Hi Natalia, I think that`s a great idea...please do go ahead!
I`m very pleased you`ve got your approval for Viekira Pak, looking forward to following your progress. You should do very well on this drug combo...how exciting!
Hi Bob, welcome! Glad you decided to come out of lurkdom and join us! Hopefully your side effects will ease up as you go along, especially those nasty headaches. Make sure you keep yourself well hydrated, this is important for any treatment protocol.
Welcome!! It is so good to hear that your liver enzymes are starting to come down! I hope that you will be undetectable after your labs on 3/3!
RBell said
Feb 17, 2015
Hi John,,
Thanks for the heads up on the Goody's. I will double check with DR on recommended treatment for headaches.
As we were going through the initial diagnostic process in July, I did have an endoscopy, which showed normal results. This was after the initial lab work done by my GP showed the presence of H. Pylori antibodies. Referred to GI and went through double antibiotic treatment for H. Pylori. With no post treatment improvement we did the endoscopy. Also had an liver ultrasound during that time frame. Don't have specific results with me right now, but recall it showed fatty liver, and I believe something about 'stiffening' (may not be correct).
Bob
Gator Man said
Feb 17, 2015
Hi Bob,
Glad you've joined our group. Hep C lurkers are certainly welcome to participate and share your tx experiences!
The sx from Viekira have been fairly light among forum members, although Riba may explain some of your symptoms. Underlying liver disease and Hep C can also cause some of the insomnia, fatigue and itching.
I know you are having headaches, but I wouldn't recommend taking Goody's powders without discussing with your doctor. As a combination of Acetaminophen and Aspirin, Goody's could complicate any GI issues. Low doses of Acetaminophen may be o.k., but I would be wary of any NSAIDs without medical approval.
As Matt inquired, if you have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, what sort of testing has been done to confirm and have you had an endoscopic exam to rule out varices?
Let us know.
john
P.S. Seems like we posted at the same time Bob, so glad you are not cirrhotic.
RBell said
Feb 17, 2015
Thanks Matt.
The most recent test was Fibroscan. Biopsy was in '04. GI said liver was non-cirrhotic.
Bob
Matt Chris said
Feb 17, 2015
Hello RBell
Welcome to the forum we are happy that you are out of the shadows and congrats on starting your Viekira Pak. I personally was on that protocol in a clinical trial format and it has had very high SVR rates.
Its likely that your side effect will diminish as the weeks go on. The Ribavirin will have a more lasting effect (Anemia) during the 12 weeks but two weeks after EOT it to will lighted up considerably.
For clarity can you elaborate on your liver condition, you said (Fibrosis now at 4) did you have a liver biopsy or Fibroscan recently? Did your doctor say that you had cirrhotic condition?
I hope we can help you during this treatment time, but please look in and join in the conversation any time.
matt
RBell said
Feb 17, 2015
Long time lurker. New member. On Viekira + Riba in 3rd week of treatment.
Hep C diagnosed in 2003, Geno 1a. Most likely infected in mid '70's. F0 biopsy results in 2004. Non-responder at 20 weeks when on Pegasus/Copegus. Started to have trouble with major nausea, lack of appetite, and itching in June '14. GI looked at everything but Hep C progress. Changed Dr's and new GI immediately focused in on Hep C. Fibrosis now at 4, enzymes 4-5 times normal range, VL >7M.
Tried to get on Harvoni. Express Scripts denied twice. After 2nd denial I agreed to Viekira + Riba for 12 weeks. Reluctant to do so due to major side effects when on Pegasus/Copegus.
Side effects of current treatment are insomnia, fatigue, increased whole body itching (this has started to ease somewhat in week 3). New side effect in week 3 is almost constant headaches at the base of skull in back. Eases some with Goody's powders, but never goes fully away. So far, labs for first two weeks have been 'OK'. Platelets are pretty low (92k), but enzymes are back in normal ranges. Viral load labs scheduled for 3/3. Optimistic will be undetected at that time. Hopeful side effects don't get any worse.
The sharing and support available on this forum is outstanding. Wishing the best for all those currently undergoing treatment.
