Hepatitis Forums

Hepatitis C Main Forums => I Just Tested Positive for Hepatitis C => Topic started by: Loria on August 15, 2016, 05:24:17 pm

Title: Questions about treatments for me
Post by: Loria on August 15, 2016, 05:24:17 pm
Hi,  My name is Lori and I am new to this forum, and very grateful that you are all here.  I have geno 2b for about 40 years. Viral load almost 2 mil. Log: 6.3.  All my other blood work and liver tests are normal range.  I am 60 years old, very healthy and participate in sports. I am investigating treatment at this point.  I will see a specialist on Wednesday.  I know he will need to assess a fibrosis or some type of liver score.  Here are my questions:
1. Besides the fibrosure blood test, what is the liver scan/ultrasound called so I can ask him about it?
2. What are the current treatments for Geno 2b? (I do not want ribavirin)
3. In case my insurance denies treatment, are their overseas treatments for Geno 2b?
If you have any other suggestions I am open to hearing all of them.  Thanks so much
Title: Re: Questions about treatments for me
Post by: Lynn K on August 15, 2016, 08:19:16 pm
Hi and welcome Loria

"1. Besides the fibrosure blood test, what is the liver scan/ultrasound called so I can ask him about it?"

Well there is a test called a fibroscan which is  sort of similar to and ultrasound but kind of thumps the abdomen to determine liver stiffness. There is also an ultrasound to image the liver and can check for portal vein blood flow but not used to determine liver stiffness.

Here is a link about the fibroscan machine.

http://www.fibroscan.com/en/products

Here is a link to the fibroscan score card

http://hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/fibroscan-results-the-scoring-card.html

"2. What are the current treatments for Geno 2b? (I do not want ribavirin)"

Per the current AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) treatment guidelines

http://www.hcvguidelines.org/node/72

Genotype 2 Treatment-Naïve Patients Without Cirrhosis - Recommended
 

    Daily fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir (400 mg)/velpatasvir (100 mg) for 12 weeks is a Recommended regimen for treatment-naïve patients with HCV genotype 2 infection who do not have cirrhosis.
    Rating: Class I, Level A
     

Genotype 2 Treatment-Naïve Patients Without Cirrhosis - Alternative
 

    Daily daclatasvir (60 mg*) plus sofosbuvir (400 mg) for 12 weeks is an Alternative regimen for treatment-naïve patients with HCV genotype 2 infection who do not have cirrhosis.
    Rating: Class IIa, Level B



I would worry about your 3rd question if you find yourself in that situation. Not sure what has been approved in other countries others know more about that than I do.

There are ways to get your insurance to do the right thing including appealing to your states insurance commissioner as well as programs to help pay for treatment.


Good luck
Lynn
Title: Re: Questions about treatments for me
Post by: Loria on August 15, 2016, 11:09:56 pm
Great info, thanks, Lynn!