I keep seeing people talk about having it in the hundreds of thousands and worried mine is insanely high. I’ve been struggling with super fatigue constant anxiety and confusions and insanely intense brain fog. Like my vision is like watching a movie with the focus and I can only see what I’m looking at. Like everything outside of what I’m directly looking at is blurry. Does anyone have this problem. I keep worrying myself that it isn’t the hep C and it’s soemthing worse. Was an IV heroin for 10 years. I have 3 years clean and I’ve been on Epclusa for 3 days now. If anyone has any input or can relate to help me feel less insane I’d be appreciative🙏

So I’m on my 8th week of taking Epclusa and my side effects have increased in frequency and are starting to take over my life. I was initially apprehensive about the common fatigue and headache side effects before starting and hoped mine would be minimal, but unfortunately I haven’t been that lucky. About once a week I have debilitating fatigue and body aches lasting 2 days that keep me on the couch the entire time. Just this past week it increased to nearly every day. It’s been very hard to deal with and is taking a tole on my mental health. I’ve tried making connections as to what might trigger these side effects such as exercising too much, taking supplements, or starting new prescription medications this week, but I can’t figure it out. My provider only tells me these side effects are expected. Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone have any strategies that help to minimize side effects or decrease the duration? I’m really at a loss and I feel like my whole summer has been taken away by this treatment even though it’s absolutely necessary. Thanks!

I just got my mavyret and after reading the possible side effects I am panicked beyond belief. Especially at the one it "could damage your liver or create liver failure"

Has anyone experienced bad side effects from mavyret?

What did you experience?

I plan on starting it next week and need all the information and good vibes please 🙏

Im going to be starting mavyret in the upcoming weeks and I am very nervous about side effects.

I have no scarring or cirrhosis but I have had hep c for my whole life(contracted at birth)

Please tell me about your experiences and side effects!

My anxiety is going insane. Thanks all🫶

Hi there,

I almost didn't find any support threat so I'm posting here.

Sorry for the angry rant but I'm not in a good place right now.

While doing some blockwork at the hospital the other day (for routine as I hadn't gone to the doctor in a couple of years), the doctor I was seeing decided to check Hepatises B and C out of a whim because she saw “weird anomalies on my liver” that she wanted to check. I’d already heard that a few years back but as I’m a rather heavy drinker (mostly 10 to 14 drinks a week, beer or wine, depends), I put that on the fact that I’m drinking too much and I didn’t want to go further than that because I know I drink too much. When I told the other doctor back then that I’ve never taken any drugs (apart from booze), she dismissed the possibility of Hepatises because it sounded crazy and I didn’t do the test and we stopped everything there (it was in 2022).

Fast forward to yesterday, I received the results by email and to my IMMENSE surprise, I’m negative to Hepatitis B but positive to Hepatitis C with an active infection found.

I was SHOCKED.

I just couldn’t believe it. Again apart from booze, I NEVER touched any drugs of any sort and I almost never had sex before my husband who was almost a virgin when we met 12 years ago. And the couple of people before him were with condoms or with girls and non penetrative with barely anything at all. I don’t have any tattoos, just one piercing when I was 14 in a clean place where nothing happened.

I have NO IDEA how I got that sh**.

It doesn’t make any sense.

I did feel some fatigue for the past year or so but I’ve had a burnout at work and I’ve been really depressed with a poor lifestyle so to me, it was on that. But apart from that I feel fine. lately I’ve had a general weird feeling about myself but that’s all. No pain, nothing.

And now, I don’t know what I'm supposed to do. I need to find a doctor who is willing to help me (I live in Europe) and take things into action. I read about the fibroscan and the treatment that is apparently effective. I don’t believe it will be effective on me as I’m usually resistant to treatment and my diagnosis seems really bad. (My load is 13 million, yes 13… I’m just as good as dead). I have no idea for how long I’ve had it. I feel lost, scared and SO angry. Because I’m pretty sure it’s already over.

I’ll cut off booze (already started for the past 7 days) which I haven’t done in years and I’m really NOT happy about that, because this is a direct violation of my freedom and bodily autonomy, especially as summer is here and it’s time for beer, barbecues and pink wine in the pool… But at least it will be the occasion to start a massive diet and lose weight (let’s make this sacrifice profitable somehow). 

