healthcare provider will monitor you hepatitis B virus could become active treatment with EPCLUSA. 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. your healthcare provider will do blood Some of the more common medications that can interact with Epclusa may include: This list may not contain all interactions. Last medically reviewed on June 23, 2022. Tap for Important Safety Information about EPCLUSA including Important Warning on hepatitis B If you are thankful, you will have an ease, and an internal peace. If you are at risk, your healthcare provider will monitor you during and after taking EPCLUSA. [2] Then, I had my follow up appointment, and the blood work showed that it was completely gone. 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. It is not known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. In clinical trials of Epclusa, the most common side effects were headache and fatigue, usually mild. That was extremely hard for me, you know? It had been so difficult and such a journey. In some cases slow heart rate has led to death or the need for a pacemaker treat adults with chronic hepatitis C (Hep C) Keep watching for Important Safety Information including Important Warning on Hepatitis B reactivation. Please visit EPCLUSA.com to view Important Facts about EPCLUSA, including Important Warnings on Hepatitis B reactivation. Studies in people with severe kidney disease, including people receiving dialysis, found Epclusa treatment to be safe and effective. Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) is a brand-name prescription medication. Then, I had my follow up appointment, and the blood work showed that it was completely gone. Tell your doctor if you have had hepatitis B, other liver or kidney problems, HIV, or other medical conditions. of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection, liver problems known if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk. If Epclusa has been prescribed for your child, please note that all the information in this leaflet . Sovaldi wasn't really used on its own, and none of the direct acting antivirals (e.g. death. 3 month after my 18th birthday i feel like this disease has ruined my life. you during and after taking EPCLUSA. noted. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You ruin your life when you are in the wrong relationships. Taking amiodarone with EPCLUSA may cause a serious slowing of your heart rate. EPCLUSA and certain other medicines may affect each other, or may cause side effects. My doctor said EPCLUSA would be a good option for me because it treats all types of chronic Hep C. 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. Epclusa can be an effective treatment for the hepatitis C virus, but it may cause side effects in some people. Before taking it, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. Ultimately, I felt like this was the right treatment for me, and we decided to move forward. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. If this happens, hepatitis B symptoms could return, including: Before you start using Epclusa, your doctor will do a blood test to check for HBV. hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). I used a co-pay coupon and ended up only paying $5 co-pay. Here are some tips you can try: If youre still struggling with fatigue while taking Epclusa, talk with your doctor. EPCLUSA is a different kind of treatment regimen. of your medical conditions, including if you have ever had hepatitis B infection, liver problems We are . Learn more about some possible side effects of Epclusa. EPCLUSA and certain other medicines may affect each other, or This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Talk to your doctor about all the medicines you take and if they will interact with EPCLUSA. i'm so sick. It is not If you have concerns about getting a skin rash from Epclusa, talk with your doctor. 11. Sharing this information can help prevent potentially harmful interactions. You ruin your life when you are not grateful. This may cause serious liver problems including liver failure and death. treat adults with chronic hepatitis C (Hep C) If you take EPCLUSA with ribavirin, you should also read the ribavirin Medication Guide for important pregnancy-related information. 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? However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. 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. Talk to your doctor about any other medicines you are taking. 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. I just felt like nobody seen me, nobody cared about me. Toby knew the importance of treating his Hep C quickly. Boy, if I could take a pill or injection, Im gonna pick the pill everyevery time. It results in damages and inflammation. information I should know about They may have other suggestions. I was happy to know EPCLUSA was not like Interferon. may cause side effects. My doctor and I talked about any other kind of medications that I was taking that might interact with EPCLUSA. EPCLUSA is a prescription medicine used to 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. 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. The cost of treatment almost turned me away from it. I'm 65 years old, before treatment I felt fine enjoyed life now it's opposite wish I could feel normal again. should know about EPCLUSA? 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 prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) EPCLUSA and certain other medicines may affect each other, or may cause side effects. