Stopped Harvoni treatment

[Sue21165]

I recently had my 8-week labs done and am undetectable, which I'm thrilled about.  However, I have suffered with serious pain in my pancreas area and severe nausea.  My symptoms are worsened by the fact that I had issues with my pancreas, pain and nausea, prior to starting treatment.  My GI has been unable to identify that problem for me as of yet.

I spoke to my GI about my symptoms at one of my treatment office visits.  Although I like my GI very much, she basically implied that I should count myself as lucky that I am receiving the treatment, stating that prior treatments had much worse side effects.  That's great and all, but really has nothing to do with what I am experiencing.  I didn't appreciate her minimizing the severity of my symptoms.  Since that visit, I have not mentioned the symptoms again.  She just repeats the same rhetoric each time I see her.  I won the lottery getting the treatment and any side effects I'm having can't be that severe and I should just deal with it.  Those are my words, not hers, but generally what she says.

As of week 9 of my treatment, the pain and nausea had gotten much more severe, almost to the point of unbearable.  I continued to take my Harvoni until the end of the week when, after very serious consideration, I decided to stop the treatment.  I was in tears from the pain in my pancreas area.  I have not told my GI since she minimizes my symptoms anyway. 

I'm aware that my stopping the treatment may not be the best decision I've made, but I felt I had no other option.  I am not scheduled for any more lab work until my 12th week, which is the middle of December.  I don't know how stopping the treatment early will affect me, but I am praying I will still be undetectable. 

[TexasC+]

( HUG )
It is what it is. Only you can hoose what is right for you. I hope that you were able tolerate enough meds to get cured. Not everyone tolerates Harvoni.
Take care of yourself, rest and stay positive. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

[BillT]

I'm sorry to hear you had to quit Sue.I hope you got far enough that it worked for you.A lot of people are beating this in the early stages so keep the faith and see what happens.Let us know how it goes for you.

[spitzbar]

.....rather than discontinuing, consider extending your harvoni treatment through reduction to the current 1 tab per day regimen to 1/2 or 1/3 tab per day...the important point...by maintaining some level in your system, by design harvoni continues to perform accordingly...and because current tests show undetected it's a win win approach...no foul no harm...dose reduction equates to more manageable sides...if necessary discuss with you specialist