If you’ve been diagnosed with hepatitis C, your doctor may want you to take Epclusa.

Epclusa is a brand-name prescription drug that’s used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) in adults and certain children. It comes as a tablet and as pellets, both of which you take by mouth. Epclusa is available in a generic version, too. This contains the same active ingredients as Epclusa (velpatasvir and sofosbuvir).

You’ll take Epclusa as a short-term treatment, for 12 weeks. To learn more about the drug, see this in-depth article.

Some people may have side effects from the medication. Continue reading to learn more.

Some people may have side effects while taking the drug. Some of the more common side effects may include:

All possible side effects are not included in this list. If you are concerned about the side effects of Epclusa, you should talk to your doctor.

Some people may experience side effects while taking a drug. Some examples have been reported.

Epclusa may cause other mild side effects, too. See the drug’s prescribing information for more details.

“Some of the side effects may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If your doctor recommends it, don’t stop using it.”

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Epclusa, visit MedWatch.

The side effects of Epclusa are less common. Some serious side effects have been reported with the drug.

If you have serious side effects, call your doctor. If you feel life threatening or have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Serious side effects can be serious.

To learn more about both of these, see the “Side effects explained” section below. And if you have questions about your specific risk for serious side effects of Epclusa, talk with your doctor.

* An allergic reaction to Epclusa is possible. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.
† Epclusa has a boxed warning about the risk of this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“It isn’t known if pheclusa interacts with alcohol. The risk of side effects of Epclusa may be increased by drinking alcohol. These may include:”

  • There is a throbbing head.
  • nausea
  • fatigue (lack of energy)

Excessive alcohol use can lead to liver problems, such as inflammation (swelling) in the liver, cirrhosis (liver scarring), and liver failure. Hepatitis C can also cause these harmful effects. Therefore, drinking alcohol while being treated for hepatitis C raises your risk for liver problems.

If you have questions about how much alcohol you can drink while taking Epclusa, talk to your doctor.

Answers to some questions about Epclusa can be found below.

What will my life be like after Epclusa cures my hepatitis C?

After you’ve finished the 12-week Epclusa treatment, you won’t be cured of hepatitis C right away. You’ll be considered “cured” when the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is no longer detected in your blood. Three months after your treatment is completed, you will have a blood test to see if your treatment was effective.

In studies, Epclusa was successful at curing hepatitis C infection in most people who took the drug. But it’s possible to get a hepatitis C infection again. Having it once doesn’t make you immune to it.

Avoid certain activities after your infection is cured if you are at risk of getting a hepatitis C infection again. These activities include:

  • Someone who may have the disease is sharing needles with someone.
  • A body piercing or tattoo with unsanitary equipment.
  • Having sex without a condom with a partner who may have the same disease.

You may want to take some steps to stay on track after you have been treated for the disease. These might include:

How long do side effects from Epclusa last?

Side effects of Epclusa should end when you stop using the drug. Side effects after treatment weren’t reported in studies of Epclusa. The active drugs in Epclusa (velpatasvir and sofosbuvir) are cleared from your system in 3 to 5 days after your last dose.

It may take a while for your body to heal from the hepatitis C infections. If you are having symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor.

Does Epclusa interact with any other drugs?

Yes, Epclusa can interact with many other medications. Before taking it, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. Also let them know about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you’re using. Sharing this information can help prevent potentially harmful interactions.

Some of the more common drugs that can interact with Epclusa include:

This list may not contain all interactions. If you have a doctor that you trust, you should talk about if Epclusa could interact with your treatments.

It’s also important to note that Epclusa can interact with grapefruit, and with the herb St. John’s wort. You can see this article for more information about Epclusa’s interactions.

Does Epclusa have any long-term side effects?

There have been long-term side effects reported with Epclusa.

However, hepatitis C can cause long-term harm to your liver, such as cirrhosis (liver scarring). This could last even after your hepatitis C infection is cured. Cirrhosis symptoms may include:

If you have cirrhosis, it is important to keep up with your doctor appointments and blood tests.

Is depression a side effect of Epclusa?

Yes, depression may be a rare side effect of Epclusa. However, this condition is common in people managing illnesses such as hepatitis C.

If you experience depression, talk with your doctor about ways to manage your mood. It may also be helpful to connect with others who are coping with hepatitis C. For more information, visit help4hep.org or call 877-Help-4-Hep (877-435-7443).

SUICIDE PREVENTION.

If you think someone is at risk of self-injury or hurting another person.

  • You can call your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Guns, knives, medications, and other things should be removed.
  • “Don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you should get help from a hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.

There are some precautions to be aware of.

Boxed warning: Reactivation of hepatitis B virus

Epclusa has a boxed warning about the risk of reactivation of existing hepatitis B virus (HBV). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

People with both HBV and hepatitis C can have a reactivation of the disease.

For more details, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, it may not be right for you to use clusa. Before you take Epclusa, talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

Slow heart rate when taken with amiodarone. Taking Epclusa with amiodarone can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). For this reason, doctors typically don’t prescribe these drugs together. Some people who’ve taken Epclusa with amiodarone have needed pacemakers to maintain a regular heart rate. If you take amiodarone, talk with your doctor about treatment options other than Epclusa.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Epclusa or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take it. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Use of other medications that interact with Epclusa. Some medications shouldn’t be taken with Epclusa. Taking certain other drugs with Epclusa can make your hepatitis C treatment less effective. Other interactions can raise your risk for side effects. To learn more, see “Does Epclusa interact with any other drugs?” in the “FAQs about Epclusa’s side effects” section above.