Bob
Matt Chris said
Feb 16, 2015
Hey Natalia
Congrats on getting approved for the ABBVie new drugs, You will do well with the protocol as its has very few side effects. Looking to hear great reports in your future.
matt
zavr said
Feb 16, 2015
Thank you, Linda! So glad to hear you are UND!! Holding fingers crossed for you for continued health!
Lilbit, this fantastic news, that you and everyone in the trial was UND, and had few side effects - thank you for sharing!
I am twiddling my thumbs, waiting for insurance to send the drugs. I think I'll have to hold myself back from taking them all at once when they arrive! :)
lilbit said
Feb 13, 2015
Awesome zavr to get approved. I finished that treatment on Thanksgiving. I had to do the treatment with Riba so had a few mild side effects. Another local friend of mine did it without Riba a had no side effects at all. I go for my end of treatment +12 blood draw on the 26th of this month. As you can see at the end of 4 I was still undetected. Good luck and you are in for an easy quick ride. Everyone on my trial was undected at 2 weeks.
Rubye said
Feb 13, 2015
Hi Natalia,
I think that I saw one other person starting the Viekira Pak this last week, but because this regiment is so new you are one of the first. But who knows, maybe there are others reading who have not said anything yet. I did the Sovaldi and Olysio and finished treatment about 5 weeks ago and am now undetected. Your drugs give you excellent odds at beating the virus. I hope you will be sharing how it goes for you. Take care.
zavr said
Feb 13, 2015
Thank you, Tig!! (sorry about the signature - all fixed!)
Tig said
Feb 13, 2015
Natalia,
I just noticed that your signature still shows your old protocol. You might want to update that and it will help others searching for people on your protocol and help us when responding to you in the future. Thanks!
Tig
Tig said
Feb 13, 2015
Hi Natalia,
That's great news! I'm happy that you were finally approved for treatment. It has been a real experience for so many this year, so you weren't alone. These new protocols are so effective and the side effects are low to non existent! That's a great big plus! We do have some members that took the Abbvie protocols either in trials or are currently on them. The rates of success (SVR) are high, so you're taking treatment at a great time.
There will be others commenting and sharing their experiences, so I expect you will hear something soon. Good luck and do keep in touch and let us know how it goes. We're here if you have a question or need some help finding an answer! Later....
Tig
zavr said
Feb 13, 2015
Hi all,
So happy to share that I was approved for Viekira Pak (12 weeks, no riba)! My doctor first prescribed Harvoni, but my insurance - Express Scripts - denied it. Are there others here on Viekira Pak? If so, how are you finding the side effects?
Hi Natalia, I think that`s a great idea...please do go ahead!
I`m very pleased you`ve got your approval for Viekira Pak, looking forward to following your progress. You should do very well on this drug combo...how exciting!
Hi Bob, welcome! Glad you decided to come out of lurkdom and join us! Hopefully your side effects will ease up as you go along, especially those nasty headaches. Make sure you keep yourself well hydrated, this is important for any treatment protocol.
Best of luck to you both!
I might be jumping the gun here, but perhaps it is time to make an "All aboard for the "Viekira Pak" Treatment Train , Enjoy the Ride for 12 or 24 weeks" thread? :)
Dear Bob,
Welcome!! It is so good to hear that your liver enzymes are starting to come down! I hope that you will be undetectable after your labs on 3/3!
Hi John,,
Thanks for the heads up on the Goody's. I will double check with DR on recommended treatment for headaches.
As we were going through the initial diagnostic process in July, I did have an endoscopy, which showed normal results. This was after the initial lab work done by my GP showed the presence of H. Pylori antibodies. Referred to GI and went through double antibiotic treatment for H. Pylori. With no post treatment improvement we did the endoscopy. Also had an liver ultrasound during that time frame. Don't have specific results with me right now, but recall it showed fatty liver, and I believe something about 'stiffening' (may not be correct).
Bob
Hi Bob,
Glad you've joined our group. Hep C lurkers are certainly welcome to participate and share your tx experiences!
The sx from Viekira have been fairly light among forum members, although Riba may explain some of your symptoms. Underlying liver disease and Hep C can also cause some of the insomnia, fatigue and itching.
I know you are having headaches, but I wouldn't recommend taking Goody's powders without discussing with your doctor. As a combination of Acetaminophen and Aspirin, Goody's could complicate any GI issues. Low doses of Acetaminophen may be o.k., but I would be wary of any NSAIDs without medical approval.
