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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Beginning treatment in 1 week (Sovaldi/Riba/Interferon)
Post Info TOPIC: Beginning treatment in 1 week (Sovaldi/Riba/Interferon)
jenjen


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RE: Beginning treatment in 1 week (Sovaldi/Riba/Interferon)
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I am almost completing my 8th week of treatment (I remember from the interferon injections I have left in my fridge! Only 4 left)

I've gotta say ever since beginning I've noticed being very tired. I'm tempted to go to bed at about 8:30 every night (but I don't let myself until about 9:30 or 10) and that is with a nap not every day, but quite often.

I AM NOT A NAP PERSON. but on this I have become one. 

Also, they say decreasing your coffee intake helps with side effects, but I haven't really had many side effects. I'd rather stay awake, so my coffee intake has increased. 

But I did (and every other coffee drinker who was about to start treatment, i'm sure) read a study once that coffee aids in the Treatment.

So I chose to follow that advice :)

But AngieV and Rob, I hope your treatment is going well! Any questions, comments, this really has been a helpful place. 

In this together :)



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Tig


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Hey Rob,

Welcome to the forum my friend! As Kristen said, you've found a great place, with a great bunch of like minded people. I found this forum last May just prior to second round of treatment. I was one of the last here that took the Interferon/Ribavirin/Victrelis triple and was just notified that my 12th week post treatment tests came back as undetected (SVR12) and the future looks pretty good right now! You're quite fortunate to be taking the new Sovaldi triple, the rate of success is quite high for GT 1's, I would be very confident were I you, knowing what I do! Ha!! Like Kristen said, there is a ton of information and people standing right next to you in the same situation, taking the same treatment. You're not alone and we won't let you go through this alone. Consider yourself part of the family now and feel free to tell us a little about yourself whenever you're ready. This is a non judgemental group and we all understand what a shock it is to get this kind of information. I also contracted HCV from tattoo work back in 1980! I've had this beast hanging on for 35 years! Your chances to cure this illness have never been better. Be positive, don't expect the worst, because it won't be. You're in control of your future and there is absolutely ZERO reason for you to believe that your family won't have you around providing and enjoying life the way you always have. Probably even better! 

If you have any questions at all, just ask. Be sure to check out the search function (top center) and the Home page index. We have everything listed pretty clearly. What you can't find or need help with, again, just say the word. I'm glad you're here Rob. It's all good Brother! I'd also like to thank you for being a First Responder. I have a lot of respect and appreciation for all you do... Good luck!

Tig



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Tig

68yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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Enavigo3891


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Hi Rob,

Welcome to the forum, you picked a good one to join. Lots of friendly people here. Your concerns and hesitations are entirely natural. You will find there are others here who like yourself only recently learned of their HepC+ status and there are others who have known for many many years. That means we cover the spectrum here in emotions as well as experience. While you're right in GT1 being most common here in the US don't let yourself get too worked up yet (easier said than done I know). In all honesty, there's no sense in stressing treatment until you know your GT for sure. I live in the US and i'm a GT2 ... I've had it 31 years, just started treatment and I'm UND at 4 weeks on these new drugs! Until Sovaldi, the only GT2 treatment option was interferon/riba with very little success rate which is why I held of treatment for so long. I was convinced I wouldn't make it on the interferon. My decision to hold off has worked out.

For now... just focus on digesting your diagnosis as it will make treating with whatever that much easier. This is where the guru's would invite you to introduce yourself on the new member forum so I'll go ahead and do it for them. Let us get to know you. Feel free to post any lab results you have and viral load as well of course as any questions. We're all in this together.  And again, welcome!



__________________

Born HepC + in 1983 ... diagnosed @ age 13 ... GT2 ... 12 wks of Sovaldi/Riba from 2/11/14 to 5/5/14  #ribazombie

1/30/14 - Starting VL 1,922,967 * 3/11/14 - UND @ 4 wks * 7/29/14 - SVR12 * 11/6/14 - SVR24 * May 2015 - SVR52 * MAY 2016 - STILL UND * FEB 2018 - STILL UND

 
Fireman Rob


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Hi,

It sounds like there are quite a few of us in the 12 week "triple therapy" arena (INT/RIBA/Solvaldi).  I decided to check out his forum because I'm extremely overwhelmed at the thought of taking the Interferon after reading about the possible side effects as Genotype 1 is my likely strain here in the USA.  I was just diagnosed three weeks ago and will be notified of Genotype any day now- the process is moving fast...  Luckily Solvaldi is an option so I'm grateful for that after all the research I've done!  The treatment will be ordered next week so I'm told and I'm so eager to get started.

