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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Train Time.
Post Info TOPIC: Train Time.
zavr


Veteran Member

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Posts: 99
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RE: Train Time.
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Hi Bubble,

That switch in genotype is very strange... Here are the protocol recommendations, previously posted by Cinnamon:  http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/GT1_Viekira.pdf

As you can see from the table on the top of the second page, diagnosis of genotype 1a without cirrhosis requires 12 weeks of VP with ribavirin. Moreover, the starred note says "Follow genotype 1a dosing recommendations in patients with an unknown genotype 1 subtype or with mixed genotype 1 infection." 

This makes me wonder if you will, unfortunately, have to trek through all 12 weeks with Riba. Your doctor knows best, of course!

My co-pay with Express Scripts is $33.33 per month. However, I am waiting to hear back to see if I can get copay assistance (you can apply using the green link in my sig). It was explained to me that if the copay assistance is approved, the coupon can be applied retroactively to the $33 I already payed for this month. If worst comes to worst, and the co-pay assistance is no approved, I feel so extremely lucky to fork out $33 bucks for such an expensive treatment!



__________________

Gen 1b, 33yo. Started 12wk Viekira Pak on 2/28/2015. 

Baseline: VL=517K, AST=34, ALT=56. 

Wk4: VL=<15, AST=16, ALT=14.

Wk8: VL=UND, AST=17, ALT=14.

Wk12: VL=UND, Fibroscan: 3.4kPa, F0.

--->Viekira Pak financial and nurse support<---
llory


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Posts: 6
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I just want to say Hi. My father is on Viekira + Riba and unlucky his 5 week vl says still detect no There are no sides to speak and his liver enzymes are all in normal range now.

I'm posting in " All Aboard for the "Viekira Pak" Treatment Train: Enjoy the Ride for 12 or 24 weeks!" if you need further news have a look there.

All the best



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bubble


Senior Member

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Posts: 236
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Thanks Zavr, I think the doctor is wondering the same for my Geno switch. Are you doing ribavirin also? 12 weeks and riba is for 1a agreed. I'll will ask him about the 4 week standard. He must be confident. But I am still dealing with F3 fibrosis. I will question him again. Don't want to screw this up after so long.  This time I wont reach anemia after 46 weeks I'm sure. My old Doc gave me a shot of Procrit for that.  What was your co-pay if any????  Thanks very much for writing.

Bobble.



__________________

60 yrs. Geno1b 2001. 9mil. VL. �Failed Post Riba/Peg tx. 2006 46 weeks. Diagnosed 1A 2015(?) F3 fibr. 225k VL. Vikera/Riba 12 weeks 3/20/2015. "Undetected" start to finish. Undetected 1yr post tx.
zavr


Veteran Member

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Posts: 99
Date:
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Robert, I would also encourage you to submit a "benefits verification" form through the AbbVie support system (see my signature line). They have copay assistance, as well as extremely kind nurses to help along with any questions you might have during treatment. I cannot recommend the nurse support program highly enough!



__________________

Gen 1b, 33yo. Started 12wk Viekira Pak on 2/28/2015. 

Baseline: VL=517K, AST=34, ALT=56. 

Wk4: VL=<15, AST=16, ALT=14.

Wk8: VL=UND, AST=17, ALT=14.

Wk12: VL=UND, Fibroscan: 3.4kPa, F0.

--->Viekira Pak financial and nurse support<---
zavr


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 99
Date:
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Congrats, Robert, on getting to the treatment-train platform! (the metaphor never gets old! :) 

I am also with Express Scripts. I just checked my records, and it took exactly 33 days from my doctor sending the prescription to the specialty pharmacy, to getting the Viekira Pak in my hands. However, I got a sense that this was longer than average (we had delays ranging from a misplaced doctor's signature, to FedEx being unable to deliver due to the "snowmageddon"). Hopefully, you will be able to have your medication within 2-3 weeks of the doctor's prescription. 

I am finishing day 5 of taking the medicine, and here are my side effects so far: tiny bit of nausea on 1st and 2nd days (long gone by now), a small headache here and there, dancing, leaping, and uncontrollable happiness. :)

One thing in your post made me worry: your doctor wants to take you off riba after the first bloodwork (i.e., 4 weeks from starting treatment)? Please correct me if I am wrong, but I thought all Viekira Pak protocols for Genotype 1a include 12 weeks of Ribavirin?



__________________

Gen 1b, 33yo. Started 12wk Viekira Pak on 2/28/2015. 

Baseline: VL=517K, AST=34, ALT=56. 

Wk4: VL=<15, AST=16, ALT=14.

Wk8: VL=UND, AST=17, ALT=14.

Wk12: VL=UND, Fibroscan: 3.4kPa, F0.

--->Viekira Pak financial and nurse support<---
bubble


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 236
Date:
Permalink  
 

Hi all. My second post. Went to the doctors for my report on pre  blood work and MRI. Apparently and amazingly I am now geno 1a from 1b 10 yrs ago. Since 2009 my viral load has stayed at a low 225,000. (Thank-you supplements).  Now.....Doc had no explanation how I switched geno's. No new testing practices. I did relapse off of Pegysus in 06. Anyway, either geno is no  good. The geno types just attack diferently. The important thing is the fibro score. Mine is F3. No chirrosis. I am waiting for the Abb-vie express to arive. Doctor says their a fast- less than 2 weeks (?). Cant wait much longer. I will start eating them on a week-end to see how I react. How long has anyone waited for Viker-pac?  He is giving me Ribavirin because of the 1a but thinks I wont need it after my first bloodwork. Also, (this is odd) he wants a blood test in 2 weeks in before I return to him in 5 weeks. I asked him the million dollar question about failure and getting Harvoni and it will be appealed in my favor most likely. Has anyone had any of this? Yes, I have Express Scripts. How are members tolerating Vikera-pac?  Meanwhile I have a train to catch!  Any Vikera-pac heads out there doin' w/riba, please write. Thanks.



__________________

60 yrs. Geno1b 2001. 9mil. VL. �Failed Post Riba/Peg tx. 2006 46 weeks. Diagnosed 1A 2015(?) F3 fibr. 225k VL. Vikera/Riba 12 weeks 3/20/2015. "Undetected" start to finish. Undetected 1yr post tx.
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