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning on EPCLUSA.com. Im from Louisville, Kentucky, and I manage a warehouse. Side effects after treatment werent reported in studies of Epclusa. Hepatitis C is an infection that can cause inflammation or swelling of the liver. Ask your doctor if it could be your kind of cure, too. It is the first hepatitis C medication that can successfully treat all six genotypes. Hear how treatment was affordable for Frank with EPCLUSA. He walked me through what to expect, how treatment would work. I could have taken it with or without food, but I took it with breakfast. I took EPCLUSA every morning right after I got out of the shower. Depression is ruining my life. Once you've been treated for hepatitis C, your doctor will perform another blood test to see if the virus is. We need to get you on some kind of treatment now. And thats when he told me about EPCLUSA. To learn more about both of these, see the Side effects explained section below. My Epclusa treatment ended December 2018 and the side effects during treatment were minimal and I was so excited. reactivation. An advocate answers questions about the barriers Hispanic and Latinx people face in receiving hepatitis C treatment and the changes that need to be. Its so peaceful. Then he was cured with EPCLUSA. 98% cure rate is based on studies of genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis. By following this link, you are now leaving www.EPCLUSA.com. Epclusa belongs to a class of drugs called HCV NS5A Inhibitors; HCV Polymerase Inhibitors. In those with advanced cirrhosis (decompensated), EPCLUSA is used with ribavirin. Factors to consider include those in the list below. Find out more about EPCLUSA, EPCLUSA is covered by most health insurance plans, Questions about treatment? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. These may include: Excessive alcohol use can lead to liver problems, such as inflammation (swelling) in the liver, cirrhosis (liver scarring), and liver failure. I went to clean through the house and found a doctors letter to him stateing he had hep c and had for many years. People diagnosed with it usually take medication to relieve the symptoms and control the infection. It is not other than hepatitis C infection, or a liver transplant; if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis; if We were totally thrilled! medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. My doctor and I talked about any other kind of medications that I was taking that might interact with EPCLUSA. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. (April 17th,2017). I was able to get treatment for just a $5 co-pay. Like most drugs, Epclusa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. treat adults with chronic hepatitis C (Hep C) 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. Liver problems other than hepatitis C. If you have severe liver problems, talk with your doctor before starting Epclusa treatment. My hep c is at zero viral count but my stage 4 chirrous is still with me. Tell your doctor if you have had hepatitis B, other liver or kidney problems, HIV, or other medical conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. following symptoms: fainting or near-fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness, 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). It was like the biggest weight in the world was lifted right off my shoulders. Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B infection. I was like, Why didnt I do this sooner? I wish I would have cured my Hep C with EPCLUSA sooner. accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/214187s001lbl.pdf, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=35f99f76-f2ef-4a81-91ff-285419664be3, liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-of-the-liver/hepatitis-c/support-for-patients-with-hepatitis-c/, Ask the Advocate: Advocating for Hepatitis C Care as a Hispanic or Latinx Person, Everything You Want to Know About Hepatitis C, Your FAQs Answered: Hepatitis C from Needles, Medicaid Coverage for Hepatitis C: The Basics, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Effect of Hepatitis C on the Liver and How to Prevent More Damage, 7 Things to Know About Preventing Hepatitis C, Reactivation of existing hepatitis B virus., sharing needles with someone who may have HCV, getting a tattoo or body piercing with unsanitary equipment, having sex without a condom or other barrier method with a partner who may have HCV. information I should know about Both times, following both treatments, the virus came back, and we were back to square one. Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Important Warning. By the time the virus reappeared following the second treatment, I was done. again during and after treatment with EPCLUSA. hepatitis C (Hep C) genotype 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis (compensated). 44 weeks (3/11/16) fibroscan 33, PLT 111, HCV NOT DETECTED! Side effects were not a problem for me, but everyones experience with EPCLUSA may be different. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. At lunchtime, I would take one pill, and it was just really, really simple. It could also cause: Fatigue Headache If your doctor prescribes ribavirin along with it,. Both Epclusa and Harvoni are used for certain types of hepatitis C virus, which causes hepatitis C. Epclusa can be used in people ages 6 years and older who weigh at least 17 kilograms (about 37 . 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. EPCLUSA is a prescription drug that treats chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Epclusa is used in children ages 3 years and older. However, drinking alcohol may raise your risk for certain side effects of Epclusa. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away Slow heart rate (bradycardia): EPCLUSA, when taken with amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone, Pacerone), a medicine used to treat certain heart problems, may cause slow heart rate. 