Started my first Epclusa pill today
I hope it's okay that I had to cut the Epclusa pill into 3 halves. It was just too big to swallow.
I get anxiety when I know I have to take medications or when im going to be in a uncomfortable situation. So, im having a little anxiety right now, but that might normal for someone with my nervous system.
I read a person can get nauseated so they need to eat before taking a pill and im wondering if it occurs right after or a few hours later?
The other thing im concerned about i.....it can cause a slow heart rate. Has anyone been affect by this? If so, do you stop medications or do they prescribe another pill to offset it?
If fatigue was a symptom of yours, when did it occur? Was it an everyday occurrence?
Were all of you able to work a job while on this medication?
Thank you
Hi
. Many people experience anxiety when they take a new medication. So, know that you are not alone in your concerns. The cool thing is that, as soon as you took that first pill, you started on a path to better overall health. Hopefully, you'll kick this virus out of your body for good. You don't have to eat with Epclusa, but it's probably a good idea anyway. It can't hurt to cushion the impact on your stomach with a little food. I don't have experience with it, so I hope someone will jump in here with information about the potential onset of nausea. Keep in mind that the majority of people do not experience any nausea at all. You might be one of those lucky ones. Usually, if a pill cannot be crushed or cut, it says so on the label. Even so, I would check with a pharmacist before you take your next dose. Pharmacists are very knowledgeable about all things drug related, usually more so than doctors. If you are super concerned about cutting the pill and the anxiety interferes with your sleep, you might be able to reach someone at a 24-hour pharmacy by phone. According to the manufacturer's website, Epclusa only causes a slow heart rate when taken with amiodarone (Cordarone®, Nexterone®, Pacerone®). If you are not taking any of those medications, you should be fine. From what I have read in this community, most people are able to work throughout their treatment. One community member wrote about his experience with Epclusa treatment in this article: https://hepatitisc.net/spotlight/epclusa-experience. I thought it might bring you some comfort to read it. I hope this helps and that you feel a little better about the weeks ahead. Please know that we are here for you whenever you need support or a place to vent. Thinking of you and sending lots of positive vibes for a smooth treatment period and a full recovery. - Lori (Team Memeber)
Thank you the information. I was concerned about the nausea and slow heart rate. Your information has soften the anxiety. 😊
I did ask the girl who gave me my medication at the drs office, she didn't know, but went to ask the doctor who was with a patient. According the information she retrieved from the Dr, I could cut it and put in oatmeal or even in juice. I had my sister on the phone and she said something at the same time I heard nurse say juice.
Will definitely research again tonight.
So far it's been 4 hours and I feel normal. My anxiety also lifted about an hour after I wrote this post and I didn't have to take my emergency Ativan. 😃
Oh, im going to read the article you put in the link. Thank you so much for your information. It's brought me a lot of peace.I am very glad to hear that you are feeling less anxious. Keep me posted, if you don't mind. I will be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
Thank you for sharing your story. I received Hepatitis C treatment after willingly accepting a Hep C organ for my heart transplant in 2019. Directly post transplant, I was placed on Epclusa for 3 months. Personally, I don’t believe I had any side effects from Epclusa, but I really didn’t notice as I was on 39 other medications at the time of the transplant. Honestly at the time, I was unable to work because of the multiple complications during and post transplant. Hope you are doing well. Leslie (Community Moderator) I finished Epclusa 1 year ago and it was non eventful for me. I read online so many things, but at the end of the day I did not get any noticeable symptoms. I had more anxiety affecting me than the medication. After one month if you have not had symptoms, you probably wont get any. I basically was with HepC for 51 years since i got it on blood transfusion when I was born. I underwent interferon/ribavirin treatment that failed in my 30s(This was really bad). Therefore this was a breeze for me and I had given up looking for a cure until now. Wish you the best in your new beginning. I have Framed my 3 Epclusa bottles as my Olympic Gold Medal win. You’ll be celebrating shortly too. Hi
. I wish you had not had to wait so long for a cure, but how awesome that the Epclusa treatment was successful. It must be a huge relief to be free of HepC after a lifetime of it. Thanks for joining the conversation and offering your support. Wishing you the very best. - Lori (Team Member)
