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Author Topic: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?  (Read 16149 times)

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Offline BillT

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« on: October 16, 2015, 06:51:34 pm »
It seems most are taking to the Viekira with the Ribavirin and I would like to know what your worst side affects are and any other thoughts on it by itself.Thanks in advance for any insight.
Contracted 1973 Military
Diagnosed 1980
Pegintron treatment 2004 unsucessful
Genotype 1b
FibroScan 10 (F2)
Start Viekira 10.17.2015

AST 40 ALT 69
VL 440k
10.31.2015/Week 2 Labs : AST 14/ALT 17
No VL done
10.14.2015/Week 4 labs : AST 14/ALT 14
VL UNDETECTED!!!
12.11.2015/Week 8 Labs : AST 12/ALT 13
No VL done
01.05.2016/EOT labs : AST 15/ALT 13
VL UNDETECTED!!!

12 WEEK SRV:UN-BLOODY DETECTABLE !!!!!!!!

24 WEEK SVR:UNDETECTABLE!!!! Thank You God.

Fibroscan 6Mo. Post Treatment 7.15.2016-5.3(F1)

Offline KimInTheForest

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,972
  • Believe in yourself
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2015, 09:14:51 pm »
It seems most are taking to the Viekira with the Ribavirin and I would like to know what your worst side affects are and any other thoughts on it by itself.Thanks in advance for any insight.

Hi Bill. Since you are geno 1b, and with a fibrosis score of F3 (fibroscan 10), you only need 12 weeks of Viekira Pak without ribavirin according to this chart of the latest treatment recommendations for each genotype:

http://www.hepmag.com/articles/2512_18756.shtml

As a 1b, you would only need to add the riba if you have cirrhosis. So that's good news!

best,
kim :)
Kim Goldberg (Nanaimo, BC)
1970s: Contracted HCV (genotype 3a)
2015: Cured with Harvoni + ribavirin (12 weeks)
MY STORY: https://pigsquash.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/undetectable-my-hep-c-story/

Offline BillT

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2015, 08:56:55 am »
Thank you Kim.I just took my first dose.I excited and nervous at the same time.
Contracted 1973 Military
Diagnosed 1980
Pegintron treatment 2004 unsucessful
Genotype 1b
FibroScan 10 (F2)
Start Viekira 10.17.2015

AST 40 ALT 69
VL 440k
10.31.2015/Week 2 Labs : AST 14/ALT 17
No VL done
10.14.2015/Week 4 labs : AST 14/ALT 14
VL UNDETECTED!!!
12.11.2015/Week 8 Labs : AST 12/ALT 13
No VL done
01.05.2016/EOT labs : AST 15/ALT 13
VL UNDETECTED!!!

12 WEEK SRV:UN-BLOODY DETECTABLE !!!!!!!!

24 WEEK SVR:UNDETECTABLE!!!! Thank You God.

Fibroscan 6Mo. Post Treatment 7.15.2016-5.3(F1)

Offline KimInTheForest

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,972
  • Believe in yourself
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2015, 12:31:23 pm »
Thank you Kim.I just took my first dose.I excited and nervous at the same time.

Congrats Bill! You are on your way. :)

kim
Kim Goldberg (Nanaimo, BC)
1970s: Contracted HCV (genotype 3a)
2015: Cured with Harvoni + ribavirin (12 weeks)
MY STORY: https://pigsquash.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/undetectable-my-hep-c-story/

Offline BillT

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2015, 12:48:09 pm »
Roughly how long after starting Viekira can I expect the side effects to begin?I just went to the Dollar Store and bought a bunch of toothbrushes and razors so I think I'm covered as far as reinfecting myself.I'm getting rid of the dragon this time.
Contracted 1973 Military
Diagnosed 1980
Pegintron treatment 2004 unsucessful
Genotype 1b
FibroScan 10 (F2)
Start Viekira 10.17.2015

AST 40 ALT 69
VL 440k
10.31.2015/Week 2 Labs : AST 14/ALT 17
No VL done
10.14.2015/Week 4 labs : AST 14/ALT 14
VL UNDETECTED!!!
12.11.2015/Week 8 Labs : AST 12/ALT 13
No VL done
01.05.2016/EOT labs : AST 15/ALT 13
VL UNDETECTED!!!

12 WEEK SRV:UN-BLOODY DETECTABLE !!!!!!!!

24 WEEK SVR:UNDETECTABLE!!!! Thank You God.

Fibroscan 6Mo. Post Treatment 7.15.2016-5.3(F1)

Offline KimInTheForest

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,972
  • Believe in yourself
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2015, 12:53:08 pm »
Roughly how long after starting Viekira can I expect the side effects to begin?I just went to the Dollar Store and bought a bunch of toothbrushes and razors so I think I'm covered as far as reinfecting myself.I'm getting rid of the dragon this time.