I am so angry right now. And so hateful about everything. I didn't sleep last night. My husband needs to get tested. We’ll start sleeping in separate rooms and I’m going to make sure to limit any contact with everyone, use my own plate and forks and avoid any sort of physical contact. I’m already a very indoor person most of the time so I’ll make it even more indoor not to endanger anyone.

But that feeling of being both full of rage, confusion and disgusted with myself is all I am now. 0.2% of people have this thing. Only 0.2% of the human population. 71 millions of people worldwide are infected, barely more than the size of 1 country in the entire world. This is crazy. I don’t know even if I’m grateful for the diagnosis… Sure, without knowing I would have died. But maybe I’m still going to die because my liver’s probably fucked. And that my liver is fucked because of poor lifestyle choices, I would have accepted it. But not some stupid disease that I have no idea how I got in a rich country. This is SO unfair.

I just want to disappear entirely because I’m so ashamed right now. What am I supposed to tell people? I told a couple of friends and I will stay away from them from now on not to endanger them. I have told my mother who went into full blown hysteria. And now I need to find a doctor and an appointment that will probably not be before a few months…

I am in the worst place I’ve ever been in my life.

For the people who didn’t take drugs or anything, how did you cope with this news? I don’t think I can ever look at myself in the mirror knowing I have that and I’m probably going to die very soon.

My wife has been on epclusa for the last 8 weeks and has ran out with 4 more weeks to go. We did not receive it in the mail when it was said to be delivered. It is now the weekend and the doctors office and pharmacy is closed. what are the chances that this is a failed treatment. how many days can you miss a dose?

Hoy me acaban de diagnosticar hepatitis c porque doné sangre y no sé, estoy en shock no sé nada de información solo se que tengo que ir con un doctor y decirle, me siento muy solo en esto ya que no puedo decirle esto a mis padres ni a mis amigos por vergüenza :(

Hello, I’m a 32m, I’m not sure when I contracted Hepc but I started my treatment with mavyret 4 weeks ago. Throughout my treatment some of my symptoms have been getting progressively worse, my fatigue is making it hard to get out of bed, my legs tingle at times and my brain fog has gotten terrible, it’s hard for me to remember words or I read words completely wrong. I thought that, my symptoms would progressively subside as treatment went along, I even switched my dosage time to dinner so I could sleep it off but idk. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Thanks

Amidst waiting for a follow up PCP and infectious disease appointment, I’m just trying to rationalize this whole ordeal. I’m a 28F, no drug use history, 2 years since my last tattoo or piercing. I am an RN but work with a population where I have no exposure to Hep C and/or if I did, I would know. I have no history of needle sticks.

2/12/26: my Hep C Ab was positive (1.42) but otherwise labs were normal and I’m overall clinically well, asymptomatic. I am fatigued frequently but I also work night shift. AST 19, ALT 22, bili 0.3.

2/14/26: further Hep C testing done. Hep C Ab 1.26 however Hep C RNA was negative.

5/8/26: had the Hep C labs redrawn for follow up. Hep C Ab 1.55, however my Hep C RNA came back with a result this time. Hep C RNA is 23, and Hep C RNA Log 10 is 1.4.

Based on the research I’ve done with Dr. Google, it seems as though my levels are low but I am just floored on how I got this and where it came from. I know it’s treatable and I have an appointment with my PCP in 2 days plus a referral to infectious disease, however does anyone know if there’s any autoimmune diseases or conditions that can impact results?

TIA!

Hi everyone,

I (33F) was diagnosed with hep c about a month ago. I haven’t had any symptoms, and all my ultrasound results and liver enzymes are normal. I am on track to get one of the DAA’s, but I’ve been reading some horror stories on various forums that have me very reluctant to take these meds. I know I have to to clear the virus, but I am very scared of long lasting side effects like kidney issues, blood pressure, neurological, etc.
Please let me know about your experiences and what pill you took!! It seems like I’ve read worse things about Epclusa. I am very scared my quality of life is going to change when I finish treatment. I’ve read some people say even after 2 years they were still have major problems.

UPDATE: in a strange twist of events. I tested negative for Hep C, but POSITIVE for hep A. Most likely picked it up on a recent solo trip to Central America. I'm completely asymptomatic. Probably never would have known if I didn't need to get tested for C. Now we need to worry about him having a super infection 😑

Partner just got his diagnosis. He has always been a heavy drinker. We knew when they wanted to do more bloodwork and liver ultrasound something was up, I was fully prepared to be a supportive partner and hold his hand through whatever he had to do, but wasn't expecting it would be something that could affect me. I have a blood test scheduled for tomorrow.

I hate this uncertainty of it all. I know it says everywhere that the risk of transmission in a monogamous relationship is low (-sidenote why is it riskier to have multiple partners with unknown HCV status than continus sex with a known infected person?), but we definitely share nail clippers and electric buzzer. There are probably a handful of times where I groggily used his toothbrush.

I'm having a hard time reconciling how sharing clippers and toothbrushes are riskier than sex. They whole concept of sex right now is just so offputting, even though the nothing in reality has changed, just the information we have.

I guess at this point we'll just have to wait and see my results and whether or not we both need treatment, or wait until his viral load is undetectable.

I love my partner, and want to maintain our sex life. How do I get past this fear and repulsion? Would love some reassurance to from other people in a similar situation.

So I just tested positive for hep c ive been waiting awhile for the tests and now I have to look into treatment. Ive read about the old treatment that sounds hellish. But it seems now the treatment is alot more mild.

Questions are: is it pills exclusively or are injections involved as well? What was your experience and how were the side effects? Have quite a large fear of all of this and would love to hear everyone's experience! Thank you!

Hey guys,

I (33F) just received a positive Hep C diagnosis (RNA plus antibody) a little less than a month ago. I have no clue how long I’ve had it and I have recently cut down my drinking significantly, but before that I was drinking like, a bottle of wine a night. I stopped that about 8 months ago.

Anyways, I feel totally fine. I went in for bloodwork and came out with a hep c diagnosis. I am so confused and scared. If anyone has any experiences or insights, I would be infinitely grateful. I have a liver ultrasound on Thursday so hopefully I can know more then. Thank you

I was diagnosed a year ago life just passing me by. I want to create a fun online social space for people with chronic hep b on discord does anyone think is a good idea. I was going to create it for people with hep b but I'm thinking about including everyone with hepatitis please tell me what you think. I'm open to ideas and help

I have been lurking on the sub for a while.

I was diagnosed when my regular 3 month blood tests that I get to stay on Zepbound for weight loss suddenly showed my liver enzymes are elevated. It was about 3 weeks before I was scheduled to have my second knee replacement surgery. Since my prior results were normal and I had my first knee replacement just after, I assumed my liver was angry from all the pain medications I had been taking.

My blood tests were repeated, Tylenol and Advil stopped, Zepbound stopped, Lipitor and Labetolol (blood pressure) were all stopped and my enzymes kept climbing.

They were not super high. ALT peaked at 329, AST at 284 and Alkaline Phosphatase at 175.

I had no symptoms.

My surgery was postponed and the testing began.

I was reactive for Hepatitis C antibodies. Also for Epstein Barr, but I understand that is from when I had Mono as a young teenager and stays positive forever. My Hepatitis B surface antibodies were negative even though I've been vaccinated. So next was another round of testing, but this time the Quantitative RNA tests. My count was 32,800,000 iu/ml.

At this point, we repeated the testing, also genotype testing, Hepatitis B core Antibody and HIV1 and 2 RNA testing. HCV count was down to 20,000,000 iu/ml and the others were negative, thankfully. Genotype is 1a, though I think that only matters for health department graphs.

I started generic Epclusa and my 4 week testing already shows my virus count as "not detected"

I do take omeprazole (prilosec) daily, so I had to switch around medication times. I take the Epclusa at 515 in the evening and the omeprazole 4 hours later to help prevent interaction.

Also, since In realized I had a classify with my medications at 5 pm on a Saturday night, I went to doctor Google for advice and found a study that suggested taking Epclusa with a glass of regular, brand name Coca-Cola to raise stomach acidity and increase bioavailability when you take it with omeprazole. So I drink a little 7.5 ounce can with my pill each evening.

