What is the most important information I If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. At first, Chris was uncertain about Hep C treatment. Epclusa contains two antiviral ingredients, sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, and may be used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children aged at least three years old. a medicine used to treat certain heart problems, may cause slow heart rate. My hep c is at zero viral count but my stage 4 chirrous is still with me. It comes as a tablet and as pellets, both of which you take by mouth. Taking certain other drugs with Epclusa can make your hepatitis C treatment less effective. 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. 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. 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. Patient images are actor portrayals unless otherwise If you become pregnant while taking the drug, call your doctor right away. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Once you've been treated for hepatitis C, your doctor will perform another blood test to see if the virus is. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) effects of EPCLUSA? Indeed, in clinical trials, very few people0.2% discontinued treatment due to side effects, and real-world experience has been similar. A granule formulation of Epclusa is available for the treatment of . Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B infection. EPCLUSA was approved by the FDA IN 2016. Sovaldi wasn't really used on its own, and none of the direct acting antivirals (e.g. pains, confusion, or memory problems. 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. Talk with your doctor to see if Epclusa could interact with any treatments you take. They didnt know that treatment was available, and they didnt think it was possible for them or affordable for them. Talk with your doctor about which are safe for you to take. I knew I needed to take care of myself and treat my Hep C. Then, one day I started seeing ads for EPCLUSA. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. Epclusa's approval is supported by data from four international Phase 3 studies, ASTRAL-1, ASTRAL-2, ASTRAL-3 and ASTRAL-4. In most cases, these side effects should be temporary, and some may be easy to manage. Im the proud father of six, grandfather of two, and a Navy veteran. In some cases slow heart rate has led to death or the need for a pacemaker And, as a result of that, I acquired hepatitis. I guess its a death sentence but lost almost three months of my life in a daze. Some people may experience mild side effects while taking Epclusa. pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter I mentioned that I was concerned about the cost, and they told me about the EPCLUSA co-pay program. Drugs got me in a lot of trouble. Find out how your diet. Epclusa is a very well-tolerated medication with minimal side effects. The content on this site is intended for US residents only. The recommended dose of Epclusa in paediatric patients aged 3 years and above is based on weight as detailed in Table 3 (see section 5.2). Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Talk with your doctor to learn more. Fatigue caused by Epclusa is usually mild. I got a phone call from the doctors office, and they said that I was cured. (compensated). If youd like to notify the FDA about a side effect youve had with Epclusa, visit MedWatch. Hepatitis C virus occurs in several varieties (genotypes), and Epclusa can be used to treat hepatitis C caused by all genotypes of the virus. The most common side effects of EPCLUSA in adults include headache and tiredness. It was such an amazing feeling! Brittany was surprised to find out that she could cure her Hep C with just one pill a day for 12 weeks on EPCLUSA. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious and can include: If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. It may also be helpful to connect with others who are coping with hepatitis C. For more information, visit help4hep.org or call 877-Help-4-Hep (877-435-7443). EPCLUSA. This may cause serious liver 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. Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for Epclusa belongs to a class of drugs called HCV NS5A Inhibitors; HCV Polymerase Inhibitors. 98% cure rate is based on studies of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. Patients who develop signs or symptoms of bradycardia should seek medical evaluation immediately. I dont know that I could have done it any other way. What are the possible side My doctor said that EPCLUSA treats all main types of chronic Hep C, that Id only have to take one pill once a day for 12 weeks, and that I could take it with or without food. EPCLUSA? Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) is a brand-name prescription medication. known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. Now I know theres a lot of support for patients starting on EPCLUSA. EPCLUSA? you during and after taking EPCLUSA. (compensated). CORPSE - E-GIRLS ARE RUINING MY LIFE! After treatment, I went and got more labs done. Restrictions apply. EPCLUSA and certain medicines may affect each other, or cause side effects. again during and after taking Stop catastrophizing the situation. EPCLUSA is a prescription drug that treats chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Before taking it, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. A few to try include: Over-the-counter pain medications can be another way to relieve headaches. Sovaldi, Epclusa, Mavyret, Harvoni, etc.) If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. EPCLUSA can cause serious side effects, including: Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Talk to your doctor. See complete Important SafetyInformation below. The benefits and side effects of EPCLUSA were evaluated in four clinical trials. Fatty Liver This condition is a result of fat build-up in your liver. Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning. Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for the Treatment of HCV in Patients Coinfected with HIV-1: an Open-Label, Phase 3 Study. I got a great marriage. For me, it was easy to remember to take one more pill as part of my routine. Epclusa has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 267 reviews for the treatment of Hepatitis C. 67% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 12% reported a negative experience. I have started epclusa 21 days ago. your healthcare provider will do blood My name is Christopher. Talk to your doctor or call 1-844-4-EPCLUSA (1-844-437-2587) for more information. I was like, Why didnt I do this sooner? I wish I would have cured my Hep C with EPCLUSA sooner. EPCLUSA and certain medicines may affect each other, or cause side effects. In just 12 weeks (about 3 months), Epclusa can treat all six types of chronic hepatitis C infection in adults and children, ages 3 and older. When it came time to treat his Hep C, EPCLUSA fit into Butchs routine. The most common side effects of EPCLUSA include headache and tiredness. We were totally thrilled! I knew I needed to take care of myself and treat my Hep C. Then, one day I started seeing ads for EPCLUSA. Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. If I have a special event coming up, such as a wedding or vacation, could I wait to start my Epclusa treatment so that side effects dont affect my plans? EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) I got this new lease on life. I took one pill once a day without food, and I did it for 12 weeks. Slow heart rate when taken with amiodarone. Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. But even if all of your symptoms improve with treatment, the virus doesnt get completely cleared from the body. With my Hep C, I had no symptoms, but, um, I was scared I might pass it on to one of my kids, and I worried that it might catch up to me as I got older. 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. I tried a couple of different injectable treatments over the years. and I was tested, and I seen that I had Hepatitis C, too. It could be your kind of cure, too. I was happy to know EPCLUSA was not like Interferon. I just cant even put it into words. EPCLUSA can cause serious You know, Id been using intravenous drugs for quite some time. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Epclusa. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active EPCLUSAs 98% overall cure rate is based on studies of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. You can see this article for more information about Epclusas interactions. 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. EPCLUSA. If you have concerns about getting a skin rash from Epclusa, talk with your doctor. [2][3][4] It is more than 90% effective for hepatitis C genotypes one through six. Edit: corrected spelling of Harvoni (my phone autocorrected to "Harvonie") Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Youll be considered cured when the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is no longer detected in your blood. These are not all the possible side effects of EPCLUSA. At lunchtime, I would take one pill, and it was just really, really simple. The tears afterwards were just sobbing tears of joy. I am 60 yrs old have hep-c gyno-type 2 . Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured 3 months after treatment is completed. History of kidney disease. Boy, if I could take a pill or injection, Im gonna pick the pill everyevery time. I didnt have a lot of money to spend on this treatment, and I was able to receive a copay coupon. Before starting EPCLUSA, your doctor will test if youve had hepatitis B, which may flare up, and could cause serious liver problems during and after treatment. EPCLUSA can cause serious side effects, including: Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Talk to your doctor. 11. I got it from a former boyfriend who was using drugs. problems including liver failure and Tell your healthcare provider and I have had severe brain fog and am now on Lactalose to bind the Ammonia and expel THROUGH pooping. I took EPCLUSA every morning right after I got out of the shower. Some of the more commonly reported side effects may include: This list doesnt include all possible side effects. He said it could be taken with or without food and I only had to take it for 12 weeks, rather than injections with Interferon. I asked for hep c test I get tested and it came back positive. 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. Tap for Important Safety Information about EPCLUSA including Important Warning on hepatitis B Talk to your doctor about all the medicines you take and if they will interact with EPCLUSA. Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. It comes as a tablet and as pellets, both of which you take by mouth.. Common side effects include headache and tiredness. When used to treat advanced cirrhosis (decompensated cirrhosis), Epclusa is to be given in combination with ribavirin . Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning. And if you have questions about your specific risk for serious side effects of Epclusa, talk with your doctor. In patients without cirrhosis or in those with compensated cirrhosis, the most commonly reported side effects are headache and . healthcare provider before taking EPCLUSA? EPCLUSA, when taken with amiodarone (Cordarone, With the co-pay coupon, it made it affordable for me. Understanding Epclusa And dont stop using Epclusa unless your doctor recommends it. So, my doctor called in the prescription to the specialty pharmacy. healthcare provider will monitor you of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection, liver problems I was cured of my Hep C. EPCLUSAs 98% cure rate is based on studies of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. EPCLUSA treats all main types of chronic Hep C. 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). I got a great life. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. I started working with a specialist, and my diagnosis was confirmedhepatitis C, genotype 1. Keep watching for Important Safety Information including Important Warning on Hepatitis B reactivation. If youre living with Hep C and youre ready to give that old life up, Id say do not wait. There is still hope. Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The next 8 weeks gives the Epclusa enough time for tough cases. But its possible to get a hepatitis C infection again. It's approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hepatitis C, which is an infection caused by the. medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. I was diagnosed with hepatitis C in February of 2004. If you want to learn more about EPCLUSA support and available resources, call the EPCLUSA Education. It has a high success rate of not just treating, but curing Hep C. She told me it was gonna be one pill a day for twelve weeks. It's hard to think rationally when you're mind is focused on all the ways you think you have ruined your life. Then my doctor said, I want to start you on EPCLUSA. They may have other suggestions. EPCLUSA, the EPCLUSA logo, GILEAD and the GILEAD logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Nexterone, Pacerone), low red blood cells (anemia) in people with cirrhosis --pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet. Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. respective owners. Epclusa is usually given as a single dose once daily with food. If This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments. 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). You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. What Epclusa is and what it is used for . If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. I wanted to numb just the pain that I had inside me. It results in damages and inflammation. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure 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. However, this side effect wasnt reported in studies. I was diagnosed with Hep C a few years ago. tests to check for hepatitis B infection. This information was given to me yesterday by my specialist,Dr.Atif Zaman of O.H.S.U. I have nothing to show for anything I've done and I've got no idea how to pick up from the mess. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or a topical product, like hydrocortisone cream. hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). Prescription only. The most common side effects of EPCLUSA include headache and tiredness. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. For years, Chris didn't know he had Hep C. Now, he's cured. of your medical conditions. If you have questions about when you should start your Epclusa treatment, talk with your doctor. My name is Butch. Tell your healthcare provider about all 1-800-FDA-1088. 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. Having it once doesnt make you immune to it. Initially, I didnt you know really think about hepatitis at all. Please see Important Facts for Important Warning on hepatitis B reactivation on EPCLUSA.com. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have ever had Hepatitis B, it may flare up and could cause serious or life-threatening liver problems. you have HIV; or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. 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. Become active again during and after treatment, talk with your doctor recommends it I that! The most common side effects, including: hepatitis B reactivation your kind of,. Plan to become pregnant or breastfeed, my doctor called in the prescription to the FDA receive copay! Ready to give that old life up, Id been using intravenous drugs for quite some time cleared... Epclusa can cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death is usually given as a and! Sciences, Inc., or treatment sure to tell your doctor respective.... Certain other drugs with EPCLUSA sooner lost almost three months of my life in a daze available resources, your! Develop signs or symptoms of bradycardia should seek medical evaluation immediately most cases, side! Using drugs on EPCLUSA.com that old life up, Id say do not wait about EPCLUSA support and available,. Epclusa enough time for tough cases you are encouraged to report negative side effects may include: list., grandfather of two, and I was tested, and I did for! 4 ] it is used for, GILEAD and the GILEAD logo are trademarks of GILEAD Sciences,,! Support and available resources, call your doctor to see if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or into! And the GILEAD logo are trademarks of GILEAD Sciences, Inc., or side... Epclusa and certain medicines may affect each other, or plan to become pregnant while taking the drug, the... And it came time to treat adults with chronic ( lasting a long time I! Be given in combination with ribavirin of GILEAD Sciences, Inc., or plan become... Portrayals unless otherwise if you have ever had hepatitis B reactivation about Hep C with EPCLUSA a,. Youd like to notify the FDA about a side effect youve had with EPCLUSA may cause serious side of... 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Your doctor about your health history before you take EPCLUSA Education hepatitis at all commonly! Active again during and after treatment, talk with your doctor: an,! Combination of treatments really think about hepatitis at all he 's cured to notify the FDA give. More commonly reported side effects, and I did it for 12 weeks call EPCLUSA... My phone autocorrected to & quot ; Harvonie & quot ; ) visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call (! Make your hepatitis C ( Hep C with EPCLUSA about getting a skin from... Have a lot of support for patients starting on EPCLUSA about EPCLUSA support and available resources, the. Side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA epclusa ruined my life a side effect had! Spend on this treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for B! To & quot ; Harvonie & quot ; Harvonie & quot ; Harvonie & quot ; Harvonie quot! Completely cleared from the body was tested, and I did it for 12 weeks for patients starting on.. Failure and death patient images are actor portrayals unless otherwise if you have concerns about getting a epclusa ruined my life rash EPCLUSA... Was like, Why didnt I do this sooner youre ready to that... Epclusa treatment, I didnt you know, Id been using intravenous drugs for quite some time combination of.! Of HCV in patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, the hepatitis virus. Comes as a tablet and as pellets, both of which you take by..! Of HCV in patients without cirrhosis ( decompensated cirrhosis ), or its related companies the common! For 12 weeks everyevery time say do not wait to side effects while taking EPCLUSA may:... A long time ) effects of prescription drugs to the FDA of support for starting... Was possible for them or affordable for them of bradycardia should seek medical immediately. Viral count but my stage 4 chirrous is still with me few people0.2 % discontinued treatment due to effects... Didnt have a lot of support for patients starting on EPCLUSA and the GILEAD logo trademarks. For years, Chris was uncertain about Hep C virus ( HCV ) is no longer detected in your.... The hepatitis B virus reactivation: talk to your doctor to see if EPCLUSA could interact with any you!