Harvoni herbals and vitamins that are ok

[Texasmiss]

Hi,
I'm on my 3rd week of harvoni and was told not to take anything with it as its too new for them to know what's ok. I have alot of pain, ibs issues etc. I was told I could take one aspirin if needed and also Bo grapefruit juice
I really would like to be able to take my curicumin (active ingredient in tumeric). Does anyone know if this is possible? I already asked the pharmacy and the doctor. They didn't know what it was period.

[Livelife777]

Personally I would avoid all supplements.  Why risk relapse?  For pain control Pooh is right.  Tylenol if advised would be the best route.
Much luck
......Kim

[patra_]

Harvoni contains Sovaldi and when I was taking Sol/RIBA, the paperwork on Sol specifically said NOT to drink Grapefruit juice while taking the Sovaldi!  It also said not to consume Seville Oranges!  If it were me, I would stop using those two fruits/juices immediately and call Gilead to make sure what is contraindicated w/Harvoni.  I would not take any supplements while on tx.  It is only for a short period of time and you really do not want to take anything which might make the Harvoni not work or not work as effectively.

blessings,

Pat

[pooh55811]

Personally, I would not take Curcumin with Harvoni precisely because of the reason that was given to you. Harvoni is a new drug and may not have been tested in terms of interactions with herbs and supplements. You really do not want to risk failing treatment.

Some herbs (and some medications) interfere with the absorption of some other medications. Some will cause reactions if taken together. Personally, I would not risk it.

I would explain to the doctor (hopefully a Hepatologist) that you are having a lot of problems with pain and IBS and need something more than an aspirin.

In addition, I would question the aspirin. Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. What kind of doctor is telling you to take aspirin.

You do not state your liver fibrosis stage. Aspirin is definitely NOT a good recommendation if you have Stage 3 or Stage 4 liver fibrosis.

Low dose Tylenol can usually be used for pain (instead of Aspirin) unless there is some reason you cannot take Tylenol. I believe I was told I could take up to 1000 mg of Tylenol a day (in divided doses) when I was on treatment (although I was on Incivek, Interferon, and Ribavirin). Be sure to clear any medications with the doctor. If you need more medication, tell the doctor you need something more.

Best of luck.

[hepc4Sandi]

You can try to call Gilead and ask them, pain relievers depend on your health status, many of us were able to take tylenol, but it depends on your liver. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, remember half your body weight in ounces. 160 lbs =80 oz, plus extra if you drink any caffiene or soda. Eat small amounts all day long, healthy fats sill help, nuts, cheese, etc.

Good luck, Sandi

[jules2551]

You might want to reconsider the grapefruit juice.  Here's an article for you to read.

http://hepatitiscnewdrugs.blogspot.com/2011/01/grapefruit-juice-dangerous-medication.html

Wishing you the best

jules