What does Harvoni do to your body?
Harvoni prevents the hepatitis C virus (HCV) from multiplying in the body. It is a single combination pill that is given by mouth once a day for 8, 12, or 24 weeks, depending upon your HCV status.
How long does Harvoni treatment last?
Harvoni is taken once daily, with or without food, for 8 to 24 weeks. Treatment length depends on HCV treatment history, whether a person has cirrhosis, and the amount of hepatitis C virus in a person's bloodstream (called HCV RNA or viral load).
Does Harvoni cure hep C forever?
In most clinical studies for Harvoni, the success rate for curing hepatitis C was greater than 90 percent. This means that nearly all people who took Harvoni achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR). SVR means that they had no virus detected in their body 12 weeks or longer after treatment ended.
What type of precautions should be used for patients with HCV?
All health-care personnel, including those who are HCV positive, should follow a strict aseptic technique as described by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the CDC, including appropriate hand hygiene, use of protective barriers, and safe injection practices.
Can hep C come back after Harvoni treatment?
It's possible, but rare, for hepatitis C infection to reappear after apparently successful treatment. Relapses usually occur in the first few months after blood testing to confirm that the virus is no longer detectable.
Does Harvoni make you gain weight?
Weight gain has not been reported as a side effect of Harvoni in clinical trials. However, some individuals on blog posts report gaining weight (from two to 12 pounds); however, this was temporary and easily lost once treatment with Harvoni finished.
How long does it take to feel better after hep C treatment?
The healing process takes time, patience and effort. Most hep C patients report seeing treatment side effects subsiding within a few months or longer. Often it takes six months to a year to regain full energy and feel well. Some patients have reported side effects lingering for longer periods of time.
Do you feel better after hep C treatment?
Since hepatitis C doesn't always cause any symptoms, you may not feel any different after being cured. If you were experiencing symptoms — fatigue is the common one — you should start to feel stronger and more energetic, which should continue to improve after you finish treatment, says Massoud.
How long does it take for Harvoni to work?
Harvoni is proving to be an expensive but effective drug. If it's taken correctly, this medication can clear the virus from your system in as little as 12 weeks. If you've been diagnosed with HCV, you should discuss your treatment options with your doctor as soon as possible.
Is hep C still contagious after treatment?
Summary: Patients with chronic hepatitis C that has been resolved through therapy or immune response may still be able to infect others with the virus. Patients with chronic hepatitis C that has been resolved through therapy or immune response may still be able to infect others with the virus.
Can I spread hep C to my family?
Household transmission of hepatitis C is extremely rare. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 family members or close acquaintances becomes infected each year through common, nonsexual contact with hepatitis C-infected persons. There are many possible ways by which hepatitis C could be passed from one person to another.
Can you live a normal life with hep C?
Most people with chronic HCV can live a normal life, providing that doctors are able to diagnose it before any liver damage or other complications occur.
What is the difference between hepatitis B and C?
Some of the main differences between hepatitis B and C are: Hepatitis B virus can be prevented with a vaccine, but not hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and...
Is Mavyret better than Harvoni?
Mavyret is reported to have some advantages over Harvoni including the number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes it covers, the length of treatme...
What are the new drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C?
The newest drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C include Mavyret (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir), Vosevi (sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir...
Does Harvoni cause any long-term side effects?
No, Harvoni isn’t known to cause long-term side effects. If you have questions about how long side effects of Harvoni could last, talk with your do...
What is Harvoni’s mechanism of action?
Harvoni’s mechanism of action (how it works) is that it prevents the hepatitis C virus from making copies of itself. When a virus can’t copy itself...
Is it possible to have weight gain or weight loss from Harvoni? What about hair loss?
No, Harvoni shouldn’t cause weight gain, weight loss, or hair loss. These side effects weren’t reported in studies of the drug. Weight loss and hai...
Are there any reviews of Harvoni that I can read?
To learn more about reviews of Harvoni, you can read patient stories on the drug manufacturer’s website. It’s important to note that your experienc...
Does Harvoni cause liver cancer or other kinds of cancer?
No, Harvoni isn’t known to cancer, including liver cancer. If not treated, hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer. Treating hepatitis C with drugs su...
Is it possible to have joint pain or eye-related side effects from Harvoni?
It’s not likely. Joint pain and eye-related side effects weren’t side effects reported in studies of Harvoni. Since Harvoni was approved for use, t...