Harvoni/Meds for Acid/Ulcers

[McGirl555]

Hi All and Happy Holidays. I hope all are enjoying family or a little peace and quiet and a nice nap!

My question is about acid controlling drugs (Prilosec), etc., and digestive enzymes while taking Harvoni.

My doctor told me that I couldn't take any drugs to control acid. Really, it's the only thing I can find which is contraindicated. I have an ulcer and it can be a bit painful at times. Well, really painful at times.

I'm wondering if any of you have faced a similar situation. Believe me, I'm so happy to have the drugs, I'll suffer for 8 or 12 weeks. Still don't know until I pick up the drugs tomorrow. We asked for 12 weeks, however, there is no cirrhosis, treatment naïve, and a lower viral load. I think 8 weeks is what I'll get. My doctor feels confident that 8 weeks will do it. Hope so.

[McGirl555]

Thanks everyone. Great results and congratulations on all the UNDs. I'll pick up Harvoni today. So, I guess today will be day 1 ;-).

[flyinlynn]

What I posted was for Harvoni apparently stomach acid is important for ledipasvir otherwise you won't get full effect of the Ledipasvir

[Stronglady14]

I was put on 10mg of Pepcid 2x a day. My trial Dr. said that Prilosec didn't let you have enough of the acid. They said with the Pepcid there is no time barrier to take it. Said I had better chance of  trial meds working if I stay away from the Prilosec. I am into 8wks of trial and totally undetected. I am on sofosbuvir 400 & GS-5186 100mg no riba, 12 weeks. Geno type 2a/2c.

[flyinlynn]

See table 3 page 5

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

[flyinlynn]

Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name

Effect on Concentrationb

Clinical Comment
Acid Reducing Agents:
 ledipasvir
Ledipasvir solubility decreases as pH increases. Drugs that increase gastric pH are expected to decrease concentration of ledipasvir.


Antacids (e.g., aluminum and magnesium hydroxide)
It is recommended to separate antacid and HARVONI administration by 4 hours.

H2-receptor antagonistsc (e.g., famotidine)
H2-receptor antagonists may be administered simultaneously with or 12 hours apart from HARVONI at a dose that does not exceed doses comparable to famotidine 40 mg twice daily.
Proton-pump inhibitorsc (e.g., omeprazole)
Proton-pump inhibitor doses comparable to omeprazole 20 mg or lower can be administered simultaneously with HARVONI under fasted conditions.

[Dee1956]

Hi, congratulations on getting meds, that is great.  Like above I have heard that Prilosec is ok.  I think I read that tums is not good to take.  I would still read the literature that comes with the meds to be on the safe side.
Good luck, Dee

[AugustineMama]

I talked directly to the pharmacist about this at their specialty pharmacy and they said no there was no contraindication. I reduced mine down to the least dose I could and took it. i took off everything including my vitamins so I could be off as many things as possible. I stopped the xifaxin which is contraindicated and I have been able to stay off it with just using Lactulose. Good luck with treatment.

[Sarah1949]

My doctor said it was ok for me to take prilosec if it was only 20 mg but it would have to be 12 hours before/after I took my meds. I am on Sovaldi and Olysio but I think it's the same for Harvoni.

I'm glad you got Harvoni. Good luck to you.