Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Main Forums => On Hepatitis C Treatment => Topic started by: 1yss223 on June 07, 2015, 02:07:31 pm
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Hi! I'm new to the forum and just started taking Viekira Pak with ribavirin today. I am on a 12 week dose, contracted the virus around August of 2014 and was diagnosed in November of 2014. According to my doctor, I am still in the acute phase of hepatitis c. I am asking for any experiences while on Viekira Pak including side effects and such. Also, can Viekira Pak impact my menstral cycle at all or make it difficult for me to get pregnant in the future or something? I am 23 years old. Thanks for any advice!
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Hi 1yss223. All I know on the pregnancy question is that it is essential (as in totally mandatory) that you not become pregnant for a full 6 months (maybe 7 months) AFTER completing your treatment because of the Ribavirin, which is teratogenic (birth defects), and which remains in system for up to 6 months after end of treatment (up to 7 months in a man's sperm, I have read).
Best of luck on getting cured! :)
kim
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Yep. What Kimintheforest said. Do not fall pregnant while on ribavirin. Seriously. I haven't seen any info pointing to pregnancy-related issues after treatment with RBV is over but please be safe with birth control. Get a long acting injection or implant if possible.
Good luck, welcome to our happy band of Viekirians!
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FDA Prescribing Information for Ribavirin says: "Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy during therapy and for 6 months after completion of therapy in both female patients and in female partners of male patients who are taking Ribavirin therapy. At least two reliable forms of effective contraception must be utilized during treatment and during the 6 month post treatment follow-up period."
http://www.drugs.com/pro/ribavirin.html
People need to know they are NOT in the clear for getting pregnant after end of treatment - not for 6 more months.
best,
kim
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Welcome! I have just completed week 4 of vpak and riba. No really bad side effects so far.
The worst for me is problems sleeping, but everyone is different. Most of the sleep problems were from acid - doc prescribed prilosec 20 mg in a.m. on empty stomach and 20mg before bed.
helped a lot. still get some restless nights not due to acid, but small price to pay if this combo wipes out the virus.
good luck!
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Also, drink tons of water to avoid headaches. hydration is key!
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Have you or anyone had any problems with gas? I only started the mess yesterday but I feel like a side effect I am having is digestive issues...
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I'm sorry I meant *meds
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No, missed that one, but it is one of many symptoms of hep c ...
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yes -plenty of gas, but omeprazole helped with that too
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Hi All! I am on Day 3 Week One with Viekira Pak + RIBA. No real side effects that I can tell... yet. Hopefully it will stay that way! :) I am hyper focused on looking for side effects right now and I wish I could stop! It's driving me nuts. I really just want this dang virus out of me and be on with my life.
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Be thankful for every good day and find something to do to take your mind off the side effects.
I'm in week - 12? 13? I forget? and I feel pretty good.
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Philadelphia, have you had any side effects? I'm actually feeling pretty good. At first I could tell there was a chemical in my body but I must be getting used to it. I'm not noticing anything major. They say the RIBA is the worst for causing them and that it usually builds up in your system. How long have you been on RIBA? Thanks for your support :)
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I'm in week 13. At first I had fatigue and nausea, a marked increase in my bilirubin and an expected drop in my hb. My renal markers (creat, e-GFR) were a bit out of normal range. I dose reduced the Riba at my specialists request and now I feel good.