Tami's Nomadic RV Life 7.39K subscribers Post Epclusa Side Effects are next to none, just a slowing of my metabolism, i have gained 3 to 5 pounds, which is more than I wanted, but than i have. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information was given to me yesterday by my specialist,Dr.Atif Zaman of O.H.S.U. Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured 3 months after treatment is completed. Back when I was 19, I was involved in a really bad car wreck, and I was in pretty bad shape. Your doctor might prescribe a drug with Epclusa to help treat your hepatitis C. Liver transplant. Then he was cured with EPCLUSA. Im so proud of you! (chokes up) That was really, you know, good to hear. This could last even after your hepatitis C infection is cured. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured three months after treatment is completed. Stop catastrophizing the situation. Keep watching for Important Safety Information including Important Warning on Hepatitis B reactivation. Therefore, drinking alcohol while being treated for hepatitis C raises your risk for liver problems. However, this side effect wasnt reported in studies. I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C back in, I believe, 2010. death. Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Serious side effects may also include slow heart rate (bradycardia). You can see this article for more information about Epclusas interactions. I wanted to numb just the pain that I had inside me. Tell your healthcare provider about all Hepatitis C virus occurs in several varieties (genotypes), and Epclusa can be used to treat hepatitis C caused by all genotypes of the virus. I used to be a drug addict. I want people to know that you can do something about Hep C. No matter how long ago you was diagnosed even if you dont have any symptoms you shouldnt put it off. Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection or liver problems other than hepatitis C infection; if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis; if you have HIV; or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. If Like all medications, Epclusa may cause side effects in some people. It is not known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. I found out I was genotype 2. For more details, see the Side effects explained section below. In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, who need to take ribavirin along with Epclusa, the most common side effects were mild to moderate fatigue, anemia, nausea, headache, insomnia, and diarrhea. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe, how soon after starting that dosage you had the side effect, any other information you feel is important. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. When my doctor told me I also had it, the room went dark, all my thoughts. What are the serious side effects of Epclusa? In those with advanced cirrhosis (decompensated), EPCLUSA is used with ribavirin. Draining your life and focusing all your attention on wealth can make you distraught. I mentioned that I was concerned about the cost, and they told me about the EPCLUSA co-pay program. I took EPCLUSA every morning right after I got out of the shower. However, this side effect wasnt reported in studies of Epclusa. This medication may be prescribed for other uses. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their A few to try include: Over-the-counter pain medications can be another way to relieve headaches. I eventually went and seen a doctor. In some cases slow heart rate has led to death or the need for a pacemaker when amiodarone is taken with medicines . Side effects were not a problem for me, but everyones experience with EPCLUSA may be different. When used to treat advanced cirrhosis (decompensated cirrhosis), Epclusa is to be given in combination with ribavirin . If you experience headaches from Epclusa, several home care strategies may help. 1-800-FDA-1088. I am starting my Epclusa this week I hope - granted everything goes well with my insurance. Having that lower copay made it affordable for me. Patient images are actor portrayals unless otherwise My side effects were headaches, not excruciating but headaches nonetheless. I work in an auto shop, mainly oil changes and stuff like that. Boy, if I could take a pill or injection, Im gonna pick the pill everyevery time. Epclusa is a brand-name prescription drug that's used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) in adults and certain children. I dont know that I could have done it any other way. Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. You know, liver disease, Hep C, thats not a very pretty thing, and my biggest fear was that my kids or my wife would have to watch me, you know, go through that. and all medicines you take, including herbal supplements. I really trusted my doctor. Examples of these activities include: After HCV treatment, you may want to take certain steps to help you stay on track toward your health and wellness goals. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause serious slowing of your heart rate. A drug called ribavirin should not be used in people with a certain level of kidney disease. So, from the time I was diagnosed to the time that I started treatment, it was only like a month. I asked my doctor if I could take EPCLUSA with my other medications, and he said yes. Ask your doctor if EPCLUSA could be your kind of cure. But its possible to get a hepatitis C infection again. Get medical help right away if you take amiodarone with EPCLUSA and get any of the following symptoms: fainting or near-fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, not feeling well, weakness, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pains, confusion, or memory problems. Epclusa belongs to a class of drugs called HCV NS5A Inhibitors; HCV Polymerase Inhibitors. My wife was cured with EPCLUSA as well. If Epclusa has been prescribed for your child, please note that all the information in this leaflet . If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active He walked me through what to expect, how treatment would work. Before starting EPCLUSA, your doctor will test if you have had hepatitis B, which may flare up and could cause serious liver problems, during and after treatment. of your medical conditions. sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (Epclusa) Patient Input Submission - Canadian Liver Foundation 4 don't eat wrong foods as they keep me up as well. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Hear how treatment was affordable for Frank with EPCLUSA. I was cured! Theres no email. As a former addict, I know that Ill always be working on my recovery, but uhm, I dont have any desire to use drugs ever again. This may cause serious Please see Important Facts for Important Warning on hepatitis B reactivation on EPCLUSA.com. The active drugs in Epclusa (velpatasvir and sofosbuvir) are cleared from your system in 3 to 5 days after your last dose. Here are seven things to expect. Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection, liver problems other than hepatitis C infection, or a liver transplant; if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis; if you have HIV; or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter If you become pregnant while taking the drug, call your doctor right away. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). And, at the time, they were basically saying that there really wasnt any sure-fire method of curing Hep C, so I was extremely concerned. not sure what i am doing. EPCLUSA is a prescription drug that treats chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is not known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. I was excited that I could take this medication and have a high hope for cure. I was hospitalized for a few days and received several blood transfusions. But, um, the side effects were too much for me, and I had to stop taking it. However because genotype 3 has proven to be a difficult genotype of Hep C to cure it is worth considering doing more than 12 weeks treatment with Epclusa if you are treating genotype 3. The FDA granted Epclusa a Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designation, which is given to investigational medicines that may offer major advances in treatment over existing options. Sometimes when I just see the sunset or the sky, how awesome it is, or the leaves falling, you know, it all represents, you know, freedom for me. Symptoms may include near-fainting or fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, My doctor monitored me virtually throughout the course of my treatment. The HBV can reactivate (flare up) in people who have both HBV and hepatitis C. Infection with HBV causes swelling and damage to your liver. It had been so difficult and such a journey. The hepatitis C virus causes damage to your liver even if you cant feel it. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: We need to get you on some kind of treatment now. And thats when he told me about EPCLUSA. I have been done with my cure for 6 weeks or more. Questions that you may want to ask your doctor include: For hepatitis C resources and support, visit help4hep.org or call 877-Help-4-Hep (877-435-7443). I thought that for the rest of my life I was going to have to take medication and wasnt gonna be cured. In general, starting treatment with Epclusa as soon as possible is the best choice for your health. It was a big relief. I knew I needed to take care of myself and treat my Hep C. Then, one day I started seeing ads for EPCLUSA. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. EPCLUSAs 98% overall cure rate is based on studies of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you. Some people may have mild or serious side effects while taking Epclusa. and I was tested, and I seen that I had Hepatitis C, too. In most cases, these are usually mild, but serious side effects are possible. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I spent at least 25 years of my life behind bars. medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. and I was tested, and I seen that I had Hepatitis C, too. Yes, Epclusa can interact with many other medications. Im as happy as can be when Im at home, hanging out with my family and friends, washing my car, cutting my grass, stuff like that. If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Epclusa, theyll discuss your treatment options with you. After your infection is cured, avoid certain activities that may raise the risk of getting a hepatitis C infection again. An advocate answers questions about the barriers Hispanic and Latinx people face in receiving hepatitis C treatment and the changes that need to be. What are the mild side effects of Epclusa? Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. Cure means the Hep C virus is not detectable in the blood when measured three months after treatment is completed. With the co-pay coupon, it made it affordable for me. Even if youve had treatment before and it didnt work out, there may be another option available for you today. My name is Christopher. tests to check for hepatitis B infection. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. If youre enrolled in Medicaid, hepatitis C treatment coverage varies from state to state. It may take your body a while to heal and recover from hepatitis C infection. It was like a burden off my shoulders. For adults with chronic Hep C genotype 1-6 without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. Slow heart rate (bradycardia): By following this link, you are now leaving www.EPCLUSA.com. See terms & conditions. That got me thinking. Taking certain other drugs with Epclusa can make your hepatitis C treatment less effective. It was a simple treatment regimen: One pill once a day for 12 weeks. After all that time, I wanted to be cured of my Hep C and put it behind me. Common side effects include headache and tiredness. If youve had an allergic reaction to Epclusa or any of its ingredients, you shouldnt take it. Fatigue caused by Epclusa is usually mild. Back in 2005, when I found out I had Hep C, it was harder for patients to get cured. Watch stories from real people who have cured their chronic Hep C with EPCLUSA. My doctor felt confident in recommending EPCLUSA. EPCLUSA and certain other medicines may affect each other, or Fatigue (lack of energy) can occur with Epclusa, and this is one of the most commonly reported side effects of the drug. should know about EPCLUSA? I was diagnosed with hepatitis C in February of 2004. 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epclusa ruined my life