I found H2 Blockers worked the best.  I got horrible heartburn halfway through treatment and that was what was suggested to me.  It worked immediately and even helped the itching.  Dr said it was histimines causing both and it was.  I only had to take a regular strength generic pepcid and the heartburn stopped after first dose.

I use almond meal flour to make bread...no grains. Recipes all over the Internet.

Stormy

I had ridiculous heartburn for about 30 years. The onset came with pregnancy and never went away,  just got progressivly worse. I have been on all knids of proton pump inhibitors. I had prilosec before it was over the counter. But antiacids are not good for you in excess. And I would go for long periods without taking them.

Last June, on a whim I decided to not bring any wheat products with me on my camping trip, by the end of the ten days not only did my heartburn disappear, but so did the associated headache, constant diareah, and body aches and pains. It is nothing short of a miracle.I was harder than Crap to quit bread, because wheat is in everything. However, it was SO SO worth it.

I have had a slip because I really had to have a fry bread at the pow wow, because of those instances I'm convinced it was the wheat, the heartburn is almost Immediate. Then it takes several days to get it out of my system.

certainly worth a try.

good luck, Iris

This from the Harvoni documentation...these differ from other antacids which need the 4 hour or greater before or after Harvoni.


Other medications for indigestion, heartburn, or stomach ulcers, such as, esomeprazole
(Nexium®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), omeprazole (Prilosec®), rabeprazole (Aciphex®), or
pantoprazole (Protonix®) must be taken at the same time as Harvoni®.

And as already mentioned by others...absolutely check every drug you take with your Dr or team and be sure if and how it can be taken.

-- Edited by Jaded on Thursday 21st of May 2015 06:39:20 AM

From the Harvoni Monograph, it mentions that the concern with coadministration of aluminum or magnesium based antacids is due to the Ledipasvir. This is the drug combined with Sovaldi to make Harvoni. The warning there states either antacid should not be taken for 4 hours either side of Harvoni administration. It reduces absorption of the drug. The Sovaldi Monograph makes no such statement. However, they both mention the possibility of gastric discomfort, heartburn and dyspepsia. This is most definitely an issue best suited for discussion with your healthcare team.

Brian1412 wrote:

---

I am on 40 mg. Protonics. I think it is the only one allowed by the pharmacy,do check with dr. Catch is you must take it 4hours before. Or 4 hours afternn your pill

---

 I am told to take this simultaneously with Harvoni...the nurse/phamacy as well as harvoni state this.

I found H2 blockers better as they even helped the itching some.seems to be all related to histamines.  I had bad heartburn and acid reflux at end of treatment and asked about it.  Also I use regular strength Target brand generic famitodine  (10 mg) and it worked so well and I only needed one dose in late in afternoon.  Ask your doctor about it first though. 

Remember that while precautions are given for the use of antacids, Gilead does state in the package insert that you can take the Aluminum and Magnesium based antacids as long as you separate the intake by 4 hours. Table 3 of the Harvoni Monograph (package insert) specifies this specifically. So if it's absolutely necessary, this is a consideration you have available. Of course you want to discuss it with your doctor first. 

http://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/liver-disease/harvoni/harvoni_pi.pdf

Tig  

Day 10 on Harvoni here.  I've researched and have found such conflicting things written concerning taking omeprazole with Harvoni.  I take 20 mg. of Prisolec daily because without it the heartburn is unbearable.  I too have a small hiatal hernia..  Because of the confusion regarding this, I even called Gilead to doublecheck about taking it with Harvoni.

My doctor, as well as Gilead, said its perfectly fine to take 20mg. of Prilosec SIMULTANEOUSLY with Harvoni on a FASTED basis.  So I take the meds at 8am upon waking and then eat breakfast at 9am..

Now, regarding antacids, Tums/Rolaids, and that sort, there are different directions.  Those are not the same as omeprazole.  

I'm thankful to be able to take Prisolec, because without it, I wouldn't be able to bear the terrible hearturn I have....

Good a.m. All,  Born Again, I too had terrible heartburn like I have never had before.  It felt like I swallowed the dragon.  After speaking with my liver dr. He told me it was okey to take 1 prilosec a day.  That has helped a bit.  Hope this is helpful to you!      Roey

I just started Harvoni and simultaneously stopped daily nexium.  I am going to have to call the doctor on Monday because my heartburn is terrible.  I've had heartburn for several years but it is controlled with nexium.  Not much I can do about it at the moment.

