Epclusa and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Jon...
• March 24, 2018

For Hepatitis C "Been on Epclusa for 7 weeks now, had bloods done at week 4 which showed not detected. I've had Hep C type 1a for at least 24 years, could be longer, had a blood test for insurance come back as Hep C, I was shocked. Now lying in bed at 1:33 AM can’t sleep, but very tired, feeling down too, sore bones, it’s weird, mouth tastes of metal, another 5 weeks to go, hope I’m cured. Thanks to the Australian government for putting this on PBS, Hep C is a real hard one, I always felt dirty because of it. I quit drinking, not a drop since Xmas 2017, my family was amazed that I did not have even a drop on Xmas day. Quit smoking too, been two months, not one cigarette, that was easy giving up, and I had smoked for 50 years, never thought I could do it, but with the hope of a cure I went the whole hog, lost 12 kg too, I just eat clean now. I was in the gym and on my bike all the time, but stopped now as I’m too exhausted. My mind is in a fog sometimes too. Weird. GOD be with you."

• 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."

• Rob...
• December 2, 2017

For Hepatitis C "The side effects were severe: I became extremely exhausted and weak. The exhaustion was beyond any form of tiredness imaginable. Month 2 and 3 were the worst. I slept for 12 hours at night and 4 hours in the afternoon. I also had extreme body temperature-very hot at night. I had to sleep with a wet towel around my neck. I did not experience headaches. My treatment ended in August. All Hep C is gone. I am slowly recovering my strength. Good luck!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Amm...
• September 10, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I am at 3 weeks today, and I have noticed I do have a headache pretty much all of the time, and the pain in my lower back is starting to get pretty bad. There are the occasional muscle aches, and I am noticeably much more tired, but even all of this is okay with 2 Excedrin. I have not noticed any changes in mood, even being on antidepressants. I am just grateful!"

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I’m grateful for this med. But the side effects for me were immediate. The first thing I noticed is my libido was gone! And my feelings of intimacy and being happy, etc., with myself/my girlfriend were gone against my will. I love her more than anything. After 2-1/2 years together, it tore our relationship apart! She thought it was me and not the medicine feeling how I was. I couldn’t work and barely got out of bed the entire time! I think it messed up my hormones. I was depressed, lazy, tired, unhappy, body ache, bad ear ringing, headache, like a zombie. I felt like I was 90, and I’m only 30 (in pretty good shape too). My girlfriend left me over how I was being/feeling (or not feeling). I’m afraid she isn’t coming back because she doesn’t believe this medicine messed me up to that extent. With all my heart, it truly did. I’ve never felt this way in my whole life. Now I’m off it, I’m feeling better SLOWLY. If I knew this would tear my relationship apart, I'd have waited."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I’m grateful for this med. But the side effects for me were immediate. The first thing I noticed is my libido was gone! And my feelings of intimacy and being happy, etc., with myself/my girlfriend were gone against my will. I love her more than anything. After 2-1/2 years together, it tore our relationship apart! She thought it was me and not the medicine feeling how I was. I couldn’t work and barely got out of bed the entire time! I think it messed up my hormones. I was depressed, lazy, tired, unhappy, body ache, bad ear ringing, headache, like a zombie. I felt like I was 90, and I’m only 30 (in pretty good shape too). My girlfriend left me over how I was being/feeling (or not feeling). I’m afraid she isn’t coming back because she doesn’t believe this medicine messed me up to that extent. With all my heart, it truly did. I’ve never felt this way in my whole life. Now I’m off it, I’m feeling better SLOWLY. If I knew this would tear my relationship apart, I'd have waited."

• 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."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2018

For Hepatitis C "I just started this 3 days ago, and the word fatigue should be replaced with pure and utter exhaustion. I have gen 3a with 1,170,000 viral load, so it seems low in comparison to what I've read here. I took the dreaded interferon/ribavirin in '05, which almost killed me, and I had to DC 5 weeks out of 6 month tx due to pneumonia. I had to have blood work every 10 days, and it showed negative for hep C the entire time I was on it, which my GI said was normal. The 12-week post-tx labs are the ones to watch. I wish everyone so much luck!"

• Mal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I just finished taking Epclusa on December 29, 2020, and I didn't have a lot of side effects during my treatment. I was a little more tired and had headaches now and then, but besides that, I was fine. Now that I finished the treatment, I'm having muscle aches, ringing in my ears, and I'm more tired than usual. I go for my blood work on March 31, 2021, and I'm hoping and praying that I am cured!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Lay...
• December 12, 2020

For Hepatitis C "Male. Age 70. Got Hep C in the 70s. Could be longer because. Found out I had it in 2004. Entered a drug trial for interferon/ribavirin. Lasted 20 weeks on that and quit because of delusional thoughts, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, exhaustion, aches, pains. I actually lost my job because I couldn’t cope with everyday tasks. My virus count went from 40 million to 2,000 and ALT/AST went to 3. I was informed by the doctor that if I had not cleared the virus in 20 weeks, I would not be cured by the end of the trial. So, I quit. My ALT/AST has stayed within normal range. And my viral load is still up and down but not over 40 million. Now that there are cures, I was thinking of trying a cure. My doctor is asking me to try Epclusa. But after reading all the reviews here, I don’t think it’s any better than the interferon/ribavirin (maybe worse). 12 weeks on this stuff might be easy. If I decide to take it, I’ll come back and leave a message. May the good Lord bless you."

