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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> What is std length of treatment before Viral Load test?
Post Info TOPIC: What is std length of treatment before Viral Load test?
Mila


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RE: What is std length of treatment before Viral Load test?
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Hi Mark,

My doctor's office told me that the only reason they test at 2 weeks (if a patient's insurance will cover it) is because it really helps patients psychologically to see their viral load going down--and, of course, even more so when it's undetectable. When a patient sees results it is psychologically motivating and they have less stress and are more compliant and tolerant of side effects...all of which are crucial to the healing process.

Good luck!!! 

 



__________________

* 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 *
Hep-C Dragon Slayer


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Mark,

  I have had a VL test every week since December 1st.  They were the PCR (cost less for insurance companies) and most recently when VL was less then 15, moved to the TMA test.

My Doctor has also done CBC test throughout this process as well to keep an eye on Hemoglobin and anemia.

 

Each doctor and I am sure it is also a insurance company concern are different.  I have paid out of pocket for some because as Tig said, I am in charge and I wanted them.



__________________

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
Mark Y


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Hi Tig,

I've made a note to call my nurse on Monday to ask about the frequency of my labs, I'll get an answer and post it here.

 

Mark 



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55 yr old male. GT 1a. Diagnosed in 1985. Stopped pega/riba in 2005 due to side effects. Started Solvaldi/Olysio 2/14/14. VL 3,700,000. 2/21/14 VL 244. 3/07/14 VL Undetected.
Tig


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Hi Mark,

I'm curious as well about the need for the frequency of your tests. While your doctor is certainly in charge of the direction your care takes, remember that you're the copilot on the journey. You have the right to question everything and it indicates your concern to those treating you. I discovered after the fact (am receiving the bills now) for some of the lab tests ordered during treatment. My insurance company feels some (tests) didn't meet the requirements to qualify under the diagnostic code for the HCV treatment. I'm also finding that even some that did qualify may have been done more frequently than was necessary and I might be responsible for those too. So..... be careful and confirm coverage for those tests that you are concerned might be being done too frequently. The viral load tests are among the most expensive, well over $1000 per test.

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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Mark Y


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This caught my attention because I'm scheduled for a viral load and other labs every 7 days for the entire 12 weeks of treatment. I'm on the Solvadi/Olysio combo and took my first pills this morning. Not sure why my Doc wants them every week?



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55 yr old male. GT 1a. Diagnosed in 1985. Stopped pega/riba in 2005 due to side effects. Started Solvaldi/Olysio 2/14/14. VL 3,700,000. 2/21/14 VL 244. 3/07/14 VL Undetected.
suziq


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Hi Lee,

As the new meds were just recently approved, most of us with results from new meds were in clinical trials.  They need the viral loads for FDA approval.

I would think viral load tests would depend on your doctor and what your insurance(or you) will pay. As Mallani stated--The 4 week viral load is important.  That shows how well you are responding.  In my clinical trial I got tests weeks 1,2,4,8,12,16 and 18 EOT.  After trial, it will be weeks 4,8, 12 and then at six months.  They checked my viral load each time along with a lot of other tests and reported back to me.  Because I was on riba, they kept a close watch on my Hgb.  Also had 3 EKG's during trial and one at my 4 week after treatment appointment. Have no idea what else they were also checking with the 8 vials of blood.

Lots of luck !!!

SuziQ  



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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
Tig


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If you're having trouble with the itching during the day and don't want to take Bendryl because of the drowsiness, try Zyrtec (Certrizine) if your doctor authorizes it. It worked very well for me.

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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Gracie


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I was told to take Benedryl for my RIBA Rash. And I took it 3 nights in a row which was nice as it makes you sleepy so I had 3 great nights of sleep. The rash is just small bumps now so it's working good. I have 4, 8 and 12 VL but I'm on triple with incevik. One of the last long treatment soldiers....

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  1. Gracie

1A. Previously treated non responder Rebetron in 2000 And Incevik in 2014 with a breakthrough at week 12. Fibroscan 15.5. VL 6,000,000. Finished 24 weeks harvoni on Dec. 19, 2015. SVR. Latest Fibroscan 8.8.
mallani


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Hi Lee,

Almost every protocol calls for a 4 week VL test. I would double check that with your doctor. This is when RVR is determined, which is important for treatment duration. Cheers.



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Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
robertsamx


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I"m in a trial with the sofosbuvir and rbv. I"m only into my third dose, so 1-1/2 days into it and feel fine.  only thing I think is different is a slight inner shaking feeling I noticed after the first dose . I only feel it when im calm and quiet, when did you start geting the headaches and weakness??  and if I take a benedryl  im gone for a day and a half!!



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 M-68, 3 Treatments)( SOF-RIBA 2014)(SOF-RIBA-PEG 2016)(HCC 2016) (LIVER TRANSPLANT 8-2017)(VOSEVI-RIBA 2017)   SVR-12. 3-13-18   
newmex


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longld wrote:

In first week of treatment with Sovaldi/Riba and got all of my lab orders today - Dr. is doing labs once weekly due to wanting to watch my kidney transplant closely.   Question is around viral load (HCA RNA Quant.) test which is scheduled at twelve weeks.   I note that numerous people on the forum report their viral load in a few weeks after beginning treatment - why are some being tested more often?

Seems like the std for doctors is a 2 log decrease in 12 weeks?

 

Symptoms include itching, not sleeping and mild headaches so far - some weakness.  Has anyone successfully used Benadryl to deal with the itching?

Lee,  my doc recommended  Benadryl and I am using something similar and it does help, but wouldn't want to recommend it in your case unless its ok with your doc.  Good Luck to you



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John
Tig


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Hi Lee,

The VL test frequency depends on your drug regimen, health and doctor's interest. Of course there is always the insurance company. Many of these drugs will have what they call the "Treatment Algorithm" on their manufacturers website. You can always check yours to see if they have any specifics on your particular combination of medications. The treatments that include Peg/Riba/and either Incivek or Victrelis have typically recommended VL quantitative tests at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks. Then 12 and 24 weeks after end of treatment. Yours will likely be different because you're on the DAA's. Hope this helps!

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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longld


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In first week of treatment with Sovaldi/Riba and got all of my lab orders today - Dr. is doing labs once weekly due to wanting to watch my kidney transplant closely.   Question is around viral load (HCA RNA Quant.) test which is scheduled at twelve weeks.   I note that numerous people on the forum report their viral load in a few weeks after beginning treatment - why are some being tested more often?

Seems like the std for doctors is a 2 log decrease in 12 weeks?

 

Symptoms include itching, not sleeping and mild headaches so far - some weakness.  Has anyone successfully used Benadryl to deal with the itching?



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62 Yrs Old, CHC Geno 3, Cirrhosis, Kidney Transplant (13 yrs), On Sovaldi/Riba Treatment (24 week) since Feb 01,2014

Viral Load 7M on 1/8/2014,  UND at EOT 7/18/2014
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