Changing from taking Harvoni at night to in the morning

[MadelineM]

Hello, everyone.
I've enjoyed reading your posts and I appreciate that everyone sounds so supportive.

I have a question.
I started taking Harvoni almost a week ago. I started with taking my dose at 9pm because I had read that some people experienced fatigue during the treatment. Well, it seems my body is having the opposite reaction. My sleep has been light and pretty disrupted the last few nights and I'm thinking the Harvoni may be a part of why. (I also had a head cold that started a little bit before I started treatment, so it's hard to say what's what exactly).

So my question is this:
Knowing it is very important to take our Harvoni at the same time each day I know it wouldn't be smart to skip my evening dose and then take it in the morning. I feel I should go slowly. But HOW slowly? I asked my mom (who is a nurse) and she said I could take it one hour early, then wait a few days, then adjust down one more hour, and so on.
I trust her, of course, although she is admittedly completely inexperienced with Harvoni itself.

I've read that others out there have had to change from PM to AM (or the other way around)...how have you done it?

-Madeline

p.s.
I'm sorry...I don't know how to add the fancy details about my situation post-script style, like when I was infected and such. I'll just add them here, if that's ok, for anyone who might be curious.

I was diagnosed with Genotype 1A in 2006 (presumably having contracted the disease the same year?) I'm not entirely sure how I got Hep C.

I have never had treatment before.

When I had my viral load tested in September it was at 8 million.

I have THE world's most kick ass doctor who totally helped get my insurance to agree to cover me for 12 weeks of Harvoni.

I had a cold before started treatment (almost one week ago today) so the headaches I've had occasionally were around long before Harvoni. The only other "side" (if it is really that) has been some light insomnia. Again, though, it's honestly hard to say it's from the Harvoni, as I had a sore throat and cough BEFORE my first dose and I know that hasn't helped my sleep.

Thank you in advance.

[lporterrn]

Welcome to the Forum. The best way to get the answer to this question is to ask your doc or pharmacist or call Gilead. They will likely tell you that you can advance the dosing much more quickly than that and be at an AM dose surprisingly quickly. Even advancing it an hour or two daily will help with sleep, and before you know it, you will be taking the medicine right where you want it. They may also think because you just started taking it that you could skip the night time dose and start the next day - this one is best answered by the experts. Please let us know what they say.

[Else]

Welcome Madeline!

I take my Harvoni at 10:00 a.m.  For my body it's a stimulating medication.  Noticeable, but not in an uncomfortable way.  But I wouldn't want to take it in the evening. 

Like Lucinda said, make the call and make the switch.  It'll be easy. 

[ellalola]

Hi Madeline,
My understanding of Harvoni is that one of the side effects is definitely insomnia. I read it on a Gilead sight. I received my prescription for Harvoni today. I need to talk to my doctor before I start the drug, so I probably will start the drug early next wk. Hope you feel better soon.

[MadelineM]

Thank you all for your responses. Yes, it all makes a good amount of sense. I have put a call in to my Dr. but have not heard back yet (it's still pretty early!)

I will let you know what they say.
 

M

[lporterrn]

Insomnia was more likely an issue among those taking ribavirin with their Harvoni. However, even if it occurs, various remedies may help with insomnia. For me, losing a bit of sleep was worth it in exchange for freedom from hep C. However, a mild antihistamine allowed me to sleep and be cured.

[Else]

For me, losing a bit of sleep was worth it in exchange for freedom from hep C. However, a mild antihistamine allowed me to sleep and be cured.

So it sounds like I don't have to sweat taking benedryl while on treatment?  In the last two days my allergies have come roaring back after a break of almost 14 years.  For the 20 years before that they were chronic and I lived on the stuff.  So much so that the "will cause marked drowsiness" of benedryl no longer affected me.  It sure does now. **yawn**

[lporterrn]

Actually, you need to run that by your doc because there is a potential for interaction - I took hydroxyzine (Rx), at bedtime only, and started with 1/2 of the lowest dose. As fr benaryl, the interaction may be a timing issue and your doc or pharm may be able to advise you. http://www.hep-druginteractions.org/Default.aspx

[Else]

Checked with the specialty pharmacist.  She said 'no problem' as far as effecting Harvoni efficacy.  So long as I wasn't experiencing any negative reactions, it was fine.

Yikes anyway.    I've been so careful not to take anything that might rock my antiviral boat.  Not even a damn vitamin.  So strange after all these years. 

[coastal girl]

HI Madeline,
I was told by the Gilead Pharmacist to adjust in three hour increments...backwards is best...so if you take your pill at 9:00 pm then go backwards (6:00- 7:00pm) 2-3 hours so there is only 21-22 hours between doses rather than going the other direction and putting 26-27 hours in between doses...don't want those give little buggers anytime to morph!!  I hope you understand my directions as they were explained to me....makes sense to me :/
Carol

[MadelineM]

Yes, that makes a lot of sense.

So far I was just adjusting it by taking it one hour early, so 8pm, then the same the next day, and tonight I was going to take it at 7pm. It's nice to know I may have even more leeway. I, too, had asked my Dr. about Benadryl before I started treatment and was told it would be ok. Melatonin, too. I don't know if it's related (because, like I said, I've have a cold, too) but since I've adjusted the Harvoni timing even a little my sleep has been better. So who knows!

I plan on talking to my Dr., too. I put a call in and now we've been playing a bit of phone tag.

M

[Rosie13]

Hi MadelineM, your topic is interesting because I just went through the same thing.When I stated Harvoni in sept.  I chose noon to take it so I could get alot done in the mornings & take a break for an hour or so at lunch.It made me so tired I would just lay on the floor with my foster kitten & chill out! After awhile it stated making me wide awake at night.I just could not sleep at all so I moved my time a few hours a day to get it to night time instead.One thing I have found is things are always changing with sides.Sleeping perfect now when I take at night.Weird that we are all so different in response to the drug.Good luck with your timing & treatment!

[MadelineM]

Thanks so much for your response.

I've changed my med times by one hour a day and am currently taking my Harvoni at noon. This seems to be working well for me. I'm sleeping perfectly well at night and have had no other sides to note. I do have a headache every few days but that has been the case long before I started Harvoni so I really can't call it a "side".

Overall, I often forget I am even undergoing treatment. It's been a real blessing, all around.

Madeline

[Else]

Great news that you're sailing right thru!    I'm glad that you found a nice balance for when to take your medication.