More or less, I just wanted to find out what others in my similar situation are going through with this treatment option and how the interferon is affecting them.  I have a very high stress occupation and I have a higher strung personality anyway.  I just hope I can continue to support my family like I always have.  This is still new information to me as I found out about my "condition" after a blood drive at work.  I had no idea one tattoo, 10 years ago would lead to this DEVASTATING discovery.  

Wishing everyone on this forum the best of luck to achieving SVR sooner than later!

Rob



__________________

Age 33, Male. GT-1 for ten years. Diagnosed in March, 2014.

Treated with Sovaldi/Olysio: SVR 24 on February 16, 2015!
Roxie


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Hi Angie,

I think you are going to have a much easier time with the INF this time.  I am starting week two and just did my second Friday night shot.  It has been way easier than I thought (so far), so hopefully, will be for you, too.   Seems we are so lucky to have gotten this medicine and hopefully the cure.

I'll keep an eye out for your posts.  Hope you got your meds and are on the way to good health.

 

 



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GT 1a / VL 6.5 million / age 64 / prior tx 1996 interferon

2/14/14 began Peg/Inf, Ribavin, Sovaldi for 12 weeks 

finished treatment 5/8/14  undetectable @ 4 wks, EOT & 12 wks
Cinnamon Girl


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That`s great, Angie, best of luck with your first shot (this time around)!  Remember to drink enough water to keep yourself well hydrated, and it`s a good idea to have some pain killers available in case you get any flu like symptoms.  Take it easy for a couple of days and you`ll be fine!

Let us know how it goes!  smile



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Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
AngieV123


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I start the triple with sovaldi tonight. I am glad to see I have some people here also just starting so that maybe we can help each other get through it :) I'm waiting on my med delivery right now and I plan on taking everything this evening. Trying to gear myself up for that first injection...I'm no stranger to interferon but it's been over a decade . Best of luck to all of you and hoping we all see that SVR!

__________________

Type 1a. Had HCV my entire life via blood transfusion. Did peg & riba in 2000, relapsed. Did triple tx with sovaldi in early 2014 & I am now undetected 
OldenSlow


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Roxie -  Yes, you won't see her sig while using the composition window.  1a and 1b are very similar, but mutate differently.  It's the same virus expressing itself in different ways.  It's more of a clinical issue, as it may lead to different treatments, depending upon various factors and personal history.

Anna -  The FDA did not specifically approve the Sovaldi/Olysio combo, but they did leave it open as an off-label prescription, meaning your physician can submit a script for it.  Your insurance carrier would of course be a factor in determining whether it goes through, or not.  I would think with your history of failed interferon treatment, you might be submitted as interferon-ineligible and qualify for the new combo.

Wayne



__________________

66 y/o male - Geno 1b - F4 cirrhotic dx 2001 - 16 wk treatment w/ Sovaldi/Olysio/Riba - Und @ EOT+24 SVR

 
Roxie


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I see NMGal's signature except while I am replying.  I am surprised you and I have different genotype???? Don't know what the difference is. Google is not giving me a quick answer.

I had a much better weekend than I thought I would.  Some chills after the shot Friday night, so I stayed in bed pretty much all day Saturday and Sunday and convinced myself the muscle aches were from laying in bed too long, then went to the Y to work out. Couldn't do my usual routine, but did pretty well, some good stretching.

Cinnamon girl, thanks for the advice on Tylenol.  I have avoided it for years and been an ibuprofen user.  Maybe I can avoid both, at this rate.

Hope everybody has a good week.  

 



__________________

GT 1a / VL 6.5 million / age 64 / prior tx 1996 interferon

2/14/14 began Peg/Inf, Ribavin, Sovaldi for 12 weeks 

finished treatment 5/8/14  undetectable @ 4 wks, EOT & 12 wks
OldenSlow


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Hi Anna, and Welcome!

You have the most typical strain of the virus, and quite treatable.  I will leave it to others more knowledgeable than myself to break down the subtype details.  It would be useful were you to introduce yourself in the New Members section, along with any further information you care to divulge about yourself, such as treatment type, viral load, etc.  Helps everyone better understand your situation.  You may have noticed that many here post relevant info in their signatures at the bottom of their posts.  Just a thought. wink

Again, welcome and good luck!

