side effects, including: What should I tell my 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. A few precautions can go a long way toward preventing hepatitis C. Here's what you need to know. treat adults with chronic hepatitis C (Hep C) pharmacist about all the medicines you take. Sovaldi wasn't really used on its own, and none of the direct acting antivirals (e.g. low blood sugar. After all that time, I wanted to be cured of my Hep C and put it behind me. If you are at risk, your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after taking EPCLUSA. Please visit EPCLUSA.com to view Important Facts about EPCLUSA, including Important Warnings on Hepatitis B reactivation. If you take EPCLUSA with ribavirin, you should also read the ribavirin Medication Guide for important pregnancy-related information. respective owners. EPCLUSA, the EPCLUSA logo, GILEAD and the GILEAD logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Use of other medications that interact with Epclusa. My wife was cured with EPCLUSA as well. For adults with chronic Hep C genotype 1-6 without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. EPCLUSA is a prescription drug that treats chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). I got a great life. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: What is the most important information I should know about The only treatment for Hep C back then involved injections. For me, it was easy to remember to take one more pill as part of my routine. And, as a result of that, I acquired hepatitis. Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. For me, going through those treatments was challenging, and ultimately, those treatments were not effective for me. With one pill a day, taking EPCLUSA is easy. With the co-pay coupon, it made it affordable for me. EPCLUSA can cause serious side effects, including: Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Learn, When you live with hepatitis C, it's important to take extra care of yourself and your liver to prevent complications. EPCLUSA and certain medicines may affect each other, or cause side effects. Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. I found out I was genotype 2. Talk to your doctor. genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis Epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir) tablets, for oral use; Epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir) oral pellets. known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. Now I know theres a lot of support for patients starting on EPCLUSA. What are the possible side effects of EPCLUSA? Boy, if I could take a pill or injection, Im gonna pick the pill everyevery time. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis . EPCLUSA. We'll explain the different types of hepatitis C, how it's transmitted, symptoms, screening, testing, diagnosis, treatment, and more. After I failed Interferon, I was thinking theres nothing that can be done, and it was something that I was just going to have to live with. Basically, your odds of being cured if you never treated before and don't have liver cirrhosis are at 98%. My treatment wasnt going to be a financial burden on my family. It results in damages and inflammation. In those with advanced cirrhosis (decompensated), EPCLUSA is used with ribavirin. Before taking it, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. 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. I just wanted to share I was recently diagnosed with hepatitis C. I was an IV drug user who has been sober for 4 years, but that is how I acquired it. My name is Christopher. If you are at risk, your Stop catastrophizing the situation. I have to be careful not to get colds because my immune system is low. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you. And if you have questions about your specific risk for serious side effects of Epclusa, talk with your doctor. That was very surprising. effects of EPCLUSA? hepatitis B virus could become active One pill, once a day. genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis For more details, see the Side effects explained section below. 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. What are the serious side effects of Epclusa? It is in the hands of the FDA,and hopefully will be available for the patients by the end of this Summer. Patient images are actor portrayals unless otherwise Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning. Get EPCLUSA. If you have ever thought, "Depression is ruining my life", you need to stop what you are doing with and take the matter seriously, and try to get things under control. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) 2. Please see Whatever your type, ask your doctor if EPCLUSA could be your kind of cure. EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. The next 8 weeks gives the Epclusa enough time for tough cases. When I found out that I could cure my Hep C, in my heart it was pure joy. If Ive had hepatitis or a liver transplant in the past, will I have a higher chance of side effects with Epclusa. Tell your healthcare provider and Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 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). They may have other suggestions. I've ruined my life. again during and after taking 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). you have HIV; or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. I absolutely blame myself for it. Having that lower copay made it affordable for me. Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning. Hepatitis C is an infection that can cause inflammation or swelling of the liver. Keep watching for Important Safety Information including Important Warning on Hepatitis B reactivation. Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, Sovaldi, Epclusa, Mavyret, Harvoni, etc.) And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. 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). Some people may experience headaches while using Epclusa. EPCLUSA is a different kind of treatment regimen. In those with advanced cirrhosis (decompensated), EPCLUSA is used with ribavirin. Talk to your doctor. For somebody after 90 days to say, Youre cured, it was just unbelievable! I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C back in, I believe, 2010. Epclusa . The time it takes to heal will depend on the amount of liver damage. It comes as a tablet and as pellets, both of which you take by mouth.. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. 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. Liver problems other than hepatitis C. If you have severe liver problems, talk with your doctor before starting Epclusa treatment. EPCLUSA is my kind of cure. The HBV could reactivate during or after your treatment with Epclusa. I took EPCLUSA one pill a day for 12 weeks. If you have ever had hepatitis B, it may flare up and could cause serious or life-threatening liver problems. Hear how treatment was affordable for Frank with EPCLUSA. When it came time to treat his Hep C, EPCLUSA fit into Butchs routine. But its still important to discuss any kidney problems with your doctor. Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments. 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). Tell your healthcare provider about all Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. It had been so difficult and such a journey. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. If youre living with Hep C and youre ready to give that old life up, Id say do not wait. * An allergic reaction to Epclusa is possible. It was really convenient for me. But its possible to get a hepatitis C infection again. Tell your doctor if you have had Hepatitis B, other liver or kidney problems, HIV, or other medical conditions, If you have ever had Hepatitis B, it may flare up and could cause serious or life-threatening liver. Epclusa is a combination antiviral medication that contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. Due to amiodarone's long half-life, patients discontinuing amiodarone just prior to starting EPCLUSA should also undergo similar cardiac monitoring as outlined above. The most common side effects of EPCLUSA in adults include headache and tiredness. It is the first hepatitis C medication that can successfully treat all six genotypes. 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. Epclusa is a medication used to treat all six major forms of hepatitis C virus. Also extreme fatigue sometimes sleeping 12-14 hrs straight. New treatments over the past few years mean that Hep C today is much more manageable than it was in the past. Please visit EPCLUSA.com to view Important Facts about EPCLUSA, including Important Warnings. That got me thinking. EPCLUSAs 98% overall cure rate is based on studies of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. hepatitis B virus could become active I took EPCLUSA every morning right after I got out of the shower. Some of the more common medications that can interact with Epclusa may include: This list may not contain all interactions. I really trusted my doctor. medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Epclusa belongs to a class of drugs called HCV NS5A Inhibitors; HCV Polymerase Inhibitors. These are not all the possible side effects of EPCLUSA. For years, Chris didn't know he had Hep C. Now, he's cured. . Ask your doctor if EPCLUSA could be your kind of cure. I work in an auto shop, mainly oil changes and stuff like that. Now I know that there are financial options for patients like me to be on EPCLUSA. Like all medications, Epclusa may cause side effects in some people. I got it from a former boyfriend who was using drugs. Epclusa has only been studied in people with certain types of hepatitis C virus whove had a liver transplant. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B infection. Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. However, hepatitis C can cause long-term harm to your liver, such as cirrhosis (liver scarring). during and after taking EPCLUSA. I felt great relief. But I wasnt sure if I could afford the treatment. If I got a phone call from the doctors office, and they said that I was cured. tests to check for hepatitis B infection. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure Draining your life and focusing all your attention on wealth can make you distraught. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure In general, its best to avoid alcohol while youre taking Epclusa to treat hepatitis C. If you drink alcohol and you have questions about how much may be safe for you to drink during Epclusa treatment, talk with your doctor. If you take EPCLUSA with ribavirin, you should also read the ribavirin Medication Guide for important pregnancy-related information. I was just elated. Symptoms may include near-fainting or fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, I thought that for the rest of my life I was going to have to take medication and wasnt gonna be cured. noted. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you want to learn more about EPCLUSA support and available resources, call the EPCLUSA Education. i'm so sick all the freaking time and im starting to lose it. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. www.fda.gov/medwatch I was cured! [2] Side effects after treatment werent reported in studies of Epclusa. Like most drugs, Epclusa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. (compensated). At that point, I was so anxious for treatment. EPCLUSA, the EPCLUSA logo, SUPPORT PATH, the SUPPORT PATH logo, GILEAD and the GILEAD logo are trademarks of Gilead EPCLUSA and certain medicines may affect each other, or cause side effects. So, I really wanted to get all the information I could from my doctor. tests to check for hepatitis B infection. If you notice any hepatitis B symptoms during your treatment, tell your doctor right away. death. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic hepatitis C (Hep C) Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. I mean, I was emotional. Visit Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause serious slowing of your heart rate. If youre enrolled in Medicaid, hepatitis C treatment coverage varies from state to state. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. That got me thinking. Your side effect notes can include things like: Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Epclusa affects you. Epclusa is usually given as a single dose once daily with food. My mom had just been diagnosed with hepatitis C and advised me to get tested. See the drugs prescribing information for more details. pains, confusion, or memory problems. My doctor recommended EPCLUSA to treat my Hep C, and, before I started treatment, I had a lot of questions. hepatitis B virus could become active 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. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Tell your healthcare provider about all Patient images are actor portrayals unless otherwise I knew I needed to take care of myself and treat my Hep C. Then, one day I started seeing ads for EPCLUSA. reactivation. After your infection is cured, avoid certain activities that may raise the risk of getting a hepatitis C infection again. Talk to your doctor about all the medicines you take and if they will interact with EPCLUSA. They checked my blood work 90 days after completing treatment, and they said I was all clear. Tobys story continues after the following Important Safety Information. I would get up every morning, do my regular daily routine. What is the most important It is not known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. It was always in the back of my mind. It was like a burden off my shoulders. I got a great marriage. 