Liver problems other than hepatitis C. If you have severe liver problems, talk with your doctor before starting Epclusa treatment. Your doctor might prescribe a drug with Epclusa to help treat your hepatitis C.

Liver transplant. Epclusa has only been studied in people with certain types of hepatitis C virus who’ve had a liver transplant. Be sure to talk with your doctor about whether Epclusa treatment is right for you if you’ve had a liver transplant.

History of kidney disease. Talk with your doctor about any kidney diseases or problems you may have. A drug called ribavirin should not be used in people with a certain level of kidney disease. Ribavirin is sometimes prescribed with Epclusa for hepatitis C treatment. Studies in people with severe kidney disease, including people receiving dialysis, found Epclusa treatment to be safe and effective. But it’s still important to discuss any kidney problems with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Epclusa

It is not known if it is safe to take it during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking the drug, call your doctor.

If you take ribavirin with Epclusa and you or your partner could become pregnant, use birth control throughout your treatment and for 6 months after your last dose of ribavirin. Talk with your doctor to learn more.

It is not known if it is safe to take the drug while breastfeeding. If you are planning to breastfeeding or taking the drug, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

There are some possible side effects of Epclusa.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus

Epclusa has a boxed warning about the risk of reactivation of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

People with both the HBV and the C can have a reactivation of the disease.

“There is damage to your liver caused by the infections with HBV. People with it usually take medication to control The symptoms can be heard.. The virus doesn’t get completely cleared from the body even if you improve with treatment.”

The reactivation of the HBV could happen after your treatment with Epclusa. If this happens, there could be more symptoms of the disease.

  • There is a high degree of fever.
  • Joint pain.
  • fatigue (lack of energy)
  • nausea or vomiting
  • decreased appetite
  • The abdominal area is painful.
  • The stool is light colored.
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)

What might help

Your doctor will perform a blood test to make sure you are free of the disease. If the test shows you have the disease, your doctor will keep an eye on you. They will keep an eye on you after the treatment.

If you notice any symptoms, tell your doctor. Your doctor will treat the disease if the tests show it.

Headache

Some people may experience There is a throbbing head.s while using Epclusa. This is one of the most commonly reported side effects of the drug. For most people, There is a throbbing head.s caused by Epclusa are mild.

What might help

If you experience There is a throbbing head.s from Epclusa, several home care strategies may help. A few to try include:

  • The area of your head that is painful should be covered with a cold or warm compress.
  • The area is painful.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Even if you just go outside for a change of scenery, distract yourself with an enjoyable activity.

Over-the-counter pain medications can be another way to relieve There is a throbbing head.s. Talk with your doctor about which are safe for you to take.

Fatigue

Fatigue (lack of energy) can occur with Epclusa, and this is one of the most commonly reported side effects of the drug. Fatigue caused by Epclusa is usually mild.

What might help

If you have low energy while taking the medication, you may want to make some changes to your daily routine. Here are some tips you can try.

If you are still having trouble with fatigue while taking Epclusa, talk to your doctor. They may have other ideas.

Rash

Although it’s not common, Epclusa can cause a mild skin There is a rash. in some people. This can cause redness or other discoloration of the skin.

What might help

A mild skin There is a rash. from Epclusa usually goes away on its own. However, if a There is a rash. bothers you or doesn’t go away, consider trying these tips:

  • Take an oatmeal bath to soothe your skin.
  • A anti-itch skin cream or lotion is needed.
  • If it is safe for you to try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Try not to scratch the areas of your skin affected by a There is a rash., as this may further irritate the skin and raise your risk for infections. If you have concerns about getting a skin There is a rash. from Epclusa, talk with your doctor.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Epclusa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Epclusa.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

  • skin There is a rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • “It’s swelling under your skin, usually in your lips, hands, or feet.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild There is a rash., call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or a topical product, like hydrocortisone cream.

If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Epclusa, they will decide if you should continue using it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Epclusa, they will discuss your treatment options with you.

Keeping track of side effects

Keep notes about any side effects you are having during your treatment and give them to your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things.

  • When you had the side effect.
  • How soon after starting that you had a side effect?
  • The symptoms can be heard.
  • How did they affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing your notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Epclusa affects you. Your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

Epclusa can be an effective treatment for the hepatitis C virus, but it may cause side effects in some people. In most cases, these are usually mild, but serious side effects are possible. If you have questions or concerns about side effects of Epclusa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You may want to ask your doctor some questions.

  • Do I have a high risk of side effects?
  • Do my medications increase my risk of side effects?
  • Is there a higher chance of side effects with Epclusa if I have had a transplant?

For hepatitis C resources and support, visit help4hep.org or call 877-Help-4-Hep (877-435-7443).

Q:

“If I have a special event coming up, such as a wedding or vacation, could I wait to start my treatment so that I don’t have to worry about side effects?”

Anonymous

A:

In general, starting treatment with Epclusa as soon as possible is the best choice for your health. The hepatitis C virus causes damage to your liver even if you can’t feel it. Over time, this damage can cause cirrhosis (liver scarring).

After cirrhosis develops, it’s not always possible to reverse the damage. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to prevent it. Starting treatment for your hepatitis C early may lower your risk for complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

If you have questions about when you should start your treatment, talk to your doctor.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.