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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Havoni Television Commercial
Post Info TOPIC: Havoni Television Commercial
Tess


Senior Member

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Date:
Havoni Television Commercial
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Hi KPB,

If you have been approved by insurance for 12 weeks of treatment with Harvoni, my suggestion is to talk with your doctor one on one (again if necessary) and bring his/her attention to the Harvoni insert's recommendations. http://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/liver-disease/harvoni/harvoni_pi.pdf

My doctor wanted to treat me with Harvoni for 8 weeks even though I was approved for 12 weeks by my insurance company.  I asked him why, and he didn't have a reason except to say that's what they've been doing.  He begrudgingly approved 12 weeks after I mentioned that Harvoni is recommended for 12 weeks with treatment-naïve patients.  According to the Harvoni insert, 12 weeks is recommended, while it says that 8-weeks of treatment can be considered for "treatment-naïve patients without cirrhosis who have pre-treatment HCV RNA less than 6 million IU/mL".   Squeaky wheel....

Chances are that you will be successful with 8 weeks of treatment, but if you want 12, and if you were approved for 12 by insurance, there is no reason for your doctor to limit your treatment to 8 weeks.

Wishing you the best,

- Tess



-- Edited by Tess on Sunday 5th of July 2015 06:18:07 AM

__________________

HCV Gen 1a diagnosed 2001; Labs 11/13/14: VL 1.2 million IU/mL, ast 88, alt 111. Harvoni TX 12 weeks.  EOT - 2/18/15, VL UND & normal ast/alt.

4 wks after EOT, VL = UND; normal AST/ALT at 4, 8 and 14 weeks after EOT.  15 weeks after EOT = Undetectable!
Cinnamon Girl


Guru

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Posts: 5629
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Hi KPB, I feel for you with this, it can`t be an easy decision to make. 

I understand you concerns about the length of treatment but  you do actually come into the category of certain people who can be considered for an 8 week course of treatment, according to the Harvoni full prescribing details, which say...`Harvoni for 8 weeks can be considered in treatment naive patients, without cirrhosis, who have a pre-treatment HCV RNA less than 6 million UI/mL.`

You can find that here, just scroll down to Table 1...

http://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/liver-disease/harvoni/harvoni_pi.pdf

And there`s also the insurance issue to take into account too, as Joann mentioned, depending on how many weeks you were approved for.

Your doctor is obviously lacking in knowledge about Harvoni treatment, but on the other hand you`ve come this far with not much longer to go. 

Best of luck with whatever  you decide...

 

 

 
 


__________________

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.

 

 
dharmabum


Senior Member

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Posts: 129
Date:
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Hi Kevin,

I am sorry to hear about your situation.  Might I ask, has your insuance provider approved the 12 weeks?  if they have, assert yourself with your doctor and demand the full course of treatment.  

If insurance has only approved 8 weeks of treatment, you will complete the 8 weeks and I am sure everything will be OK for you.

Happy 4th and take care,

Joann

 



__________________

Joann

 

Geno 1a  - failed Tx Inc/Int/Rib - Tx Harvoni 1/14/15 - UND at EOT 4/7/15, 7/7/15, 9/9/15, 12/04/15, 10/26/16
KPB


Member

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Posts: 40
Date:
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Happy Independence day to all ....

I have watched the Harvoni Commercial being advertised in the United States "I am Ready for Hepatitis C Treatment:"

This commercial advertises that Harvoni is a 12 week treatment program, and some patients may be cured in as little as 8 weeks.

Since my doctor is refusing to extend my treatment to 12 weeks. and I am currently in week 5, and the pharmacy needs a week shipping & handling time.

I only have two weeks to find another doctor, it will take longer than that to get an appointment...................

any suggestions ? 



__________________

SOT 06-01-2015,  VL - 1088513 , LOG - 6.04, Genotype - 1A , Fibrosis -  F3 , 59 yr. old male ,

VL - < 15 ,  LOG - < 1.18, @ 3 week blood test 

EOT 07-27-2015,  VL -   UND  ,   @ 9 week blood test  , 

NEXT BLOOD TEST - 08-01-2016
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