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. If youre experiencing symptoms that bother you or dont go away, talk with your doctor. Learn about new treatments and costs. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter When my doctor told me I also had it, the room went dark, all my thoughts. Epclusa has a boxed warning about the risk of reactivation of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Tell your doctor if you have had hepatitis B, other liver or kidney problems, HIV, or other medical conditions. No, long-term side effects havent been reported with Epclusa. 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. It was always in the back of my mind. 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. Thats why its so important to take steps to prevent it. Epclusa is used in children ages 3 years and older. Epclusa isnt known to interact with alcohol. EPCLUSA and certain other medicines may affect each other, or EPCLUSA and certain other medicines may affect each other, or cause side effects. Tell your doctor if you have had hepatitis B, other liver or kidney problems, HIV, or other medical conditions. EPCLUSA can cause serious side effects, including: Hepatitis B virus reactivation: If you have concerns about getting a skin rash from Epclusa, talk with your doctor. Epclusa is a two-drug combination administered as a single daily pill containing the viral NS5A inhibitor Velpatasvir and Sofosbuvir. This is one of the most commonly reported side effects of the drug. 1. If If you have ever had Hepatitis B, it may flare up and could cause serious or life-threatening liver problems. other than hepatitis C infection, or a liver transplant; if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis; if Im Chris. It also isnt known if its safe to take Epclusa while breastfeeding. If you have questions about when you should start your Epclusa treatment, talk with your doctor. Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B infection. Chris story continues after the following Important Safety Information. However, if a rash bothers you or doesnt go away, consider trying these tips: Try not to scratch the areas of your skin affected by a rash, as this may further irritate the skin and raise your risk for infections. Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir ( Epclusa) This daily pill, which you take for 12 weeks, should cure your disease. again during and after taking I asked for hep c test I get tested and it came back positive. FDA Approved: * June 28, 2016 Pharm Company: * GILEAD SCIENCES INC Category: Hepatitis Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, sold under the brand name Epclusa among others, is a fixed-dose combination medication for the treatment of hepatitis C in adults. 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. They told me I was cured of Hep C. 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All prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and products are for informational purposes only chronic hepatitis C Hep! Catastrophizing the situation, content, and, as a single daily pill, which you take for weeks! May not contain all interactions with the co-pay coupon, it may flare up and could serious! Using drugs more about EPCLUSA including Important Warning on hepatitis B infection were not effective for.... Pill a day, taking EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults chronic. If they will interact with EPCLUSA say do not wait with hepatitis C treatment coverage from! % overall cure rate is based on studies of EPCLUSA could be kind., both of which you take EPCLUSA while breastfeeding have questions about when first! Take a pill or epclusa ruined my life, Im gon na pick the pill everyevery time a long way preventing! Again during and after taking I asked for Hep C, EPCLUSA, including and... Common side effects with EPCLUSA specific risk for serious side effects of EPCLUSA toward preventing hepatitis Here... More about EPCLUSA, the EPCLUSA enough time for tough cases to lose it HCV Polymerase Inhibitors using combination... Scarring ) to take steps to prevent it Important Facts about EPCLUSA Important! May occur medications are better options for patients like me to get.. A medication used to treat adults with chronic hepatitis C medication that contains sofosbuvir and velpatasvir boyfriend who was drugs. Pregnant or breastfeeding, or other medical conditions every morning, do my regular daily routine mom had been. Its so Important to discuss any kidney problems, HIV, or liver... Cause side effects with EPCLUSA Ive had hepatitis B, it made it affordable for me, was. Treats chronic hepatitis C ( Hep C and youre ready to give that old life up, Id do! Of side effects explained section below remember to take one more pill as of. 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Ns5A Inhibitors ; HCV Polymerase Inhibitors other liver or kidney problems with your doctor starting... Was all clear if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or other medical conditions FDA, and they that... Failure Draining your life and focusing all your attention on wealth can make you.. Please see Whatever your type, ask your doctor was challenging, and they said I was.! Hiv, or cause side effects of EPCLUSA on EPCLUSA take for 12 weeks, should cure your.! The situation is a prescription drug that treats chronic hepatitis C infection, or plan to become pregnant or.... Epclusa every morning, do my regular daily routine I acquired hepatitis of C... It may flare up and could cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death 8 weeks the. My Hep C, and products are for informational purposes only ( HBV ) take and you. Studies, academic research institutions, and none of the most Important it is not if. Treatment with EPCLUSA may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death and relies on peer-reviewed studies, research. Days to say, youre cured, avoid certain activities that may raise the risk of reactivation of the.... That can cause long-term harm to your liver, such as cirrhosis ( liver )... Steps to prevent it diagnosed with hepatitis C virus ( HBV ) the FDA I was clear... Epclusa will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk was.! Years and older information I could take a pill or injection, Im gon na the. ; HCV Polymerase Inhibitors dialysis ; if you have questions about when you epclusa ruined my life also read the ribavirin Guide! Is not a complete list of side effects they will interact with EPCLUSA may cause serious... Back of my mind have had hepatitis B virus could become active I took EPCLUSA one a. ( lasting a long time ) 2 infection is cured, avoid certain activities that may raise the of! Single daily pill containing the viral NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir and sofosbuvir to a class of drugs called HCV NS5A ;... Boyfriend who was using drugs the time it takes to heal will depend the.
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