As Matt inquired, if you have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, what sort of testing has been done to confirm and have you had an endoscopic exam to rule out varices?
Let us know.
john
P.S. Seems like we posted at the same time Bob, so glad you are not cirrhotic.
Thanks Matt.
The most recent test was Fibroscan. Biopsy was in '04. GI said liver was non-cirrhotic.
Bob
Hello RBell
Welcome to the forum we are happy that you are out of the shadows and congrats on starting your Viekira Pak. I personally was on that protocol in a clinical trial format and it has had very high SVR rates.
Its likely that your side effect will diminish as the weeks go on. The Ribavirin will have a more lasting effect (Anemia) during the 12 weeks but two weeks after EOT it to will lighted up considerably.
For clarity can you elaborate on your liver condition, you said (Fibrosis now at 4) did you have a liver biopsy or Fibroscan recently? Did your doctor say that you had cirrhotic condition?
I hope we can help you during this treatment time, but please look in and join in the conversation any time.
matt
Long time lurker. New member. On Viekira + Riba in 3rd week of treatment.
Hep C diagnosed in 2003, Geno 1a. Most likely infected in mid '70's. F0 biopsy results in 2004. Non-responder at 20 weeks when on Pegasus/Copegus. Started to have trouble with major nausea, lack of appetite, and itching in June '14. GI looked at everything but Hep C progress. Changed Dr's and new GI immediately focused in on Hep C. Fibrosis now at 4, enzymes 4-5 times normal range, VL >7M.
Tried to get on Harvoni. Express Scripts denied twice. After 2nd denial I agreed to Viekira + Riba for 12 weeks. Reluctant to do so due to major side effects when on Pegasus/Copegus.
Side effects of current treatment are insomnia, fatigue, increased whole body itching (this has started to ease somewhat in week 3). New side effect in week 3 is almost constant headaches at the base of skull in back. Eases some with Goody's powders, but never goes fully away. So far, labs for first two weeks have been 'OK'. Platelets are pretty low (92k), but enzymes are back in normal ranges. Viral load labs scheduled for 3/3. Optimistic will be undetected at that time. Hopeful side effects don't get any worse.
The sharing and support available on this forum is outstanding. Wishing the best for all those currently undergoing treatment.
Bob
Hey Natalia
Congrats on getting approved for the ABBVie new drugs, You will do well with the protocol as its has very few side effects. Looking to hear great reports in your future.
matt
Thank you, Linda! So glad to hear you are UND!! Holding fingers crossed for you for continued health!
Lilbit, this fantastic news, that you and everyone in the trial was UND, and had few side effects - thank you for sharing!
I am twiddling my thumbs, waiting for insurance to send the drugs. I think I'll have to hold myself back from taking them all at once when they arrive! :)
Hi Natalia,
I think that I saw one other person starting the Viekira Pak this last week, but because this regiment is so new you are one of the first. But who knows, maybe there are others reading who have not said anything yet. I did the Sovaldi and Olysio and finished treatment about 5 weeks ago and am now undetected. Your drugs give you excellent odds at beating the virus. I hope you will be sharing how it goes for you. Take care.
Thank you, Tig!! (sorry about the signature - all fixed!)
Natalia,
I just noticed that your signature still shows your old protocol. You might want to update that and it will help others searching for people on your protocol and help us when responding to you in the future. Thanks!
Tig
Hi Natalia,
That's great news! I'm happy that you were finally approved for treatment. It has been a real experience for so many this year, so you weren't alone. These new protocols are so effective and the side effects are low to non existent! That's a great big plus! We do have some members that took the Abbvie protocols either in trials or are currently on them. The rates of success (SVR) are high, so you're taking treatment at a great time.
There will be others commenting and sharing their experiences, so I expect you will hear something soon. Good luck and do keep in touch and let us know how it goes. We're here if you have a question or need some help finding an answer! Later....
Tig
Hi all,
So happy to share that I was approved for Viekira Pak (12 weeks, no riba)! My doctor first prescribed Harvoni, but my insurance - Express Scripts - denied it. Are there others here on Viekira Pak? If so, how are you finding the side effects?
Thank you!