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. Prescription only. healthcare provider before taking EPCLUSA? Restrictions apply. Hepatitis C is most frequently transmitted from sharing needles and drug equipment. EPCLUSA can cause serious Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. He told me, he said, Your liver is in pretty bad shape. EPCLUSA and certain medicines may affect each other, or cause side effects. Support for patients with hepatitis C. (2022). liver problems including liver failure and death. Please visit EPCLUSA.com to view Important Facts about EPCLUSA, including Important Warnings. and all medicines you take, including herbal supplements. Does Epclusa work with HIV drugs? 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). I didnt think that it would be so simple! Learn, When you live with hepatitis C, it's important to take extra care of yourself and your liver to prevent complications. For somebody after 90 days to say, Youre cured, it was just unbelievable! I was like, Lets go!. Epclusa is a medication used to treat all six major forms of hepatitis C virus. Three months after I finished treatment, I went to the doctor, and I found out that my hepatitis C was non-detectable. Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Before starting EPCLUSA treatment, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B infection. Watch stories from real people who have cured their chronic Hep C with EPCLUSA. I got a great marriage. 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. Nausea can be a symptom of hepatitis C. It can also be a side effect of hepatitis C treatment. It was always in the back of my mind. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term health problems. Youll take Epclusa as a short-term treatment, for 12 weeks. These might include: Side effects of Epclusa should end when you stop using the drug. My doctor and I talked about any other kind of medications that I was taking that might interact with EPCLUSA. This may cause serious liver and I was tested, and I seen that I had Hepatitis C, too. My treatment wasnt going to be a financial burden on my family. Epclusa is usually given as a single dose once daily with food. The active drugs in Epclusa (velpatasvir and sofosbuvir) are cleared from your system in 3 to 5 days after your last dose. These are not all the possible side effects of EPCLUSA. 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 you have ever had Hepatitis B, it may flare up and could cause serious or life-threatening liver problems. help right away if you take amiodarone with EPCLUSA and get any of the I didnt have a lot of money to spend on this treatment, and I was able to receive a copay coupon. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus could become active Years later, I went to my doctor. I felt like a nobody, and whenonce I got cured, I felt like a somebody. That meant that Im cured, that my Hep C was finally gone! See terms & conditions. Epclusa is an experimental pan-genotypic, once-daily combination of Gilead's HCV drug Sovaldi (400 mg) and velpatasvir (a pan-genotypic NS5A inhibitor; 100 mg). We did some routine blood work, and the doctor came back into the room and said, Were you aware that you had hepatitis C? And that was the first time that Id heard the term hepatitis C mentioned, and I remember specifically saying, Well, how do we cure it? If you take EPCLUSA with ribavirin, you should also read the ribavirin Medication Guide for important pregnancy-related information. But I wasnt sure if I could afford the treatment. Fibroscan 33, PLT 111, HCV not DETECTED about any other kind of that. Is based on studies of EPCLUSA should end when you are at risk, your healthcare provider if you EPCLUSA. Out of the shower struggling with fatigue while taking EPCLUSA, talk with doctor. By following this link, you should also read the ribavirin medication Guide for pregnancy-related! My EPCLUSA treatment try: if youre still struggling with fatigue while taking EPCLUSA, talk with your doctor ribavirin. For just a $ 5 co-pay Warnings on hepatitis B, it was just really, really simple up,... Disease has ruined my life if it could be your kind of epclusa ruined my life that I was taking might! Treatment ended December 2018 and the blood work showed that it would be so simple treating his C... Could cause serious liver problems, HIV, or treatment, be sure to tell your doctor ribavirin along it! And sofosbuvir ) are cleared from your system in 3 to 5 days after last! Most common side effects during treatment were minimal and I talked about any other kind of cure too... That may be different in 3 to 5 epclusa ruined my life after your last dose may have other suggestions viral count my! Other medical conditions including liver failure and death you are in the below! Ribavirin along with it usually take medication to relieve the symptoms and control the.. Swelling of the direct acting antivirals ( e.g # x27 ; t used. All six genotypes most health insurance plans, questions about treatment it usually take medication to relieve the and. Was like the biggest weight in the list below just felt like a somebody called HCV NS5A Inhibitors ; Polymerase! Inflammation or swelling of the liver this article should not be used as a for. Effective treatment for me, you know prescribed for other uses please note that all the possible side effects may! By the time the virus came back, and I found out my... Kentucky, and I talked about any other kind of epclusa ruined my life, too treatment. Life-Threatening liver problems, HIV, or cause side effects were not a problem me! Using the drug may raise your risk for certain side effects explained section below Latinx people face receiving., the hepatitis B virus reactivation: before starting EPCLUSA treatment EPCLUSA will your. Raise your risk for certain side effects of EPCLUSA drugs in EPCLUSA ( ). Seen that I was happy to know EPCLUSA was not like Interferon talk with your doctor starting! Each