Good question Bill. I myself was on Harvoni+riba, so no Viekira experience. But from what I have noticed, people are all over the map in terms of what and when (and even if) they experience side effects. Maybe some Viekirans here will chime in with their experience.

best,
kim
Kim Goldberg (Nanaimo, BC)
1970s: Contracted HCV (genotype 3a)
2015: Cured with Harvoni + ribavirin (12 weeks)
MY STORY: https://pigsquash.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/undetectable-my-hep-c-story/

Offline KimInTheForest

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,972
  • Believe in yourself
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2015, 03:19:44 pm »
Hi Bill. I just wanted to add… Don't take my word alone on whether or not you would be better off with ribavirin added to your treatment. Be sure you consult your doctor. I am just another forum member like you - no medical training or anything.

There could be other reasons why your doctor might think it wise to add ribavirin, such as your past treatment experience or uncertainty about accuracy of fibroscan score. The chart I posted a link to says you don't need ribavirin. But that's only a chart.

You probably do not need ribavirin. But I don't want to steer you into that decision if a doctor would say otherwise.

I'm sure you'll beat this thing this time. Onward! :)

kim
Kim Goldberg (Nanaimo, BC)
1970s: Contracted HCV (genotype 3a)
2015: Cured with Harvoni + ribavirin (12 weeks)
MY STORY: https://pigsquash.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/undetectable-my-hep-c-story/

Offline Boatguy

  • Member
  • Posts: 11
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #7 on: October 17, 2015, 04:24:40 pm »
I am now 4 weeks into Viekira and riba, and it has not been bad at all.

Lil bit of  nausea here and there, and a few headaches. But nothing major that required any lifestyle changes other than avoiding spicy foods and being SURE to drink a lot of water.

Also got some insomnia, but I still manage it without adding any meds, and so far, so good.

Dont read too much on the internet regarding sides ..... it will make it worse than it has to be.
Hep c 1A

Pre Tx VL = 5.1 million

ALT and AST always about 2 pts above high normal for last 10 years.

Taking Viekera Pak and 1200 MG Ribavarin daily for 12 weeks.

2 week VL on TX = 18 !!!

4 week VL = UNDETECTED !!!!!!!!!!

Offline BillT

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #8 on: October 17, 2015, 04:45:01 pm »
Thanks Kim and Boatguy.Kim no worries on me taking what you say in anyway as a medical opinion.My doctor is very good at what he does.He's been with the VA so long he was my doctor on the INF treatment 11 years ago.lol If he thought the riba was called for he would have added it.I was just curious about it Boatguy and thanks.I realize everyone is different but was wondering about what everyone else's experience were.After the INF treatment nothing this one can do to me would be a bother.Cheers
Contracted 1973 Military
Diagnosed 1980
Pegintron treatment 2004 unsucessful
Genotype 1b
FibroScan 10 (F2)
Start Viekira 10.17.2015

AST 40 ALT 69
VL 440k
10.31.2015/Week 2 Labs : AST 14/ALT 17
No VL done
10.14.2015/Week 4 labs : AST 14/ALT 14
VL UNDETECTED!!!
12.11.2015/Week 8 Labs : AST 12/ALT 13
No VL done
01.05.2016/EOT labs : AST 15/ALT 13
VL UNDETECTED!!!

12 WEEK SRV:UN-BLOODY DETECTABLE !!!!!!!!

24 WEEK SVR:UNDETECTABLE!!!! Thank You God.

Fibroscan 6Mo. Post Treatment 7.15.2016-5.3(F1)

Offline Cal

  • Member
  • Posts: 957
  • Cal on Viekira Pak
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #9 on: October 17, 2015, 05:54:43 pm »
Bill,
I'm a Viekirian. I'm in my 9th week. I'm an ifn relapser. I am having a hard time on it because of the RIBA . So can't say about other sxs , I'm sure there is some! But if you're not experiencing anything, go with it. When you've had ifn, a couple if sxs are no biggie hey? Cal
HCV 30 years. Geno 1A.
Veikira Pak with ribas on Compassionate Access.
Brisbane. Australia. began 21.8.15.
17 weeks.  Previous non responder 2011.
V/L 9 million
2 week V/L 54
12 weeks V/L UND
No 17 week  EOT V/L
EOT Post 4 weeks UND.