Wayne



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66 y/o male - Geno 1b - F4 cirrhotic dx 2001 - 16 wk treatment w/ Sovaldi/Olysio/Riba - Und @ EOT+24 SVR

 
NMgal


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Hello, Roxie!  Here I am.  I've read your posts here (and others) so this looks like good support.  I'm still conflicted about starting the 3 part treatment that you just started.  My dr says the next pill combo in the FDA pipeline is going to be even more effective, but who knows when it will emerge?

 

BTW, I just re-checked by labs and I have genotype 1b.  I wonder what the difference is from 1a?  Anyone?

 

Roxie, thanks for turning me on to this site.  We'll talk soon.

 



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Cinnamon Girl


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Hi again Roxie, yes it`s ok to use pain relief in moderation and tylenol (acetaminophen) is the one usually recommended while on treatment.  If in doubt though do check with your doctor.

People vary in the side effects they experience from Ribavirin, but the most commonly known ones are fatigue (from anaemia), nausea, irritability and insomnia, although as you`ll only be doing 12 weeks then hopefully the worst of the side effects won`t have time to build up.  Make sure you take it with food as it can cause stomach irritation otherwise.

Take it day by day, drink enough water to keep yourself well hydrated, and be kind to yourself!  smile



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Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
Roxie


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Thanks Mila, Tim and Cinnamon Girl. I'm 2 days in and May is in sight! 

Y'all are right.  Inf is not as bad as I remember, but we'll see how it progresses. I never used Ribavirin before and am not sure what to expect.

Am I okay using pain relief if aches get to be too bad?  I'm kind of a wimp about discomfort.

Good luck to us all!



__________________

GT 1a / VL 6.5 million / age 64 / prior tx 1996 interferon

2/14/14 began Peg/Inf, Ribavin, Sovaldi for 12 weeks 

finished treatment 5/8/14  undetectable @ 4 wks, EOT & 12 wks
Mila


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Hi Roxie!

It should be a LOT easier this go around!!! The early interferons back in the 90's were horrific compared to the pegylated ones now. Twelve weeks will go by really fast, and the cure rate for your genotype is so high. How exciting for you!!!



__________________

* Gen. 3a * Age 56 * Relapsed in 1996 after 48 wks tx of 3M daily units alpha interferon *

* 24 wk Sovaldi/Ribavirin tx started Jan. 11, 2014 * VL 2.6M b4 tx * Undetectable @ 2 weeks *
TimS44


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Hi Roxie and JenJen,

 

 I am on the same treatment. I started a week ago yesterday and I have so say so far so good. A little fatigued a couple days after the interferon shot and some broken sleep, but overall hasn't been too bad at all. Hoping this first week is good to you as well and the next few months pass quickly for us all! Good luck!

 

Tim



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Genotype 1a. Triple therapy Interferon/Riba and Solvaldi. Initial VL 37.6 mil. Week 2 138. Biopsy 2/2. pre tx AST 37. ALT 60. 
Cinnamon Girl


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Hi Roxie, just to say welcome, and well done for starting your treatment today!  

I`m sure you`ll find it a lot easier this time round than when you did the interferon monotherapy in 1996, when I expect you had to do several shots (injections) a week.  The `pegylated` interferon used nowadays has been designed to be longer lasting in the body which is why only one shot per week is now required. 

It`s very encouraging to to hear of so many people getting their insurance approved so quickly for these Sovaldi combo treatments!

Wishing you all the best of luck, I hope the 12 weeks go by smoothly for you!  smile 

 



__________________

Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
Roxie


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Hello everybody.  I am starting on the same treatment today, Solvaldi/Riba/Interferon.  I did interferon alone in 1996 and am hoping it's not as bad as the old days.  I quit at about four months and remember saying I would trade quality of life then for when I turned 60. 

Still in shock that insurance company is paying $$$ for this wonder drug. 

So here's to a smooth ride and good health for everyone!  

 

 



__________________

GT 1a / VL 6.5 million / age 64 / prior tx 1996 interferon

2/14/14 began Peg/Inf, Ribavin, Sovaldi for 12 weeks 

finished treatment 5/8/14  undetectable @ 4 wks, EOT & 12 wks
suziq


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Need $ help with meds?  Here is am interesting post from a different forum.