I have suffered with reoccurring gastritis (had an endoscopy confirmation of it) for more than 10 years now.  What is odd is that during my harvoni treatment it went away and I felt great as far as my digestive system goes.  Within two days of stopping treatment it returned with a vengeance.  I am dealing with it yet again.  I am seeing my GI doctor in a month and I will see what he wants to do.  I would avoid doing much during your treatment.  The drug depends on an acid environment to work right. 

Guys,

If you're having that much trouble with heartburn (which is reflux of gastric acid), I would ask for a gastroscopy. It will pick up things like hiatus hernia, gastritis, ulcers and check for portal hypertensive gastropathy.

I know 'heartburn' is common and I took a proton pump inhibitor (Pariet- rabeprazole 20mg) all through my treatment, as I had a small hiatus hernia (which has since disappeared).

You shouldn't munch antacids without knowing the cause. Cheers.

Hey All

I concur on your thoughts on taking into account your PH balance in your stomach. This a important factor with the effectiveness of "Harvoni". Water, food, antacids and other high PH foods/drinks can bump your PH acid level up (less acid) in your stomach. The whole entire digestive system should be studied and understood. The foods we eat or don't eat can make a big difference in how our stomach and gut feels. Probiotics, digestive enzymes in pill form are a option but also their are certain foods naturally like Sauerkraut (probiotic) or Papaya (digestive enzyme) and many more that can health great choices. 

Please everyone, expand your palette for your bodies healths benefits. Google digestive system and foods that can aid. Antacids should be used sparingly, also check out Activated Charcoal but be careful using it during treatment as it can neutralize large amounts of pharmaceutical in the blood stream.

matt 

Hi Bob,

You bring up a valid point! Gilead recommends waiting a minimum of 4 hours before using any acid reducing agent. It is something to discuss with your physician if you're going to use anything like ACV for heartburn during treatment. 

Tig

There are very specific recommendations for the administration of antacids and other treatments in combination with harvoni.  Increased pH decreases absorption, would definitely check with your doctor.

Hey Roey,

You have a way with words girl! I'm laughing, not at you but with you. I'm sorry to hear that it came right back up. Was it perhaps the taste that caused this to happen? You might try a teaspoon to begin with, especially with your sensitivities to so many things. I would let your doc know that you're having these digestive issues next visit. I know you're aware of the warnings on some antacids with Harvoni. They're a no no.

Interesting stuff on the ACV, Roger. I found the comment section interesting. Thanks for posting that link! Maybe it will help me sleep! Sleep now seems more like a concept than a requirement...

Tig

Hey Rblood,  I want to TY for the in depth info on the brags Apple cider vinegar.  It sounded familitar to  me,  so I ventured into my cupboards and wola, there it was.  So I started with 2 tablespoons this A. M. And now all I want to do is run to the bathroom and throw up.  It's amazing how freakin sensitive my body is. Well thanks anyway.  U take care!   ROEY

Here are some reviews from Amazon dot com about the Braggs Apple Cider. And if you Google Braggs and soda you will get lots of info. Its good for a number of things. You can get it at most grocery stores.

www.amazon.com/Organic-Apple-Vinegar-Bragg-gallon/product-reviews/B000R71WMQ

When I was on treatment I had ridiculous heartburn. My doctor told me to only take 1 rather than the 2 Omperazoles I had been taking and it was awful much of the time. I think it was the cause of a lot of my nausea. However, he did say it was better to chew some Rolaids than to take the Omperazole/Prilosec. I know how you feel, but it will soon be over with. I also had a heck of a lot of sweating and think it was a hormonal issue brought on by the Sovaldi/Olysio. 

Roey, Braggs apple cider vinegar with baking soda and water works great for heartburn. Check with your doctor to find out if it is ok to take.  It works great for ulcers also. I used it to cure ulcers. My wife uses it daily for heartburn.....Roger

good p.m. my harvonian family,  I have such awful heartburn like I have never felt before.  It feel like the dragon jumped inside my digestive system and throat.  I wanted to take Prilosec but didn't take it until I know if it's okay to take.  I feel really under the weather.  I have no every even to get out of my p.j.s. .   I'm braking out in cold sweats and feel like sh_t.  Hope all is going smoothly for everyone !   Roey