Unstable Hypertension, Mcas , anyone? Starting treatment soon

[Sandy G]

I have a question I didn't see here. I'm a new person to this forum. I've had this hc virus in my blood for over 30 years but did not thought it was inactive or gone until spring, 2016. I've finally agreed to start the treatment, so I'm now awaiting the meds to be delivered. I'm nervous because my blood pressure has been very unstable over the last year and I'm wondering if anyone here has had problems with, maybe, vomiting that would result in BP spikes or anything related to hypertension and vomiting. Doctor diagnosed me with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome & specialists think may be that's why my Mast cells are acting up. I'm a senior (74) & not sure how I will handle this. Thank you.

[Lynn K]

Hi and welcome

Much depends on which of the many hep c meds you will be treating with. One popular medicine is Epclusa here is a information sheet about Epclusa and possible side effects.

https://www.epclusa.com/static/Sofvel/www_epclusa_com/v3/pdf/epclusa-important-facts.pdf

Haven’t really seen anything about and hep c med affecting blood pressure. I don’t believe nausea was a frequent side effect either.

Really, for most people treatment with the new generation of hep c meds have been relatively side effect free. The most common side effect reported was mild headache which can be helped by keeping hydrated. Of course I expect your individual medical status could have an influence on your treatment but really there isn’t any way to predict. But since most people had an easy time with treatment I would anticipate you should also in all likelihood have no significant effect on your normal life from hep c treatment.

Since your medical situation is somewhat more complex I hope you are seeing a doctor familiar with treating patients with hep c

Best of luck with treatment. Please let us know how it’s going or if you have any other questions   

[Sandy G]

Hi Lynn,
Thank you for your prompt response.
I know most of what is going on but, like you say, everyone has differing reactions. I have excellent doctors from our local U/M teaching hospital and the Mavyret meds will be delivered this coming Thursday. I'm just nervous because I had been hit with about 4 major health issues in 2019. All of this caused my BP to be way out of control & it's still not stable. Everyone I've talked to said it should not be a problem but since I've had so many vomiting reactions from antibiotics and colonoscopy prep I'm very afraid of the strong possibility that I will have this after taking the Mavyret. Just the vomiting most likely would raise my blood pressure again. The numbers, sometimes, go over systolic 200 and that's why I'm concerned, since I live alone and have to be able to handle things by myself. I have read that nausea & fatigue are the main side effects. I'll have to just keep calm and pray.
Thanks again. I appreciate your feedback. I'll let you know how it goes.   

[Lynn K]

Try to have faith I spoke with my hepatologist today she said she only had one patient who had nausea issues and she has had many patients.

Sometimes we can psyche ourselves out and can cause symptoms.

I know it’s hard but try to expect good things the odds are you will have an easy time like the majority of patients

Best of luck with treatment and smooth sailing

[Sandy G]

 Hi Lynn,
Thank you for your help. I think I will be ok. I'm getting help by phone with a Pharmacist to tweak my BP meds.

[andrew j]

Hi Sandy,

I have ben cured coming up on 4 yrs now (?!).
My BP was all over the place when I had Hep C (mostly sky-high) - and for a couple of years afterwards.
... Now, it's completely normal.
High BP is normal with Hep C.

As Lynn says, the meds are generally easy to tolerate (you might get a few transient headaches - or feel a little 'other-worldly' at times [drink plenty of water]),
but otherwise you should be fine.

Keep posting if you need to.

Best wishes,
A.

[Sandy G]

Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your answer and encouragement. Sounds like you got through it ok. I have had Hypertension most of my adult life now, and in my older years, especially last year it has been getting out of control with about 3 new health issues causing problems. I think I'll be ok though. Glad this treatment worked for you.
Thanks again & take care.  SG

[Sandy G]

Thanks A, I started &  am on day 3 now. Haven't had any serious side effects. Just think my mast cells are a little confused because some of those symptoms are getting a little stronger. But not worried. Will wait and see. Have a good day