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solvaldi and ribivirin..

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Posted 5/28/2014 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
I'm geno type 2b and have been waiting for several years to be treated, so excited to hear the new drugs are so successful, I was told by my doc that geno 2's are approved for solvaldi and ribivirin, I'm a little hesitant about taking the ribivirin, I know it's only three months but a little afraid of the sides, my liver was scanned and no damage detected and am healthy for now.. so I may wait for a less toxic drug to use with solvaldi, although I would like to kill this virus ASAP.. indecisive about waiting for a better combo, anyone know of future studies or newer tx for us 2 b's coming up in the near future... tongue

Post Edited (sammanthac) : 5/29/2014 8:33:22 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/29/2014 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
sammanthac,

Welcome to the forum.

There are several folks on this treatment and have had success early intheir treatment, have had manageable side effects. I am certain several will pop in.

I think the most frequent complaint is about anxiety...especially before starting. But most have managed well..the regimen is not that long and folks are doing quite well.

My Partner, Mike, is a 1a and took the Sovaldi/Olysio combo and his viral load was undetectible quickly. Now is the waiting time...6 months to be SURE it is GONE. He did very well even though he is post transplant with high viral load to start and interferon intolerant. for a 64 year old guy, he is like is 55 year old self again.

Best luck to you, let us hear how it is going.

Hugs,
Mama Lama
Posted 5/29/2014 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
MamaLama..
thanks so much for your encouraging feedback and wonderful to hear your partner is doing so well, I've read blogs from several other people who are on this treatment and they say it's manageable, maybe fatigue and itchy skin, that's mild compared to interferon,so I'm probably going to start at the end of summer and will be following others as they post their experiences..
thanks again and good luck yeah
Posted 5/29/2014 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Sammanthac:

I finished my 12 week treatment program for Hep c 1a on 3/28/14. The program was Sovaldi, Olysio and Ribi. My sides were nominal with fatigue being the most pronounced. The fatigue set in around week 3 and began to fade at week 10. I think my body was sprinting to the finish line.

The good news is the less scaring in the liver the more effective the treatment. The fact you are in good health with no liver damage bodes well. I was F2 (biopsy) when I started the program. I was undetected at week 4. Now waiting to confirm SVR 12 on 6/28/14 blood work.

Yes, there are even more drugs in the pipeline and Ribi will most likely be out of the picture. Speaking only for myself and the sides I experienced if faced with the choice now, I would go with Ribi as part of my program.
Posted 5/29/2014 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
Headwind
Thanks for your feedback, It really helps hearing from people who have gone through it and relieves my anxiety, I guess the best way is to just dive in and do it, i'm thinking too much and anticipating the worst , also i've heard that studies for newer drugs are being tested on geno 1's and not geno 2's, hopefully us 2b's can get in on some less toxic alternatives as well. congrats on finishing tx and hope you continue in good health scool

Post Edited (sammanthac) : 5/29/2014 2:40:50 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/30/2014 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome again and you should be just fine. Please don't stress out like me and search for bad things to happen. I start week 11 of Sovaldi/Ribavirin tomorrow and some tiredness is about all I'm having. I was expecting much worse and turns out to be very easy. GOOD LUCK!!
Posted 5/31/2014 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi iplaycarvin
Thanks so much , glad to hear your treatment wan't that bad, wow, week 11 then you're almost done..I won't be starting until the fall and I can't tell you how much this relieves my anxiety hearing how others are tolerating these meds..Congrats on finishing treatment, you've been a big help. yeah
Posted 5/31/2014 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi samanthac,
I am Geno2 and will begin treatment this week. My doctor said since I have no permanent damage, I am the perfect candidate. I'm excited to get started and hopeful to be free of the virus. I'm also concerned about the side affects, but 12 weeks isn't that long. I'm lucky to have an understanding employer and great health insurance. Good luck!
Posted 5/31/2014 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LiveAloha
That's great, I'm lucky to have zero liver damage as well, i was so shocked to hear that one, and very grateful .. I haven't told my employer yet which is another concern of mine, please post your progress if you can and wishing you the best of luck.. I really appreciate your support smilewinkgrin
Posted 6/4/2014 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi sammanthac,

I picked up my rx tonight and day 1 of treatment begins tomorrow! I'm more excited to start the treatment than I am afraid of the symptoms. I didn't tell my employer until I made the decision to go through treatment. I am also fortunate that my employer supports FMLA and is very supportive. Also, my doctor said she is very supportive of what ever my needs are with regard to work, whether it be a modified schedule or completely off work. I started a thread to post my progress. This site has so far been my best resource to hear from folks who are actually going through the treatment and how it is affecting their lives, although I know everyone is different.
If you can, get the treatment now before you have any damage. I was adamant that I didn't want to wait any longer and my doc was very supportive!
Posted 6/4/2014 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LiveAloha
thank you for sharing your posts and love your attitude, I find my situation very similar to yours as far as geno type and how lucky we are to have got this far without any liver damage, i'll be following your tx log to see how you're doing and for support as well.. Good luck and stay positive.. smilewinkgrin
Posted 6/5/2014 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All. I'm new here. I first learned I had Hep C in 2004. My ALT levels were always in the normal range until several months ago. It was 46 so my Dr. had me take another blood test this week. Have an appt. next week to see the results. I fear it will not be good, have no idea as of now what Genotype I am or viral load. I am wondering if a liver biopsy will be prescribed. I also wonder if a hacking cough with watery eyes and runny nose is a symptom. I get these attacks several times a day and only last about 5 or 10 min.Also ED has become a problem, tho I am 66 yrs. old. My niece has given me info to contact Support Path for Sovaldi. I understand treatment cost for 12 weeks is $85,000.00. I have Medicare thru Hummana and will be contacting them also, even before I see the Dr. Any response would be appreciated. Thanks, Camelguy.
Posted 6/5/2014 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Camelguy,

Copy and paste this message into a new thread: NEW TOPIC and then folks will know you are new and asking good questions.

Call it something like: New member with HEP C, may need treatment.

Meanwhile, welcome aboard. We have lots to share with you. til we get going, read thorugh old posts, there is so much information in people's stories.

See the SEARCH choice ont eh blue line mid screen. You can put in any word...like SOVALIDI and a bunch of posts about that will come up. Or Hep C or Viral Load, or whatever.

There are good blogs by Music, Mike, Steve, etc that walk you though their treatment stories.

My partner, Mike just got cleared of Hep C he had had for 44 years. He has had a transplant and is finally feeling better after a long long time.

Welcome,
Mama Lama
Posted 6/6/2014 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks MamaLama..Camelguy
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