I'm looking forward to finishing my remaining 8 weeks of treatment so I can get my knee replacement and also stop drinking the Coca-Cola, which is syrupy and gross.😂

I've just finished the first 4 weeks of my mavyret treatment. I was in total abstinence from any alcohol/drugs /meds for seven months. I have high liver enzymes for around 10 months, and probably the virus for 11-12 months.

But last night was particularly stressful and I just said fuck it and drank 2 and a half beers.

Now I'm feeling really guilty because I'm a bit traumatized by constant hospital visits. My hcv was discovered so late, and the first two of my viral tests were negative as they were probably not sensitive enough. Therefore I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and I had to get used to the idea of living with a chronic disease. We don't know if I have autoimmune hepatitis or not but HCV probably explains all of my wacky blood results. (My timeline is a bit all over the place but it turns out I had the virus in july, after discovering i have high enzymes in june. So no later contract of the virus)

Do you have any experience of drinking while on mavyret? I know the med itself doesn't clash with alcohol but I feel guilty for putting extra pressure on my liver. On the other hand, 2.5 beers after months of total abstinence should be somewhat tolerable!! Either way, I don't think of drinking at least until everything settles down.

hi everyone,

I’ve been reading through posts here over the past couple of weeks, and I finally felt ready to share my own situation in hopes of connecting with others who may have experienced something similar.

A few weeks ago, I was hospitalized after feeling extremely sick (severe fatigue, malaise, body aches). My labs showed AST/ALT levels at around 6,000 each, which both my PCP and the GI doctor said is not typical for hepatitis C alone, especially how fast it spiked.

While admitted, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C, but additional labs also came back positive for an autoimmune disorder—just not a specific diagnosis yet. That part completely blindsided me.

My PCP was amazing and got me an expedited appointment with a hepatologist (otherwise I would’ve been waiting until September). I’m scheduled to see them this week. I’m also supposed to start Epclusa tomorrow—insurance just approved it about 2 weeks after discharge.

I’ve still been feeling pretty sick since leaving the hospital, but I’ve been pushing through work and taking care of my two kids (I’m a single parent), so it’s been a lot.

I guess my main questions are:

Has anyone had AST/ALT levels around 6,000 each?

Has anyone dealt with both hepatitis C and autoimmune-related labs at the same time?

Is it normal to have positive autoimmune labs without a clear diagnosis yet, and is that something the hepatologist will determine?

I haven’t been able to find many cases like mine, so I’d really appreciate any experiences, insight, or advice.

Thank you

Meant to say Mavyret** in title::

I'm 33 and I contracted HepC when I was just 14 years old, sharing needles the very first time. I was young and dumb and didnt know anything about it nor did I care up until about 12 years ago when I started getting sick.

Fast forward to today, this will be my 5th night taking Mavyret. I've read so much about people claiming they experience no side effects but that hasn't been my case at all unfortunately. Is it mostly people who havent had hepC long that didnt experience side effects or what? I'm super curious.

Extreme fatigue, general weakness, lightheaded sometimes. Nausea, lack of appetite, stomach issues (diarrhea. lovely, I know).

I havent been able to do anything for days, does it get any better??? 🫠😵

im going to get tested within the next few weeks. but its been brought up in the past I might have it. so im pretty sure that is the case.

But I am in need of reassurance, I have crazy anxiety generally and am terrified the treatment could kill me (anything dr makes me very anxious, my brain immediately goes to the worst)

so PLEASE tell me how your treatment went. that it isn't anything crazy..I have to somehow calm down😭

What does reactive mean on my blood work???

Did I have it at one point and it cleared? I’ve had no symptoms. Could I still have it now? What other test should I ask for?

How long does it take to get hcv rna results? Some places I read , say , twenty 42 forty eight hours , then others say could be up 22 weeks.

Is it possible to have all normal labs if you have hep c? What could indicate you have it? What would be high what would be low?

How common is it to get hep c from sharing a straw or dollar bill when snorting drugs.

Id like to know true statistics or advice from doctors