 
 
 

I was a non-believer.  My drugs were approved today by CIGNafter an appeal.  The CIgna specialty pharmacy called me and rather embarrassed  told me my copay was $3,500.  They gave me the phone numbers for the Sovaldi and RibaPak Copay Assistance Programs and said they weren't sure what to expect.

 

I called Sovaldi first and they set me up with coupon codes.  They only need your name, address, DOB, and phone number.  The coupon is intended to cover your copay and  is good for up to 20% of the retail price which in my case was $28,560.  so the coupon was good for up to $5,712.  My deductible and therefore copay was $3,500, so the coupon covered all but $5 which is the number Sovaldi advertises.

I called RibaPak next and they set me up just as quick and asked for my name, address, phone, DOB and Doctors name.  The RibaPak coupon is only good for a maximum of $65.  Beacuse I had met my deductible on the Sovaldi prescription,  my copay would have been $15.  The coupon brought it down to $7.

Please pay attention to your order if you have a high deductible plan.  I saved $952 by asking the pharmacy  to process the Sovaldi first.  The Sovaldi coupon is significantly better than the RibaPak, so it made a huge difference in my out of pocket costs.  I'm getting a 28 day supply of both drugs for $12.

Cigna specialty pharmacy just called back.  It seems they've run out of Sovaldi and cannot deliver it tomorrow as promised.  The new date is next Wednesday.

 

SuziQ

 

 



__________________

Geno 1A  Age 82 Treatment naive Cirrhotic Told I had liver disease in 1966. Diagnosed as Hep C 1999.Started Merck clinical trial with Riba on 9/9/2013 Week 1 and 2 <25  Weeks 4, 8, 12,16,18 UND.  EOT Jan 14,2014  EOT +12 UND   JULY 1 2014 EOT+24= SVR
Hep-C Dragon Slayer


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Great news JenJen and good luck. 

I am on day 10 and so far this is kind of easy .......... But I am not on the Interferon  (Sovaldi, Olysio and Riba) due to Sarcoids in Lungs and Liver.  Keep us posted on your tx and sx.



__________________

GT 1A:  VL: 4,695,000, started treatment 1/6/13 with off label Sovaldi/Olysio/Riba     No Interferon due to Sarcoid  in liver and lungs.  Recent biopsy shows Cirrhosis level 5/6.  EOT 3/30/14. SVR 8 on 5/30/14
Bills


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Good luck JenJen,

Sounds good may it be a quick 12 weeks. Glad your insurance was a quick response. Your on your way

Bills  



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Bills

Harvoni started 12-12-14 for 24 wks PrevTX Geno 1 stage 3 cirrhosis - non resp Int/ ribv. Started Trial  in Aug 2011 -July 2012 into Incivek relapsed  Feb 2013 Had 72 weeks on interferon & Riba.

Tig


Admin

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Hi Jenjen,

Congratulations from me too! That insurance reply and action was phenomenally quick. You know what that means right? It means since it's going so well from the start, you're going to do very well on this treatment! Good vibes are with you. biggrin Use this great news to build the positive attitude you need to get through the next 12 weeks. You've got one of the most effective of the new HCV antiviral drugs working for you and I'm very sure you're going to do well on this winning combination! As Matt said, if you need assistance, you know where to come and do keep us in the loop. This is an exciting time for all HCV patients seeking an end to this disease. Good luck!!

Tig



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Tig

68yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

Hep C FAQ   Lab Ref. Ranges  HCV Resistance

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Matt Chris


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Hey Jenjen

Congrats on getting the meds and starting your treatment journey, we will be very interested in following your treatment and be there anytime you need support.

matt



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"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

61 year old Geno type A1, F4 Cirrhotic, started 24 weeks on Harvoni 12-17-14 ,EOT-5 week = UND, 8-31-15 =UND , SVR-24 Baby YES! 
jenjen


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I posted last Sunday about my appointment with the DR discussing the new treatmentwellI get my meds tomorrow and because of scheduling am starting Treatment Tuesday! Insurance quickly approved it and got the call today that they were sending it. 

I pray everyone who has hopes to begin treatment will have quick response from their Insurance. 

Genotype 1a so with interferon, but only 12 weeks. 

Actually, last year my viral load was 5 million and the last lab I got said it went down to just under 2 million. So that's good! 

Excited to begin. 

I'll be giving you reports!

 

 

 



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