What Causes Occasional Black Stool, Bloating And Reduced Appetite After Taking Harvoni?

Posted on Wed, 18 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 18 Nov 2015 Answered on

Wed, 9 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 73, living in UK. My Hep C geno 1a was detected 2006. Two peg/ interferon/rib programmes did not work. Probably caught virus by contaminated blood. Two weeks into Harvoni and have problems as follows:- Occasional black stools, belly blown up like a football, no appetite, hot flushes (I am male), serious lack of energy made worse after eating, frequent visits to toilet (low volume soggy bread stool consistency). I have been admitted to A&E twice in two weeks but after X Ray and endoscopy doctors cannot find cause. Omitted to state I always feel drunk. My wife makes sure I adhere to the rules and I am not a alcohol fan.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects are drug related.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir.

I can certainly understand your concerns.

I apologize for the delayed response owing to my work schedule.

I have worked through your query in detail.

Almost all your symptoms are directly related to side effects of HARVONY.

Many of the side effects will subside with time.

Dose modification can be made to minimize side effects.

This can be done after undergoing complete liver and renal function tests.

Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe these tests to you.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar