I have to say, the last week, I felt really tired, but if I had to do it all over again, I would. I will be going to my doctor in two weeks, and I will let everyone know the results. Before Epclusa, I was a very sick person, in and out of the hospital every month. Since I started this med, I have felt better and haven't been in the hospital. I feel much better, don't hesitate to take this medicine. Drink plenty of water and take a daily walk. I wish I had done this before my liver had been damaged. Happy with the treatment."

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I’m on my 34th day of taking Epclusa, a little over 4 weeks. I thought I was going to be sick in my first two weeks, but I wasn’t. Just some tiredness and headaches on and off. Please, don’t worry about Epclusa. For me, it’s been awesome. I wish I had done this forty years ago."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I’m almost 12 weeks on Epclusa, and to say it’s been hard would be an understatement. I’ve been beyond tired, I’ve tried taking the medication both in the morning and at night. I’ve found that at night works best for me. I’ve become extremely irritable and depressed. I’ve also recently had this weird hormonal issue where my boobs hurt, and I have acne (not even close to having my period nor pregnant). I never got any headaches or ear ringing, so that’s a plus. I know it’s all going to be worth it in the end, and I would not have done things any differently. For those of you reading through hundreds of reviews, like myself-know that it will get better. I also have to take it for 3 months due to having type 3. Cheers to being hep C free. I received the medication for free through Support Path, also Gilead. Look into it if you don’t have insurance!"

• Jon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I took my last pill today after completing 3 months. I had HCV genotype 3 for about 27 years. During treatment, I felt tired in the afternoon and after doing any exercise. I'd take a nap for a few hours, then I'd feel pretty good. No tinnitus, but sometimes when relaxing, I'd feel numbness in my hands or fingers. It didn't last long. Overall, I am very happy with Epclusa. Prior to treatment, I'd read all these horrible stories about side effects. Thankfully, whatever side effects I had were not too bad. My blood work at 4 weeks came back as virus undetected, so after 2 more months on the medication, I am hoping that all the little hiders have been destroyed."

• 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!"

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I'm 2 weeks off of finishing the Epclusa drug. I'm so exhausted all the time. I hurt all over, even doing nothing leaves me in physical pain and physically exhausted. I was not sick before I started, but have been sick since the first tablet. I have headaches, weird dreams, pain in my feet, pain in my legs, pain in my back. Sleeping only helps for a couple of hours, can barely leave the house. If this doesn't work, I'm never going to take anything else."

• JAa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I've just started my first pill 3 days ago. I was really scared trying this pill because of the side effects that I've been reading. Day 1 was really bad, headache and felt really tired. Day 2 was a bit better, no headache but still tired. But I realized that I just didn't get enough sleep, that's why I felt tired. Because after I took a nap in the afternoon during day 2, I felt really good. Hopefully, it gets better. I will post more if any more side effects kick in. All in all, I just want to live a healthy life for my wife and kids. Good luck, everyone."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I have been taking Epclusa now for 4 weeks, and the main side effects are as they say: nausea (but haven’t actually thrown up, just a strong feeling) and extreme tiredness (you’ll sleep for a couple of days if you're not on a schedule). Your fluid intake needs to double with this medication!! I’ve been having diarrhea, and it is very easy to get dehydrated, which can cause other problems. Other side effects have been tolerable. I have genotype 1a chronic hepatitis C. And before taking this medicine, I was very weak, and the brain fog was so extreme it had me depressed. Now the cloud is starting to clear, and my strength is coming back too. I too was nervous about taking it, as we all are, but it is worth it to me so I can have a fresh start. Good luck!!!"

• Rei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was really scared to take the treatment at first but got into it. I have tiredness every day and a few headaches, but manageable. I took it every morning at 9 am for the 12 weeks. I was lucky, I had a very good nurse and pharmacist on my team. Hope I get the all clear on my last blood test in Dec 2019, things are looking good so far. I hope you all have a good journey. Good luck to all."

• Tha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I am on day 4, and I feel GREAT! I had to check right back in because I haven't felt like this in years! The medication makes me tired, but not as bad as my Hep C. I am genotype 1 and don't know my viral load. I am so thankful for Gilead's scientists for developing this LIFESAVING medicine. Words cannot express how grateful I am for being able to finally get this medication. Yesterday, I was able to finally take my grandchildren to the store and buy them a present. Before the medication, I could not even leave my house, and yesterday was a gift. THANK YOU! I hope and pray everyone with Hep C is given this opportunity to receive this lifesaving medication. Hopefully, the cost will go down so everyone can have a new lease on life. I will check in after my first blood test. Good luck to everyone, I am truly THANKFUL! And thank everyone for your feedback, especially the drinking water part, it truly helps!"