• non...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2024

For Hepatitis C "I took Epclusa for 3 months for Hep C. Now, 1 and a half years later, I still have dizziness and no energy. After 4-5 hours, I have to lay down and sleep. It killed the virus but seems to be affecting me at the same time. I pray tomorrow will be better."

• Bon...
• September 20, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I took Epclusa in 2019. At first, I was in pain and bleeding a little from the bowels. I took it easy after that, sleeping a lot, finished all the medication. And now I feel like a million bucks and look better (color). I still get tired easy, and it didn’t do a thing for my arthritis, :( but I do feel better knowing the virus is out of my body and I will live longer, thanks to everyone involved, and cross fingers there are no long-term effects. Peace ✌️"

• Tan...
• September 28, 2020

For Hepatitis C "I've been taking Epclusa for about one month. The only side effect is tiredness. I do eat a good-sized meal and drink water when I take the medicine to prevent nausea. I'll have my first lab this week."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2024

For Hepatitis C "Epclusa cleared my Hep C in 12 weeks. Simple to use. Dose was one pill at the same time every day. I had been infected with the virus 56 years before, so to me, this was a miracle cure. The side effects were extreme tiredness, no appetite, brain fog, insomnia, diarrhea, and depressed mood. I was never anemic, probably because I had severe Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) with major iron build-up in my liver, which was the reason I went to the doctor in the first place. My major obstacle to treatment was the cost of the drug. I considered leaving the country for treatment, as the cost in America is outrageous. However, with the help of a foundation and a manageable co-pay, my Medicare paid for the treatment."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2021

For Hepatitis C "Finished Epclusa treatment, and the second blood test was negative. I have to wait until I have insurance for the third and final blood test. I do have cirrhosis. The worst side effect is exhaustion. Be sure to eat with the medication and drink plenty of water. It works! The tiredness is worth it. I'm starting to build up a little more energy. Coffee made me miserable with the meds. Good luck!"

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2021

For Hepatitis C "Finished Epclusa treatment, and the second blood test was negative. I have to wait until I have insurance for the third and final blood test. I do have cirrhosis. The worst side effect is exhaustion. Be sure to eat with the medication and drink plenty of water. It works! The tiredness is worth it. I'm starting to build up a little more energy. Coffee made me miserable with the meds. Good luck!"

• ads...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I was diagnosed with hepatitis C genotype 3 in early 2017. After jumping through hoops, I was approved for Epclusa at little cost to myself. I remember the first few weeks being tired and having a bit of a headache. Beyond those symptoms, I had a relatively smooth experience. I had follow-up lab work a week, 1 month, and 3 months post-medication, and the virus was no longer detectable in my blood. For reference, in 2018, I was a 105 lb female aged 27. I had little to no cirrhosis. I went on to have a healthy pregnancy and baby in 2019, with no complications to my child whatsoever in reference to the hepatitis. Overall, I would take it again if given the chance over again."

• 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."

• Jmo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2023

For Hepatitis C "I am 8 weeks in treatment and have had no real side effects. I find that if I don’t eat a full meal when I take it at 6 PM every day, I get a bit of what feels like acid reflux. From the reviews I’m reading, tiredness is a common side effect, but I recommend taking it at night like I do since you should be tired before bed anyway! I wake up just fine, no depression, no anxiety. I’ve been clean from IV heroin use for 6 years, so I’m long past the emotional roller coaster of that time. I am 33 years old (6’ 1”, 180 lbs, and go to the gym maybe 3 times a month). I also was able to obtain the full treatment for free with basic insurance and a copay coupon from the Epclusa website."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2021

For Hepatitis C "I started Epclusa on May 18th, 2021. I am supposed to be done in August, so I have been taking it for about a month and a half now. In the beginning, I was okay. I could tell that the medicine was fighting the virus, but after a month and a half of taking it daily, I feel extremely tired and my body hurts, making it hard to get out of bed every morning. My only thoughts on this are because maybe my body is just tired from fighting for over a month. I have a little depression, but I think that's because I don't feel like myself and I can't do as much as I used to do. I find myself resting a lot. I am grateful I was approved for this medication, and my liver is back to normal from before I had HCV 8 years ago. My advice: just keep pushing forward. I do have to say, I am ready for the 12 weeks to be over. All my positive vibes to everyone who has to go through this treatment. It's doable and definitely worth the side effects."