New here and started Harvoni 28 days ago. I have questions.
Linuxter said
Jul 3, 2016
Hi Mark,
Welcome to the forum, we're glad you're here!
You've received some great advice already just run any changes by your doctor (the one who prescribed the Harvoni) so they know exactly what is changing. Do drink lots of water (3-4 liters per day is essential). I concur with with ginger helping stomach issues, tea or home made ginger ale, we have a recipe for making it HERE.
The following link will help you add some information to your signature line and there is also a link there to abbreviations used on this site in case you need it.
OK, if possible I have what I believe to be the perfect plan that has worked for me and my wife perfectly.
I am the 5:55am guy.
Protocol calls for
Harvoni
Omeprazol
You have to take them together, and it has to be on an empty stomach. The Ledipasvir requires an acidic environment for the purpose of proper uptake. Any PPI will shut down the production of acid and in the case of Omeprazol it is a timed released process over 24 hours. The idea of course is 24 hours after taking the Omeprazol you are acidic and ready for your next dose. This is only to explain the why at the same time is important.
Peak uptake of Ledipasvir is 4 hours after taking it. So even when the Omeprazol really kicks in, the Ledipasvir is already doing it's thing. So what you have created doing it this way is a way to get the benefits of both without negatively affecting one or the other.
For me, by 6:15a I am ready for my first cup of Coffee and I even have old Mr. Coffee timed. Everything is timed around my 5:55am routine.
This keeps everything consistent which when taking Omeprazol with Harvoni is critical. Not simply together, but absolutely same time each day. This is due to the timed released aspect of the drugs so no jumping around. Pick a routine time, empty stomach and consider you have 140 more days to follow this program exactly, so choose wisely.
Now with regard to Harvoni:
"If you miss taking a dose of Harvoni and it is within 18 hours of when you were supposed to take it, take it as soon as possible. If it is after 18 hours from when you were supposed to take it, wait and take the next tablet at your regular time. Do not take a double dose."
Keep this in mind as you adjust for your new time. In other words, say you choose 5:55am for your new time. Just make sure you have 18 hours since last dose so as not to be considered a double dose.
By the way. You are on pretty much a 100% success rate protocol. 24 weeks is the bomb.
Stay in touch here, a lot. It will be helpful.
JimmyK
wendyo said
Jun 30, 2016
Glad you spoke to them already and that you feel hopeful You just got more folks praying for you too
boxerfan13 said
Jun 30, 2016
Thank you all for responses! Surprised me. I am on 24 wks Harvoni. I've had acid reflux for many years. It always got worse when I put on weight. My life has been a roller coaster from late teens through my 40s. Alcoholic / addict with periods of sobriety. Weight gain / loss. Usually extreme changes I put my body through. I have weighed as little as 190 and as much as 322 at 6'-4". I called pharmacist at specialty pharmacy. She assured me the same as you guys about taking both together. It might take a couple of days, but I feel better already, mentally. I have hope. I needed hope. Thank you.
wendyo said
Jun 30, 2016
Welcome Mark! Glad to see you start the train-ride but sorry to hear about the gastric issue. Jimmy has all the info on the omeprazole for sure. I suffered from nausea before treatment so have taken ginger capsules as well as drink ginger tea and that helps that. I know it is different from reflux. Sometimes the protein drinks are too rich for me so I have to test em out and see what works.
I am in recovery as well, there's a bunch of us here. So you have oodles of support in many fashions.
Give the doc and pharm a call and I bet this gets straightened out quickly.
All best,
wendy
JimmyK said
Jun 30, 2016
Also.
Clean and Sober 5 years. CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER! I put the needle down 30 years ago and Life Is Beautiful!
In that you appear to be a cirrhotic and failed Peg INT, do they have you on 12 or 24 weeks? If 12 does it include RBV?
Being clean is great my friend. We are mopping up after ourselves now one day at a time. You are NOT alone here and have found a great place!
JimmyK
JimmyK said
Jun 30, 2016
I agree with Tig.
The problem now is you are on day 28 so if you change up timing of dose you have to do so on your Doctors ok.
You do not need need to stop taking the Omeprazol. You simply must do so once a day, empty stomach and at the exact same time as the Harvoni.
But you already are taking Harvoni at a different time period.
Talk to your Doctor and Specialty Pharmacist. See if they agree you can change to Harvoni in the morning empty stomach at the same time as 20 mg of Omeprazol.
