Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Main Forums => On Hepatitis C Treatment => Topic started by: Everett on April 30, 2016, 12:09:06 pm
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I am about an hour from taking my first dose of Harvoni, its been a long road to get to here. :D
So my question in what are the best food to take the pills with. I researched all the drug interactions and found that Ledipasvir absorbed best in a slightly acidic environment. If I take it on an empty stomach with a glass of cran-grape would that be good.?
I was infected in 1988, Transmission vector known.
Genotype 1a
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Ok I took my first dose of Harvoni on an empty stomach with a little cran apple juice and I'm chasing that with a bottle of water with lemon squeezed into it.
I unfortunately have some other health issues that the GI doc has put me on a liquid/extremely low residue diet. I take whey protein powder shake with a table spoon of peanut butter mixed in Lactose free milk for two meals a day and then my third meal must consist of low residue foods. Its a pain but I must do it.
So far I don't feel any side effects but its only been 20 minutes.
Its hard to believe this 28 year long nightmare could soon be over.
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Congrats on starting treatment, Everett!! As for what to eat - people here have been eating all kinds of things, or nothing, in conjunction with pill-taking. And everyone got cured the same. A small amount of food such as toast may get stomach acids going (good for the Harvoni absorption). Let your body be your guide. If your stomach feels upset after taking Harvoni on empty stomach with juice only, then think of adding something.
Just be sure you don't take tums or a similar antacid within 4 hours of Harvoni (either side).
Good luck, and welcome to the forums! :)
kim
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Hi Everett,
Good luck with your treatment. My Doctor told me to take it with a meal, and I can only swallow it with tapioca pudding! I was undetected at 4 weeks so it is working!! Hang in there. The time will go by very quickly! Brie
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Thanx for the replies Kim and Brie. Its been about and hour and a half since I took it and so far I feel fine. I had read some where that heavier people have less side effects, and I'm a 225 pound weight lifter so I guess I have that going for me. I will keep you posted on my progress.
Peace and Long Life
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Welcome Everett to the Harvoni Train! I had read quite a bit on this drug while waiting for my state IMR to overturn the insurance co's denial. Most people seem to take it with food, so I take mine with breakfast. I have not had any nausea, so this seems to work for me. The Harvoni product info says studies show it can be taken with or without food, so it doesn't seem to be important for your outcome either way. Nausea is one of the more possible side effects, so food may help avoid that.
It is recommended you take it at the same time every day, however -- that is probably more important than if it's with or without food.
I remember after I took my first pill, I sat on the couch and was waiting for stars or something to appear!! (lol) My 9.5 week course has been very uneventful thus far, so hopefully yours will be, too! Think positive thoughts -- FT
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Oh, I forgot to emphasize what you have most likely heard and read regarding WATER. Due to the dehydrating effects of this drug, be sure to drink a lot more than you may have been; I drink ~ 80 oz. day and have had little to no problems with headaches, constipation, etc. The best guide is the color of your urine, per one of our moderators here -- very pale yellow is a good indicator that you're drinking enough. FT
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I'm taking epculsa and need more info. On what to eat for breakfast that will be best
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Hi Ricardo and welcome
There are no food restrictions eat what you like but my suggestion is to avoid foods if they give you heartburn do you won’t be tempted to use acid reducing medicines.
That’s about it.
Of course the best person to ask is your doctor,nurse or pharmacist.
Good luck on treatment