• Gyp...
• February 13, 2019

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with Hep C on 12/19/18. My healthcare provider was just as shocked as I was, no history of INDU or IVDU, no blood transfusions. Never had any blood work with elevated liver numbers or anything to cause concern. Several tattoos and piercings done in my youth could be a source, and shared grooming tools with an ex-partner. Specialist said I’ve most likely been infected 5-10 years. I have genotype 1A, a viral load of 1.5 million. I’ve been taking Epclusa for 7 days. I read most of the user reviews on this blog and was somewhat skeptical about starting. The success rate of being cured far outweighs any doubt I have. The only side effects thus far have been nausea (waves within an hour), headache (I then followed the increased water intake advice, which seems to help), and unusual tiredness (increases each day), and the strangest effect: I have lost my sense of taste! It’s maddening. All of these symptoms/effects are tolerable."

• ama...
• February 26, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I'm on my last 27 days of this medicine. I was told no side effects except for maybe headaches. The longer I've been on it, the worse it's gotten. I cry every day I have to take it, have migraines daily, can't sleep, and when I do, I get awful nightmares. I also am having bad abdominal pains, feeling freezing cold, muscle aches, weakness, shortness of breath, dry mouth, and feeling tired all the time and irritable, feel depressed, and emotionally unstable. I wasn't expecting this. I got blood work done today since the side effects have doubled just this last month. Had no issues feeling sick with my Hepatitis C prior, but my levels were elevated, so I decided to treat it. I think I made a grave mistake."

• Fiz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I am into day 36 of 84-day (12 weeks) treatment. An hour after taking my first dose, I could definitely feel the medication coursing through my body. The first 14 days were the worst. Some headache, slight depression. I started feeling much better after 3 weeks. I had blood work done after 30 days, and ALT and AST are way down. I feel much better, and the incredible burning itches I had before treatment started have stopped. It can tire you, but a nap can really help. My appetite has gone through the roof, which is a good thing for me. I am really optimistic about beating this. I have had HCV since the mid-1980s. Here's hoping that the rest of my treatment goes well. Good luck to everyone!"

• 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!"

• Hop...
• April 25, 2019

For Hepatitis C "Finished my last dose of Epclusa on March 15, and was weak, but a month later I am so tired and weak it's hard to do anything. I feel like all of my energy has been sucked from my body! I am completely miserable! I'm worried and wondering if anyone else has these symptoms? Literally in bed 24/7!"

• 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."

• Tre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Finished my 12-week treatment 4 days ago on the 25th of July 2018. No side effects the whole treatment, in fact, I have never felt so good. This morning, I woke up feeling really sore, aching, and tired, but not sick, grumpy, and irritable. I didn’t realize there may be some form of withdrawals from the medication, but it makes sense. I have stayed healthy, worked no less than 4 times a week since starting treatment. Today, I feel exhausted, horrible, and depressed. I'm hoping this feeling goes away. I will update in a week or so. I’m still saying 10/10 because I’m so thankful to have been able to use this medication."

• Tre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Finished my 12-week treatment 4 days ago on the 25th of July 2018. No side effects the whole treatment, in fact, I have never felt so good. This morning, I woke up feeling really sore, aching, and tired, but not sick, grumpy, and irritable. I didn’t realize there may be some form of withdrawals from the medication, but it makes sense. I have stayed healthy, worked no less than 4 times a week since starting treatment. Today, I feel exhausted, horrible, and depressed. I'm hoping this feeling goes away. I will update in a week or so. I’m still saying 10/10 because I’m so thankful to have been able to use this medication."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I do not usually Google side effects, etc., for fear of psychosomatic symptoms, but after 6 weeks on the drug, I am losing my mind. It is a relief to read these reviews. Headaches (when I rarely had them prior), absolutely no energy. Weight loss - the nightmare begins when I try to sleep - sleep? LOL - massive insomnia. My feet and hands tingle, resulting in my having to walk around. The tingling disappears when I move. Anxiety, depression, unable to focus - I am on my way to secure a Valium script :("

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I am a 46-year-old woman, and I have had Hep C genotype 4A for 29 years, with thankfully very little liver damage so far (it probably helps that I quit drinking 25 years ago). Tonight is my sixth night since starting the Epclusa—I had bizarrely dry lips the first two days despite drinking copious amounts of water (so dry they sort of tingled), but that seems to have passed. My main side effects so far are terribly raging mood swings and tiredness. But also I have a 16-month-old toddler, and we are living in a pandemic, and I work a pretty taxing job, so... who knows! I also just got a Covid vaccine three days ago, and there is definitely no data whether that might also be contributing. No other side effects so far, which is great because I was very worried about headaches and nausea. Feeling very grateful we all get to try this rather than the horrors of interferon. Will report back whether anything changes with the moodiness/fatigue."

• Cen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2017

For Hepatitis C "I am halfway through my 12 weeks. The side effects I've had are headaches almost daily, mainly in the evening. Most of my joints have discomfort/pain in my upper body. These issues are tolerable by all means. I do get exhausted easily. I did my first blood test last week, and it appears that the virus is gone. I am getting anemia according to the test as well. So far, none of these side effects are horrible, just annoying. Keeping the prayers going for us. Will update more later."