Author Topic: Combating fatigue associated with Harvoni (Read 18354 times)

Alasgun · « **on:** May 04, 2015, 12:18:48 pm »

First post and wont bore you with the particulars, I'm much like you.
I'm in week 11 of 12 on harvoni and fatigue / joint pain has been my main " side effect, i guess, i hurt all the time anyway from the hep.

Being a reader, i remembered how the peg/ interfuron really took a tole on peoples thyroid and wondered if this could be possible with the harvoni as well? Since i already take thyroid medicine anyway, it made it easy enough to determine. I simply bumped the thyroid up 30% and within a couple days the fatigue went away!

I use Thyro-gold which is a bovine derived product rather than the picene stuff and have found it to be more easily regulated with less ups and down that the AMA issued medicines.

Anyway, I've had non detected every lab so far but am cautiously optimistic, the real test will Be what it looks like in the fall.
Alasgun Mike

Mike · « **Reply #1 on:** May 04, 2015, 01:10:24 pm »

I would caution you on bumping up your thyroid medicine - unless medically cleared to do so.

The thyroid regulates your metabolism through the release of specific hormones. When the thyroid is removed or not functioning correctly, the hormones released to control your metabolism become unbalanced, and in the majority of case, hormone replacement therapy is needed.

There is no research suggesting that Harvoni interferes with the thyroid or metabolism. The fatigue is a side effect of the medication and should be considered normal.

Adjusting your thyroid medication to combat fatigue is akin to taking an amphetamine for the same purpose, and should only be done when medically supervised.

Best wishes, Mike

lporterrn · « **Reply #2 on:** May 04, 2015, 08:48:34 pm »

Hi,
I agree with Mike. Try bumping up your water intake. Messing around with thyroid dosing is risky. Here are some more tips on combating fatigue: http://www.hepmag.com/articles/2512_10798.shtml#fatigue

koifish54 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2015, 09:33:20 pm »

Mike I too starting about 10th week got achey which wasn't the case previous week s my thyroid didn't feel puffy either . thyroid panel done those were normal but antithyroid antibodies were 100 should be 9 going to endocrinologist few weeks hope hcv isn't back and it's thyroid

Mike · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2015, 10:40:39 pm »

I had a hemithyroidecotmy a few years back. Since the remaining thyroid lobe is all that was needed to keep my hormone levels balanced, I wasn't required to take medication & haven't had a problem since.

I completed 12 weeks of Sovaldi+Interferon+Ribavirin. My tyroid levels (TSH and T4) were monitored before, during and after treatment. This is because Interferon is a known thyroid antagonist.

I had no thyroid-related issues during or after treatment.

Sovaldi, which is the main ingredient in Harvoni, was part of my treatment and it didn't affect my thyroid.

I did experience fatigue during and after therapy; but the side effects wore off, I'm virus free (cured) and have no residual effects from the treatment.

Best wishes, Mike

koifish54 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2015, 11:02:19 pm »

Mike glad you are svr. In my situation my thyroid is autoimmune. Hasimotos so when immune system change s my. Thyroid. Is effected. So not sure. What happens when virus is gone and my immune system doesn't have to deal with hcv

davidsconfused · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2015, 12:18:51 am »

In my case, my fatigue was gone as soon as I stopped taking Harvoni. In fact I have more energy than I've had in a good while.

atomic dog · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2015, 02:23:26 am »

Remember that even though we're on treatment, we still have liver disease and liver disease can contribute to thyroid problems, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Hopefully, we'll find some equilibrium as we heal. Rest, eat well, drink lots of water and heal. A successful Harvoni treatment regimen gives you a chance to stop the damage.

koifish54 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 05, 2015, 07:17:10 am »

I guess I am not sure why from week 3 to week 10 no aches I ill call gilead today see if any changes because of virus being g one

atomic dog · « **Reply #9 on:** May 05, 2015, 09:29:36 am »

Taking Harvoni builds drug toxicity. That means side effects. The only thing you can do is drinks copious amounts of water (though not too much) and ride it out.

koifish54 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 05, 2015, 12:16:03 pm »

Spoke to both gileads and special to pharmacist they said doesn't build up and doesn't effect immune I think it's too new of drug for them to know but once virus is gone immune system should act differently

jpinn1952 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2015, 07:24:14 pm »

I did not find any posts of on Exercise to help the fatigue. I'm on 12 weeks of Viekira Pak with Rib. I would love to try my 3 miles walks. Ill ask my doctor, but has anyone tried exercise?

lporterrn · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:10:38 pm »

Exercise was my best fatigue-fighter during treatment. It got a little hard towards the end, but I just slowed down, dialed back the intensity, and appreciated the attempt.

sabre · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2015, 11:23:32 pm »

I'll second exercise in moderation to combat fatigue. I mainly lift weights, albeit, much lighter weights since beginning treatment. I do a little treadmill work as well.

I have found that, by exercising, I feel much more energetic and happier about my physique, which translates into an overall better sense of well-being while on treatment.

jpinn1952 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 06, 2015, 11:27:37 pm »

Thank you Sabre & Lucina!!! Definitely need to find a way to fight it. Exercise has always worked over the years to combat the Hep C fatigue. So glad your cured. 11,5 weeks to go, out of 12:) won't try the 3miles but at least 1.5 with some hills.

debham · « **Reply #15 on:** May 07, 2015, 02:40:36 pm »

Hi Everyone,
I exercise four to five times a week. Since I've been on Harvoni I have noticed I'm not able to take my heart rate up to the highest levels in my cycle class but I still do the class. I am a little more tired since I've been on this medication, but the virus has kept me tired for years now. I'm looking forward to the days of no Hep C no harvoni and being able to get my heart rate up there and keep it there. On the days I'm extra tired I do classes with less intensity like Zumba or an Abs Class. I do know one thing about exercise it gives you a sense of well being which I'm sure aids in a good attitude and less depression. Deb

jpinn1952 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 09, 2015, 08:48:17 pm »

Deb your awesome! You comments we're so encouraging!!!!

debham · « **Reply #17 on:** May 10, 2015, 12:47:28 pm »

Thank You Jpinn1952

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