Hepatitis C treatment -long-term side effects
Hello! This is my first post on the site and I’m so glad I found you guys!
I completed my treatment with Epclusa and finished my last dose at the beginning of December 2023. So I have been off of this medication for almost 10 months. During treatment, the only main side effect that I had that was noticeable was my stomach was pretty much upset all the time. Possibly some fatigue, but I was already dealing with that so not sure if it was the medication or the virus . Somehow, the stomach upset went away as soon as I would lay down and hold still. The only other things that helped were taking anti-nausea medication and eating crackers . of course, I followed all the advice to eat very healthy and drink a ton of water however, that did not seem to help very much. My main issue now 10 months out, is that I have been dealing with significant hair loss. I have always had the thickest hair in the world to the point where it has been annoying, and I have actually hated it at times. Now, my hair is thinning significantly from ear to ear going across my front hairline about 2 inches from the front towards the back. The backside of my head is still very thick like it always was. I never had this issue until I started taking this medication, and has not let up since even with ending the treatment 10 months ago. I don’t believe it was from the disease because I had it for about 10 to 12 years and this never happened until I started taking those pills. Has anyone else experienced this and do you have any remedies or ways to help or fix this? I have been using rosemary oil for about three months, which is supposed to help. However, it has not been long enough to determine if it is actually helping. I would consider Rogaine even however I have heard it makes your hair fall out before it will grow back and trying to avoid that. I appreciate any advice and help that anyone has to offer and just so thankful to have found you guys! Also, I just want to mention despite the hair loss I would never go back and change taking this medication. It changed my life and cured me from this disease, so I am eternally grateful for that. I just would like to see if I can solve this or turn it around somehow! If this is my main side effect along with the stomach upset while I was on the medication, I would say those side effects are not too bad compared to the horror stories with earlier treatments! Thanks again.
Hi
. Welcome to the community and congratulations on your successful treatment! It must feel good to be free and clear of hepatitis C. I wish you were not experiencing hair loss after all that, but it is common side effect of treatment. Thankfully, it will grow back after a while. Here is an article about hep C and hair loss that you might find helpful: https://hepatitisc.net/living/symptoms-hair-loss.
The article mentions seeking therapy if the hair loss begins to affect your self esteem. It's a good idea. People are usually understanding and empathetic when cancer patients lose hair, but you might not always feel comfortable explaining that it is a side effect of hep C treatment. A therapist or counselor can help you deal with those emotions or situations.
It would also be wise to talk with your doctor about it. Though your hair loss is likely due to hep C treatment, there are other health conditons that might cause it as well. It's always safest to make no assumptions.
I hope this helps and that your hair comes in fuller and thicker than ever before. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
I lost all mine trying to do the old tx of ribivirin and interferon. Long hair til I gave up and shaved my head. Thanks for the heads up on the new treatment causing hair loss. Any which one worse than the other?
Hi
. I am afraid we don't have information as to whether one is worse than the other. Some people don't experience hair loss at all. Hopefully, you will be one of those people. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