Interactions between your selected drugs
Moderate
omeprazole ledipasvir
Applies to:omeprazole and Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
Depending on the dose, omeprazole may interfere with the absorption of ledipasvir and reduce its effectiveness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. You may need a dose adjustment of omeprazole to safely use both medications. You should take omeprazole simultaneously with the dose of ledipasvir on an empty stomach. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
I am taking Harvoni with Omeprazol. My wife did the same. We are both UND and both followed the guidelines from day one same time without fail.
DO NOT TAKE ANY ANTACIDS WITHIN FOUR HOURS OF HARVONI.
See if your Doctor will agree to changing your dosing time and adding the Omeprazol as stated above. Don't just do it and no one here can tell you to do so. Take this information to the Doctor and or speak to the Pharmacist now.
Best of luck and welcome!
JimmyK
-- Edited by JimmyK on Thursday 30th of June 2016 02:45:44 PM
Tig said
Jun 30, 2016
Hi Mark,
Welcome Brother! The link below spells out the use of Prilosec 20mg (Omeprazole) when on Harvoni. You can take it, it just has to be taken simultaneously with the Harvoni, on an empty stomach. Check with your Hepatologist or GE for more information and authorization before doing so.
Welcome to the forum and well done for getting on treatment. You'll do well.
We're going to need more info before we can help out here. For example, has the reflux only started after starting Harvoni or did you have it before, perhaps in a lesser form? I had reflux on sof/vel/vox if I didn't eat a meal before my meds, but I thought Harvoni didn't have this issue. Does the problem only occur after eating?
Do you have any gastro problems? They are common in people with HCV.
I'd contact your hepatologist and be advised by him/her.
In the meantime try eating small amounts regularly through the day rather than big meals.
Pablo
PS - it would also be useful for us if you could put your HCV-related clinical details in your signature
boxerfan13 said
Jun 30, 2016
I am 58, male, hep C for 16+ years. I was put on pills and weekly shot back 15 yrs ago. No good results. Recently diagnosed with cirrhosis and started Harvoni 28 days ago. I've been clean and sober 5 yrs. I am having side effects mainly after meals. Reflux / heartburn severe.This is my one shot to get better so don't want to jeopardize treatment. I was told to stop taking prilosec and milk thistle by pharmacist/ drug co. It's gotten so bad I rarely eat. Maybe once a day. Drinking protein-gatorade shakes alot. And much water. Anyone know of a possible solution? I sure would appreciate it!
Hi Mark,
Welcome to the forum, we're glad you're here!
You've received some great advice already just run any changes by your doctor (the one who prescribed the Harvoni) so they know exactly what is changing. Do drink lots of water (3-4 liters per day is essential). I concur with with ginger helping stomach issues, tea or home made ginger ale, we have a recipe for making it HERE.
The following link will help you add some information to your signature line and there is also a link there to abbreviations used on this site in case you need it.
Signature Line Set Up/Abbreviations
Dave
That is great news.
OK, if possible I have what I believe to be the perfect plan that has worked for me and my wife perfectly.
I am the 5:55am guy.
Protocol calls for
Harvoni
Omeprazol
You have to take them together, and it has to be on an empty stomach. The Ledipasvir requires an acidic environment for the purpose of proper uptake. Any PPI will shut down the production of acid and in the case of Omeprazol it is a timed released process over 24 hours. The idea of course is 24 hours after taking the Omeprazol you are acidic and ready for your next dose. This is only to explain the why at the same time is important.
Peak uptake of Ledipasvir is 4 hours after taking it. So even when the Omeprazol really kicks in, the Ledipasvir is already doing it's thing. So what you have created doing it this way is a way to get the benefits of both without negatively affecting one or the other.
For me, by 6:15a I am ready for my first cup of Coffee and I even have old Mr. Coffee timed. Everything is timed around my 5:55am routine.
This keeps everything consistent which when taking Omeprazol with Harvoni is critical. Not simply together, but absolutely same time each day. This is due to the timed released aspect of the drugs so no jumping around. Pick a routine time, empty stomach and consider you have 140 more days to follow this program exactly, so choose wisely.
