...will keep you posted on Genotype... I'm going to ask for a re-check when I go in for the next round of tests.   Thanks for sharing.. 

Excellent info, thanks!  I'm going to request another Genotype test when I go in for bloodwork... not sure if they'll do that or not, if the insurance will cover it etc etc... They tell me if there were two types at the same time they should both show up, but all they see is the 2B.... I'm just always pessimistic... Really appreciate the insight, hope all's well with you.

Hi Michael.  We've got a couple of things in common.

I used the PegIntron Redipen; removing the cap won't cause any med to leak out.  It will always leak out when primed; that's normal.  I did my injections Friday evenings and was most sick by Sunday.

My genotype went from 1b (1999) to 1a (2011), 12 years later.  They double checked last year and found that it is 1a, but I've got all of my records, showing both.  My dr says it could be that I had both but back in 1999 it only picked up 1b.

My husband did the treatment back then too of three shots a week and it kicked his ass and didn't work.  He attempted again in the early 00's and no success.  He did 8 weeks of triple therapy redi-pen and couldn't complete it but he said the size gauge needle it so small it gave minimal pain. Side effects occurred a few days later, but I am curious if you got an answer to how your geno type changed.  I have never heard this occur before.  Wishing you luck with your treatment to recovery. 

I used the Redipen and didn't screw it up in 28 chances. But like you, I had those doubts whether I did it right more than once. The next week normally made up for it. I used the printed instructions each time just to keep me honest as my mind tends to wonder with or without tx. My sx also appeared consistently after 14-18 hours. Some days better than others, most not too bad if you don't mind the onset of the flu.

Am on Pegasys... Felt almost no sx after the 1st shot. The 2nd one knocked me out for 2 days 12 hours after the shot. All by the book but nothing major that I could not cope with. Hope every next one will go better. 

I use the pen, takes me almost 2 days to feel sx.

Good morning!  New here, hoping someone has an experience with this Redipen similar to mine, I can't get any info from the manufacturer.

A little background, diagnosed in 1995 with Hep C, Genotype 1A.  Back then, they tried straight Interferon... I believe I was the first case this particular doctor had ever dealt with.  Not a good experience.

When that didn't work, two years later I went to a specialist who tried Infergen.  Levels undedectable but returned positive shortly after treatment.  After discussing, he recommended waiting on a more effective treatment, eat well, avoid alcohol. etc etc.  Biopsies have been clear, so all's good.

Fast forward to now, I started the Pegintron with Ribavirin last week.... so far so good, aside from the usual flulike symptoms.  What's crazy is when they tested my blood for this latest battle, it's Genotype 2B. 

Question 1: Anybody ever heard of Genotype changing or maybe they got it wrong 15 years ago? Dr thinks it's possible I got rid of the 1A and picked up 2B... I've never tested clear, and I've been overly cautious with everything since initial diagnoses, so I don't know.

Question 2: Don't bore yourself reading this unless you've had some time using the Redipen!  Last night, I was doing the dose, and I removed the needle cap BEFORE dialing in my dose... I did the step backwards according to instructions..  My question, anyone know if this causes the medicine to leak out before injection?   I don't feel nearly as bad this morning as I think I should after a dose, so I'm wondering...   Spoke with someone at Merck this morning, nobody seems to know exactly how the thing works.

Thanks in advance for your help, prayers for success with every one of you.

Welcome Michael

It's normal for a wee bit of the liquid to leak out. The only way to discharge the whole load is by pressing the end cap where the dosage gets dialed in. It takes a fair bit of force to push it in.

Additionally, not everyone feels effects right away. For me it's consistently 17 hours after shot. Then can last the next day as well.