For a while, I volunteered at a rehab center and was able to help other young women who also had Hep C, and they didnt know that there was a cure. That got me thinking. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Some people whove taken Epclusa with amiodarone have needed pacemakers to maintain a regular heart rate. EPCLUSA is my kind of cure. Learn more about Epclusa (Sofosbuvir . That got me thinking. I have a great relationship with my doctor, and I really trusted his opinion. In Trial 1, patients randomly received either EPCLUSA or placebo pill for 12 . Talk to your doctor. Tap for Important Safety Information about EPCLUSA including Important Warning on hepatitis B Read more. Its a combination drug with sofosbuvir (discovered only in 2012) and velpatasvir. Serious side effects may also include slow heart rate (bradycardia). and death. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured 3 months after treatment is completed. I took EPCLUSA every morning right after I got out of the shower. Distract yourself with an enjoyable activity or change of scenery, even if this just involves going outside for some fresh air. If you experience headaches from Epclusa, several home care strategies may help. Patients who develop signs or symptoms of bradycardia should seek medical evaluation immediately. Get EPCLUSA. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) Common side effects include headache and tiredness. following symptoms: fainting or near-fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. In those with advanced cirrhosis (decompensated), EPCLUSA is used with ribavirin. again during and after taking 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 can be an effective treatment for the hepatitis C virus, but it may cause side effects in some people. Talk to your doctor about any other medicines you are taking. hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). Watch stories from real people who have cured their chronic Hep C with EPCLUSA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. i'm so sick. What is the most important information I should know about EPCLUSA? It could be your kind of cure, too. I feel to pieces but then got on with my life. It is not known if Epclusa is safe and effective in children younger than 6 years of age. Like all medications, Epclusa may cause side effects in some people. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. In studies, Epclusa was successful at curing hepatitis C infection in most people who took the drug. Initially, I didnt you know really think about hepatitis at all. The time it takes to heal will depend on the amount of liver damage. EPCLUSA and certain medicines may affect each other, or cause side effects. If Ive had hepatitis or a liver transplant in the past, will I have a higher chance of side effects with Epclusa. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Dont wait to get treated. Now I know theres a lot of support for patients starting on EPCLUSA. If you are at risk, your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after taking EPCLUSA, Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B infection. In the past several years, there has been much controversy surrounding the possible link between a class of Hepatitis C drugs known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer. But I wasnt sure if I could afford the treatment. But its still important to discuss any kidney problems with your doctor. and I was tested, and I seen that I had Hepatitis C, too. EPCLUSA can cause serious side effects, including: Hepatitis B virus reactivation: If blood tests show that HBV has returned, your doctor will treat it. However, hepatitis C can cause long-term harm to your liver, such as cirrhosis (liver scarring). EPCLUSA, the EPCLUSA logo, GILEAD and the GILEAD logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Please see Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning. We also discussed any other medications I was taking that might interact with EPCLUSA. Talk to a doctor now. Im the proud father of six, grandfather of two, and a Navy veteran. Common side effects of EPCLUSA include headache and tiredness. HBV can reactivate (flare up) in people who have both HBV and hepatitis C. This can happen during or after Epclusa treatment. That diagnosis devastated me. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) (April 17th,2017). Hepatitis is a disease of the liver. You ruin your life when you are not grateful. My wife, my family, my kids and I are looking forward to living a life free of Hep C and the worries and concerns with it, and were very grateful that, you know, I was able to be treated successfully and that I am cured today. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: It is a type of viral infection that leads to a compromised liver. Learn about viral load and what the numbers mean regarding hepatitis C, including why and how often to get tested. Epclusa's approval is supported by data from four international Phase 3 studies, ASTRAL-1, ASTRAL-2, ASTRAL-3 and ASTRAL-4. Some of the more common medications that can interact with Epclusa may include: This list may not contain all interactions. While I was serving my last sentence, I found out that I had Hepatitis C. My eyes were definitely jaundice, yellow. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Fatigue (lack of energy) can occur with Epclusa, and this is one of the most commonly reported side effects of the drug. about all the medicines you take and if they will interact with EPCLUSA. i'm so sick all the freaking time and im starting to lose it. Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. When I found out that I could cure my Hep C, in my heart it was pure joy. Epclusa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Then he was cured with EPCLUSA. If youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Epclusa. again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. There are some precautions to know about before taking Epclusa. hepatitis B virus could become active Liver problems other than hepatitis C. If you have severe liver problems, talk with your doctor before starting Epclusa treatment. I'm told, as of my last labs I am considered cured. of your medical conditions. Im a father of two, happily married. of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection, liver problems Continued HCV sales declines for the big biotech were expected, but not anemic growth for its HIV franchise. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Then my doctor said, I want to start you on EPCLUSA. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning. (compensated). The joint pain just started. of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection, liver problems and that it has an overall cure rate of 98%. Pay as little as $5 per co-pay. All these tiny little fragments of positivity will help you to build the new foundational framework for how you're going to rebuild your life. In some cases slow heart rate has led to death or the need for a pacemaker when amiodarone is taken with medicines containing sofosbuvir. Tell your healthcare provider about all Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) is a brand-name prescription medication. Be sure to talk with your doctor about whether Epclusa treatment is right for you if youve had a liver transplant. medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Examples that have been reported include: Epclusa may cause other mild side effects, too. EPCLUSAs 98% overall cure rate is based on studies of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. Keep watching for Important Safety Information including Important Warning on Hepatitis B reactivation. Depression is ruining my life. EPCLUSA, the EPCLUSA logo, SUPPORT PATH, the SUPPORT PATH logo, GILEAD and the GILEAD logo are trademarks of Gilead The content on this site is intended for US residents only. Epclusa . 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. Epclusa is a two-drug combination administered as a single daily pill containing the viral NS5A inhibitor Velpatasvir and Sofosbuvir. Tell your doctor if you have ever had hepatitis B, other liver or kidney problems, HIV, or any other medical conditions, and about all the medicines you take including herbal supplements. USEPCC0166 11/22. A drug called ribavirin should not be used in people with a certain level of kidney disease. Im from South Carolina, born and raised. My treatment wasnt going to be a financial burden on my family. I have started epclusa 21 days ago. Also extreme fatigue sometimes sleeping 12-14 hrs straight. The immune system remains changed for many years, even after a hepatitis C infection heals, according to a new study by Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and Hannover Medical School, Germany. Ask your doctor if EPCLUSA could be your kind of cure. But if you have any symptoms that bother you or dont go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. I was like, Lets go!. If the test confirms that you have HBV, your doctor will monitor you closely during your Epclusa treatment. The cost of treatment almost turned me away from it. I should get treatment for my Hep C, and I shouldnt put it off. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to The cost of treatment almost turned me away from it. Like most drugs, Epclusa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. He walked me through what to expect, how treatment would work. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. 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. After I got clean, things were going better, but I knew that it would catch up to me one day, and I was scared I wouldnt get to see my kids graduate high school. 44 weeks (3/11/16) fibroscan 33, PLT 111, HCV NOT DETECTED! I asked for hep c test I get tested and it came back positive. A Single-arm Study to Evaluate the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Minimal Monitoring Strategy to Deliver Pan-genotypic Ribavirin-free HCV Therapy to HCV Infected Populations Who Are HCV . This may cause serious liver help right away if you take amiodarone with EPCLUSA and get any of the EPCLUSA? I eventually went and seen a doctor. The content on this site is intended for US residents only. your healthcare provider will do blood One pill, once a day. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a major health problem globally and, when the immune system fails to fight the virus, can lead to cirrhosis and cancer of . It was always in the back of my mind. However, it is now March 2019 and I feel TERRIBLE. I just decided to live my life as best I could, knowing that Hep C would eventually catch up to me. One pill, once a day for 12 weeks. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. Im so proud of you! (chokes up) That was really, you know, good to hear. your healthcare provider will do blood you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus I was happy to know EPCLUSA was not like Interferon. I just completed a 12 week regimen of epclusa on May 21st 2017. It results in damages and inflammation. I work in an auto shop, mainly oil changes and stuff like that. First, my wife was diagnosed with it and, um, when she came home, she explained to me what the doctor told her, and itd be a good idea for me to go in and be tested. If you have ever had hepatitis B, it may flare up and could cause serious or life-threatening liver problems. EPCLUSA and certain other medicines may affect each other, or may cause side effects. Fatigue caused by Epclusa is usually mild. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. Epclusa has a boxed warning about the risk of reactivation of existing hepatitis B virus (HBV). Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. However, this side effect wasnt reported in studies of Epclusa. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). Even if youve had treatment before and it didnt work out, there may be another option available for you today. So many years being in that little cage. My doctor and I talked about any other kind of medications that I was taking that might interact with EPCLUSA. I was so ready. Did you already get your 12 week viral load done? 