Hep C Discussion Forum

SE,

Yes, EXACTLY! (I think). And some who get it by compassionate programmes. Prolly dif. in every province (as many things are, and not just health care)!

The only other way of getting anything dif. out of BC Pharmacare (I believe) is by Pharmacare's Special "authorization" application, submitted by a physician on your behalf, requiring Pharmacare to consider other drugs via an "approval" process performed by Pharmacare, which seems quite rigid and limited, in the accepting/allowing of "exceptions", especially where increased cost is concerned. Proven contraindication to interferon (for example) would be an easier one to get Pharmacare to consider, if other drugs were being requested on an exceptional basis.

Initially, I looked hard at SOF/VEL, ABT 493/530, AND Zep, but for me, as a GT3a, I felt very fortunate that I was just lucky enough to catch the tail of the VEL trial comet before it sped by me.

I think you as a GT1a are fortunate to have the opportunity to get to try Zep (and me too, to get to try VEL by trial). Thank goodness for compassionate care programmes, and trials!.

I hope your sides/symptoms may minimize as you go along - I myself am wondering if perhaps the things I noticed during WEEK ONE, "might" be lessening some in WEEK 2?, we'll see. Perhaps, your gut will get more used to the meds as you go along?

You must be feeling so relieved just to have started your treatment. I was!

I hope this move you speak of is not too arduous, and what with your little ones, that you will get some rest periods, and not overexpend your energies.  C.

Yes, I seem to recall someone here (somewhere/sometime) on this website, speaking of getting on (or being on) Zep. But here, we have everyone, from all over the world commenting, so ...

In BC, (I don't know HOW many times I have viewed that danged "BC Pharmacare New HCV Drug Approval Pipeline" thing!) to see WHEN they will actually get around to making DAC, VEL, Zepatier, (and other ABT drugs) easily available as a "first choice" that is free for the patients - I will try to post it here - but I am NOT good at this pasting stuff - if it does not show up here ... well, stay tuned and I'll try again somehow.

DAC, for instance, seems to have been stuck, for an innordinate amount of time at the "approval" step shown, yet I hear of Canadians on it! So, perhaps differing drugs are obtained via other ways, like you, direct from drug company programs, or trials, or, perhaps some drugs ARE approved in some provinces, and not in others.

I'm glad you got it tho!. C.    http://www.pacifichepc.org/hepctip/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/March.png

I received it through MERCK, through their compassionate care program. My dr recommended me for the program, given my age and the fact I wanted to have another child. My youngest tested + for antibodies but cleared it, thank God. I think that's why they really pushed to get it for me. I am in AB. I thought it was approved everywhere in Canada? I talked to my previous clinics nurse (in BC), and she said they had several people on it. Thats actually where I am moving back to and they said its no problem to follow me there For the rest of my treatment. 

Good Luck!!! WOOT!

I imagine you're experiencing a bit of anxiety and frustration from both circumstances you have found yourself in. You put a lot on your plate all at once! Pace yourself as best as you can and give yourself time to rest when needed. Don't fail to do the things important for success. Compliance, good diet, plenty of water and rest. If you can meet all of those requirements, you'll be doing the happy dance before you know it!