Now with regard to Harvoni:
"If you miss taking a dose of Harvoni and it is within 18 hours of when you were supposed to take it, take it as soon as possible. If it is after 18 hours from when you were supposed to take it, wait and take the next tablet at your regular time. Do not take a double dose."
http://www.catie.ca/en/fact-sheets/hepatitis/harvoni-ledipasvir-sofosbuvir
Keep this in mind as you adjust for your new time. In other words, say you choose 5:55am for your new time. Just make sure you have 18 hours since last dose so as not to be considered a double dose.
By the way. You are on pretty much a 100% success rate protocol. 24 weeks is the bomb.
Stay in touch here, a lot. It will be helpful.
JimmyK
Glad you spoke to them already and that you feel hopeful You just got more folks praying for you too
Welcome Mark! Glad to see you start the train-ride but sorry to hear about the gastric issue. Jimmy has all the info on the omeprazole for sure. I suffered from nausea before treatment so have taken ginger capsules as well as drink ginger tea and that helps that. I know it is different from reflux. Sometimes the protein drinks are too rich for me so I have to test em out and see what works.
I am in recovery as well, there's a bunch of us here. So you have oodles of support in many fashions.
Give the doc and pharm a call and I bet this gets straightened out quickly.
All best,
wendy
Also.
Clean and Sober 5 years. CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER! I put the needle down 30 years ago and Life Is Beautiful!
In that you appear to be a cirrhotic and failed Peg INT, do they have you on 12 or 24 weeks? If 12 does it include RBV?
Being clean is great my friend. We are mopping up after ourselves now one day at a time. You are NOT alone here and have found a great place!
JimmyK
I agree with Tig.
The problem now is you are on day 28 so if you change up timing of dose you have to do so on your Doctors ok.
You do not need need to stop taking the Omeprazol. You simply must do so once a day, empty stomach and at the exact same time as the Harvoni.
But you already are taking Harvoni at a different time period.
Talk to your Doctor and Specialty Pharmacist. See if they agree you can change to Harvoni in the morning empty stomach at the same time as 20 mg of Omeprazol.
Interactions between your selected drugs
omeprazole ledipasvir
Applies to:omeprazole and Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
Depending on the dose, omeprazole may interfere with the absorption of ledipasvir and reduce its effectiveness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. You may need a dose adjustment of omeprazole to safely use both medications. You should take omeprazole simultaneously with the dose of ledipasvir on an empty stomach. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/harvoni-with-omeprazole-3567-16903-1750-0.html
I am taking Harvoni with Omeprazol. My wife did the same. We are both UND and both followed the guidelines from day one same time without fail.
DO NOT TAKE ANY ANTACIDS WITHIN FOUR HOURS OF HARVONI.
See if your Doctor will agree to changing your dosing time and adding the Omeprazol as stated above. Don't just do it and no one here can tell you to do so. Take this information to the Doctor and or speak to the Pharmacist now.
Best of luck and welcome!
JimmyK
-- Edited by JimmyK on Thursday 30th of June 2016 02:45:44 PM
Hi Mark,
Welcome Brother! The link below spells out the use of Prilosec 20mg (Omeprazole) when on Harvoni. You can take it, it just has to be taken simultaneously with the Harvoni, on an empty stomach. Check with your Hepatologist or GE for more information and authorization before doing so.
Table 4 Section 7.2 Harvoni
Hi Box
Welcome to the forum and well done for getting on treatment. You'll do well.
We're going to need more info before we can help out here. For example, has the reflux only started after starting Harvoni or did you have it before, perhaps in a lesser form? I had reflux on sof/vel/vox if I didn't eat a meal before my meds, but I thought Harvoni didn't have this issue. Does the problem only occur after eating?
Do you have any gastro problems? They are common in people with HCV.
I'd contact your hepatologist and be advised by him/her.
In the meantime try eating small amounts regularly through the day rather than big meals.
Pablo
PS - it would also be useful for us if you could put your HCV-related clinical details in your signature
I am 58, male, hep C for 16+ years. I was put on pills and weekly shot back 15 yrs ago. No good results. Recently diagnosed with cirrhosis and started Harvoni 28 days ago. I've been clean and sober 5 yrs. I am having side effects mainly after meals. Reflux / heartburn severe.This is my one shot to get better so don't want to jeopardize treatment. I was told to stop taking prilosec and milk thistle by pharmacist/ drug co. It's gotten so bad I rarely eat. Maybe once a day. Drinking protein-gatorade shakes alot. And much water. Anyone know of a possible solution? I sure would appreciate it!