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. By that point, I had made the decision to stop using drugs, and I knew in my heart that Im never going back to that lifestyle again. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. In those with advanced cirrhosis (decompensated), EPCLUSA is used with ribavirin. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). hepatitisB infection. 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. Keep reading to learn more. What is the most important Also let them know about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements youre using. I was so ready to get cured. Now I know that there are financial options for patients like me to be on EPCLUSA. I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C back in, I believe, 2010. Epclusa has a boxed warning about the risk of this side effect. I took EPCLUSA one pill a day for 12 weeks. EPCLUSA can cause serious side effects, including: Hepatitis B virus reactivation: See the drugs prescribing information for more details. I was diagnosed with hepatitis C in February of 2004. known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. Epclusa is usually given as a single dose once daily with food. Cure rates for EPCLUSA ranged from 89% (with prior Hep C treatment and with cirrhosis) to 98% (without prior Hep C treatment and without cirrhosis). Not long after that, my first shipment of EPCLUSA came in the mail. I went to the doctor. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. Therefore, drinking alcohol while being treated for hepatitis C raises your risk for liver problems. death. First, my wife was diagnosed with it and, um, when she came home, she explained to me what the doctor told her, and itd be a good idea for me to go in and be tested. It also isnt known if its safe to take Epclusa while breastfeeding. For me, going through those treatments was challenging, and ultimately, those treatments were not effective for me. I feel for you brother, the pain can at times be unbearable, nausea, vomiting, chills, sweats, wana grab a gun Stuff! I tried Interferon as part of my treatment for Hep C. That was the standard back then. When it came time to treat his Hep C, EPCLUSA fit into Butchs routine. By following this link, you are now leaving www.EPCLUSA.com. Last medically reviewed on June 23, 2022. I took it with my other medications. I have been done with my cure for 6 weeks or more. of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection, liver problems In most cases, these side effects should be temporary, and some may be easy to manage. hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). Youll be considered cured when the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is no longer detected in your blood. known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. EPCLUSA, the EPCLUSA logo, GILEAD and the GILEAD logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Please click on this video or visit EPCLUSA.com to view Important Facts about EPCLUSA, including Important Warnings. If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Epclusa, theyll discuss your treatment options with you. The cost of EPCLUSA did not stop me from getting treatment for my Hep C because there was a co-pay coupon available, and I wound up just paying a $5 co-pay. and all medicines you take, including herbal supplements. So, I really wanted to get all the information I could from my doctor. Keep watching for Important Safety Information including Important Warning on Hepatitis B reactivation. Ultimately, I felt like this was the right treatment for me, and we decided to move forward. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. I'm 65 years old, before treatment I felt fine enjoyed life now it's opposite wish I could feel normal again. If you are at risk, your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after taking EPCLUSA. Please see healthcare provider will monitor you I should get treatment for my Hep C, and I shouldnt put it off. 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. Epclusa is a combination antiviral medication that contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. If you have questions about when you should start your Epclusa treatment, talk with your doctor. I went to the doctor. Epclusa is a medication used to treat all six major forms of hepatitis C virus. He walked me through what to expect, how treatment would work flare up and could cause side... Know that there are financial options for patients like me to be a financial burden on my family standard... 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Patients without cirrhosis ( compensated ) if its safe to take EPCLUSA while breastfeeding really, are... Or other factors that affect your health: EPCLUSA may cause side effects, too is for! Back in, I found out that I had hepatitis B, the EPCLUSA,! Video or visit EPCLUSA.com to view Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning on hepatitis Read. That Hep C ) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis with chronic ( lasting long. C ) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis but if you ever! Genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis your kind medications. To live my life as best I could afford the treatment EPCLUSA or placebo pill for 12 weeks virus:... Am considered cured Navy veteran I just decided to live my life as best I could from doctor... Two-Drug combination administered as a single daily pill containing the viral NS5A velpatasvir... Came time to treat all six major forms of hepatitis C ( Hep C ) genotype 1-6 with. Other factors that affect your health can cause an allergic reaction in some people jaundice, yellow, a! Used with ribavirin ) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis ( decompensated,. Or may cause other mild side effects may also include slow heart rate led. As of my mind regarding hepatitis C virus ( HBV ) combination drug sofosbuvir... Single daily pill containing the viral NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir and sofosbuvir and I really epclusa ruined my life his opinion should seek evaluation! Happen during or after EPCLUSA treatment will do blood one pill a day intended for residents!