HARVONI

Its been a while since I have posted anything. My husband Chuck was diagnosed with Hep C and Cirrhosis several years ago and we have been doing pretty good on controlling the symptoms. He recently got a new liver doctor and she started the push for Harvoni. Insurance denied it but then the hospital got involved and the insurance approved it! This is huge!!He started his meds about a week ago and so far no side affects. Just wanted to let my friends know what been going on. Thanks for being there........Pat    

My husband is also doing the Harvoni treatment. He cleared the virus in four weeks. Most people are undetected at 4 weeks. He is doing a three month treatment and has 5 days left :)) Little to no side effects the whole time. He had done the nasty treatments, interferon, ribivarin, twice in the past , with no success but plenty of nasty long-term side effects. We are very hopeful at this point and he will be tested again a few days after the last pill, and then again in 3 months...fingers crosses he is a sustainer. He is part of a Facebook group for Harvoni and there are plenty of success stories. Good luck to you and you hubby Roxie!

Hi Roxie,
Yes upstate, but not as far as Leroy...we are in the Oneonta area. I am happy to hear your husband did not endure the older treatments. My husband had a terrible time with them and ended up with, we believe permanent side effects. Many folks who have done the Pegasus and other interferon report the same.
Nick has 4 pills to go YAAY and he is doing great. I think mentally it has been a big boost knowing that there is hope he can kill this ugly virus once and for all. I will let you know how it goes. Best to you and you husband!
This drug seems to be a miracle cure, and it is sad that so many people will not have access to it at this point due to the enormous cost. We feel soooo lucky that insurance approved it first try, and we were able to secure assistance for the copay through a program from Gilead.

Depression, Oh yes, absolutely, for too many years. Depression can be a big part of the disease. It is very hard for the people who live with a person suffering from depression. I think part of it is the feeling sick all the time. I know when I am sick, which isn't often, it makes me realize how hard it is for him to feel like that all the time. It is like having the flu every day. Nick is doing much better lately. I think just knowing he is getting better has made a difference, and the virus leaving his body has given him new energy.
I don't expect him to ever be 100%, after all he has been through, but certainly better than he has been in decades. And after all we are getting older, so virus or not, it takes a toll.
We have dealt with the depression monster for years, with many different meds and lots of tears. Things will get better soon!!
Our co-pay was $3,000 per month!! Would have been a huge burden, taking a loan would have been the only way. You sure had a great deal!! Good for you. Nice when things go well for a change!

Good Morning Roxie,
In Nick's case the viral load was non-detectable at the two week blood draw :)) Not everyone clears that quickly, but a large percentage do. Don't be too upset if not at two weeks, I am sure it will be clear at the second draw! Nick'viral load was super high, cannot remember the number right now but over 19 million I think?
I am nervous about the sustaining, I think after 6 months if you are still clear it is like 99.999999 % it will not come back. After his first treatment in 2002, which last almost 1 year, he cleared and it came roaring back after only 2 weeks. Sooo depressing.
Nick has Aetna for RX plan, and it is $136 per month and they cover very well. We just read that in NY they are going to deny Harvoni to New York Healthcare patients and offer them some other lesser effective treatment. So foolish. It will cost more in the long run if you ask me.
Off to work,,, be well and keep me updated. I am pulling for you and Chuck!!