Hep C Discussion Forum

Hi Gracie,

Make sure you read my previous post again. I added some additional data to it. They won't do a VL every week because one, there is no need to and two, they are very expensive. They'll do a CBC most often and they checked my Thyroid function every few weeks as well. If they do any liver function tests, they're looking for something specific. Those numbers will fluctuate a lot during treatment so things like your AST and ALT will start dropping typically pretty fast. Try not to worry about your VL right now. Honestly, Incivek is very good at it's job. If you do your part, it has shown to do it's job very well. Follow your instructions and be sure to eat the right kinds and amount of fat with each dose, that's so important. The proper fat consumption also helps minimize the rectal problems so frequent with Incivek. You'll be fine!

Tig

Hi Gracie,

No you don't automatically stop treatment. They will do another viral load test at week four and see what that is. It depends on those results what they do next. If the VL is still high (ie >1001 IU/mL), they may discontinue Tx, but generally the treatment continues until Week 12 and then the VL tests are repeated. You'll have blood work approximately every two to three weeks during those first few months. They want to monitor your CBC and any anemia that might be starting as well. Here is a website that has an Incivek Algorithm and will walk you through some typical responses. You can also read the paperwork that comes with the medication each month, it can be difficult to understand but a lot of it is understandable and not just a bunch of doctor talk!! We can help explain it here as well. Here's that link: http://nypep.nysdoh.suny.edu/system/files/pepfiles/hcv_telaprevir.swf.