Hep C Discussion Forum

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Prescribed medications interacting with Harvoni

obsessing · Member

Right. I'm learning to filter the skewed logic that's posted in places like the whole calcium issue. Better to check with my doctor, the specialty pharmacy or Gilead.

Tig · Admin

This section from the Harvoni Monograph describes the antacid issue for you. Jaded is correct, dietary calcium, ie, milk, does not affect the potency of Harvoni.

Section 7.2 Table 3 "Potentially significant drug interactions"

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

Jaded · Senior Member

obsessing wrote:
Hi guys!
Jill - I don't eat much dairy anyway because I'm lactose intolerant, so by cutting it all out, I'm not missing much. Harvoni has effected my stomach and now with the antibiotics, I can't risk any cheese. I did a test and it was sick.
I saw this confusing thread the other day: "Tums neutralizes the acidic environment in your stomach that Harvoni needs to be effective. Tums contains calcium and so does milk. That would suggest that milk also neutralizes acid rendering Harvoni less effective. Milk is an ingredient in all dairy products. If you're taking Harvoni, do not eat any dairy. I kid you not! This is the kind of "science" that's floated around and sometimes followed.
Tig - Wow, you lost 55 lbs. while on treatment! I think my weight will level out soon. If not, I'll have to eat more lean meat protein and nuts.
I got my new labs (below) and they improved!

Tums contain calcium carbonate...that's different. Calcium in milk and food is OK. I eat lots of yogurt while on Harvoni.

-- Edited by Jaded on Wednesday 15th of July 2015 08:59:44 AM

obsessing · Member

Hi guys!

Jill - I don't eat much dairy anyway because I'm lactose intolerant, so by cutting it all out, I'm not missing much. Harvoni has effected my stomach and now with the antibiotics, I can't risk any cheese. I did a test and it was sick.

I saw this confusing thread the other day: "Tums neutralizes the acidic environment in your stomach that Harvoni needs to be effective. Tums contains calcium and so does milk. That would suggest that milk also neutralizes acid rendering Harvoni less effective. Milk is an ingredient in all dairy products. If you're taking Harvoni, do not eat any dairy. I kid you not! This is the kind of "science" that's floated around and sometimes followed.

Tig - Wow, you lost 55 lbs. while on treatment! I think my weight will level out soon. If not, I'll have to eat more lean meat protein and nuts.

I got my new labs (below) and they improved!

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi again, Obsessing, I'm glad to hear you're eating lots of healthy foods. I'm just wondering if there's a reason for you to cut out almost all dairy? It's up to you of course, but I remember when I went on a dairy free diet some years ago I lost a lot of weight, too much weight actually.

Wishing you all the best... smile

Tig · Admin

Hi Obsessing,

It takes a few weeks to get adjusted to everything, so have patience. These are powerful treatments and its natural to notice some changes. It can be an anxiety laden time, but knowing its normal will hopefully bring you some calm.

It's not uncommon to both lose or gain some weight during treatment. As long as you're eating enough good food and proper caloric intake, you will be fine. Keep your doctor/nurse advised of your concerns during each visit. I lost 55 pounds during treatment, different drugs, but I was in free fall for a while there. It finally leveled off and I'm sure you will too.

The lab tests in your sig. line are the ones we often ask about, so you're good. Sometimes after we receive results, we share them all here. That's up to you. If you have questions about anything specific, like fatigue, etc., that helps us provide better informed opinions.

Here's that other thread for the Harvoni Warriors:

http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t58762824/all-aboard-for-the-harvoni-treatment-train-enjoy-the-ride-for-812-or-24-weeks/#lastPostAnchor

obsessing · Member

Thanks! I just needed some reinforcement that what I was doing is not "forbidden" so I'll follow my GI's direction. So many people saying so many different things that I start to doubt myself. I'll move on and start obsessing about something else. Side effects. Will have to join another thread for that biggrin

I'm really surprised by how much weight I'm losing. I'm eating A LOT of vegetables, fruit, chicken, almonds, avocado but my metabolism is super fast so I have to eat all day on the "healthy" diet. If anything, it makes me feel like I'm doing something right!

Brian...aren't my most recent labs in my sig? Do you mean that I should put the last 3-4 labs as well?

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi O, I would try not to worry about an increase in your ALT levels at this point when it was still so early in your treatment. Liver enzymes do fluctuate and there could be various reasons why your ALT had increased that much. Do you have the exact numbers?

Your doctor is aware of all your prescribed medications so I would continue to take them as normal, it sounds like your doctor is monitoring your progress carefully and is keeping you on the minimum dosages necessary.

As far as diet is concerned, it`s good that you`re eating sensibly. and avoiding processed foods, but you do need have enough good nutrition while you`re on treatment, so make sure you`re eating enough and having a balanced diet, you don`t want to lose too much weight.

Best of luck and try not to worry... hope you feel better soon from the Strep infection. smile

Brian1412 · Guru

Well. If you went thru everything. And there is no conflict with dr or specialty, then you do as they direct, If you post. Your labs .geno type and so on. The people will be better able to give you information to help. U through this. Hsrvoni is a strong med but well tolerated and it works I lost quite. A lot of weight for me but it is starting. To come. Back..it will tske a little time. Hang in there...

obsessing · Member

I want to make sure that I'm doing everything I can to get the full effects of Harvoni. This is my chance for a new start. Five months ago, I tried IV drugs for the first time. Two months later, I felt sick and told my doctor to test me. I just knew.

As soon as I transitioned from acute to chronic, I pushed my GI for treatment. First, I needed to test clean from drugs for three months. I did it and am very fortunate that my insurance approved 12 weeks treatment right away. I've now been on Harvoni for 17 days.

I did my first set of labs one week into treatment, and my GI called and asked me if I had been doing any drugs or drinking. There's no way! But my ALT tripled while my AST stayed level. I went over all of my medications with the GI again and also with the specialty pharmacy. There should be no interaction with Harvoni. I need to take meds for Bipolar 2 and ADHD. I'm also fighting a Group Strep B infection and have been on antibiotics. No idea how I got that.

I keep reading posts about people stopping all other medications while on Harvoni but I'm afraid tothat's kind of how I got into this mess. I'm taking Lamictal, Clonodine, Wellbutrin, Vyvanse and Ativan. My doctor changed everything to extended release and put me on the lowest possible dosage. I take a break from Vyvanse and Ativan on the weekend. I should be done with the antibiotics soon.

So even though there's no interaction with Harvoni, I'm really worried how these meds are metabolized and if they might impact the efficacy. Does anyone have similar experience with meds and what have you been advised by your HCV doctor?

I've cut almost all fat, salt, dairy, sugar and processed foods from my diet, and am drinking 60-70 oz water/day. I've lost 7 lbs. over the last two weeks which I'm not sure is good either. I'm 5'10, 138 lbs.

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