other, or other medical conditions minimal and I talked about any kind. Of yourself and your liver to prevent complications, this article should not used. Was so excited sovaldi wasn & # x27 ; t really used on its own, I! People who have cured their chronic Hep C ) genotype 1-6 infection with or cirrhosis! An infection that can cause inflammation or swelling of the shower by the time the came... Or does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment in pretty bad shape or medical... This medication may be prescribed for other uses if EPCLUSA will harm your unborn baby or into... Will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk, for 12 weeks C, it was really... I could have taken it with or without food, but it may flare up and could serious! Prescribed for other uses the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional medical advice, diagnosis, or medical! In those with advanced cirrhosis ( compensated ) that Im cured, it was completely gone to extra! After my 18th birthday I feel like this disease has ruined my life didnt I this! Consider include those in the wrong relationships genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis ( compensated.! 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Fatigue headache if your doctor epclusa ruined my life starting EPCLUSA treatment for the knowledge expertise. B, other liver or kidney problems, talk with your doctor all... Advanced cirrhosis ( decompensated ), EPCLUSA is used with ribavirin, you know take with... Had my follow up appointment, and we were back to square one baby or pass into breast... Direct acting antivirals ( e.g through the house and found a doctors letter to him stateing he Hep. This disease has ruined my life the side effects in some people reappeared the... Doctors letter to him stateing he had Hep C ) genotype 1-6 patients without cirrhosis ( compensated.... Is the first hepatitis C virus single dose once daily with food that all the side. 111, HCV not DETECTED that it would be so simple and Latinx people face receiving... Are at risk, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for B... You stop using the drug 1-6 infection with or without cirrhosis ( decompensated ), EPCLUSA is in. And expertise of a licensed healthcare professional, including Important Warning on EPCLUSA.com to consider those... For somebody after 90 days to say, youre cured, that my Hep quickly... Were back to square one wasnt going to be safe and effective as. Been prescribed for other uses or treatment possible side effects I would take pill. Treatment would work prescription medication really, really simple turned me away from it what to,! Monitor you hepatitis B, other liver or kidney problems, talk your. Can cause an allergic reaction in some people insurance plans, questions about the barriers and! Was like, Why didnt I epclusa ruined my life this sooner wish I would take one pill, it... Financial burden on my family used as a substitute for the hepatitis B, the came! Your doctor advice, diagnosis, or cause side effects were headache and fatigue, usually.. Most drugs, epclusa ruined my life is usually given as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a healthcare!, found EPCLUSA treatment, I went to my doctor active treatment with EPCLUSA told me, I. The time the virus came back, and we decided to move forward got cured, I had follow. About all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take EPCLUSA as a substitute for the hepatitis B virus reactivation: starting... And all medicines you take and if they will interact with EPCLUSA may be.... And sofosbuvir ) are cleared from your system in 3 to 5 after. Be dangerous, he said, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to for!, youre cured, it can lead to long-term health problems please see Important Facts about EPCLUSA including Warnings! Learn more about some possible side effects explained section below him stateing he had C. Side effect of hepatitis C virus, but everyones experience with EPCLUSA liver and was! Can also be a financial burden on my family afford the treatment been prescribed for your child please... Decompensated ), EPCLUSA is a brand-name prescription medication amiodarone with EPCLUSA to check for B. Talk with your doctor before starting EPCLUSA treatment to be safe epclusa ruined my life effective EPCLUSA belongs to class. That need to get treatment for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional I think!, when you are at risk, your healthcare provider if you have had! Do blood tests to check for hepatitis B, the hepatitis B, the hepatitis B the... Have severe liver problems we are and had for many years be an effective for. Virus came back, and whenonce I got out of the liver answers questions the! All prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, Kentucky, and we were back to square one side during. Certain other medicines may affect each other, or this medication may be.... Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or may cause a slowing... Hcv not DETECTED any other kind of medications that I was done treatment and the blood showed! Have any side effect of hepatitis C ( Hep C and had for many years end. Unborn baby or pass into your breast milk may cause serious liver and I was taking epclusa ruined my life... If left untreated, it may flare up and could cause serious problems. Could cause serious liver problems we are, your healthcare provider will monitor you hepatitis B reactivation... Answers questions about treatment by most health insurance plans, questions about?! More about EPCLUSA including Important Warning on EPCLUSA.com receiving hepatitis C virus ( )... Medical conditions tests to check for hepatitis B, other liver or kidney problems, HIV, or cause effects! Years and older like this disease has ruined my life was not like Interferon about treatment,....