Offline BillT

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #10 on: October 18, 2015, 08:54:00 am »
Well day one is in the history books and day 2 has begun.Funny I don't feel any different.
Contracted 1973 Military
Diagnosed 1980
Pegintron treatment 2004 unsucessful
Genotype 1b
FibroScan 10 (F2)
Start Viekira 10.17.2015

AST 40 ALT 69
VL 440k
10.31.2015/Week 2 Labs : AST 14/ALT 17
No VL done
10.14.2015/Week 4 labs : AST 14/ALT 14
VL UNDETECTED!!!
12.11.2015/Week 8 Labs : AST 12/ALT 13
No VL done
01.05.2016/EOT labs : AST 15/ALT 13
VL UNDETECTED!!!

12 WEEK SRV:UN-BLOODY DETECTABLE !!!!!!!!

24 WEEK SVR:UNDETECTABLE!!!! Thank You God.

Fibroscan 6Mo. Post Treatment 7.15.2016-5.3(F1)

Offline Philadelphia

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 1,157
  • It only looks like I know what I'm doing
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #11 on: October 18, 2015, 03:50:07 pm »
I blogged about my treatment - link in sig. I found weeks 3-4 the worst. Riba sx hit hard.
CURED SVR24  Class of 2015
Wk 12 post EOT 30.11.15: ALT 14 AST 22 GGT 22 VL UND
Week 19 07.08.15: ALT 17 AST 23 GGT 25
Week 12 18.06.15: ALT 21 AST 23 GGT 28
Week 8 25.05.15: ALT 23 AST 27 GGT 30 VL UND
Week 4 20.04.14: ALT 30 AST 36 VL 40
Treatment start 23.03.15: ALT 137 AST 185 VL 342,600
Cirrhosis Child-Pugh A, Genotype 1a - Viekira Pak + riba 24 weeks
Total failure interferon/ribavirin/boceprovir Mar 2013
https://www.hepmag.com/blogger/grace-campbell

Offline BillT

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #12 on: October 19, 2015, 09:52:22 am »
I'm on the Viekira with no Ribas Philadelphia thank God.I know all to well about that one.
Contracted 1973 Military
Diagnosed 1980
Pegintron treatment 2004 unsucessful
Genotype 1b
FibroScan 10 (F2)
Start Viekira 10.17.2015

AST 40 ALT 69
VL 440k
10.31.2015/Week 2 Labs : AST 14/ALT 17
No VL done
10.14.2015/Week 4 labs : AST 14/ALT 14
VL UNDETECTED!!!
12.11.2015/Week 8 Labs : AST 12/ALT 13
No VL done
01.05.2016/EOT labs : AST 15/ALT 13
VL UNDETECTED!!!

12 WEEK SRV:UN-BLOODY DETECTABLE !!!!!!!!

24 WEEK SVR:UNDETECTABLE!!!! Thank You God.

Fibroscan 6Mo. Post Treatment 7.15.2016-5.3(F1)

Offline Cal

  • Member
  • Posts: 957
  • Cal on Viekira Pak
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #13 on: October 19, 2015, 06:30:38 pm »
Bill,
Yeah viekira would be a different tx without the ribas, that's fir sure. I am reacting worse on ribas this time round than first time. Cal
HCV 30 years. Geno 1A.
Veikira Pak with ribas on Compassionate Access.
Brisbane. Australia. began 21.8.15.
17 weeks.  Previous non responder 2011.
V/L 9 million
2 week V/L 54
12 weeks V/L UND
No 17 week  EOT V/L
EOT Post 4 weeks UND.

Offline drummerman

  • Member
  • Posts: 538
  • For those regarded as warriors....
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #14 on: October 19, 2015, 07:45:43 pm »
3rd and 4th week sucked... felt like I was going to jump out of my skin.

post tx sides are worse (for me ) than the treatment itself.  Feel like I have taken an overdose of nodoze (caffeine)... insomnia on some nights.  Had to take an ambien last night and finally dozed off about midnight and woke up a 3.  Fortunately the insomnia is not every night.

I actually started feeling good on the meds during the last half of tx, it was weird, kind of a euphoric feeling.

dm
Diagnosed07
Interferon/riba 2008 - non-responder
5/16/15 - AST -34
ALT - 35_ HCV RNA - 10,783,000
 7/6/15 - started viekira/riba
8/11/15  Week 5 <15 vl,  AST 18, ALT 18
9/11/15 Week 9  "HCV NOT DETECTED"!
AST 16, ALT 11.  10/16/16 - 2 weeks post EOT = "HCV NOT DETECTED!   AST - 18,  ALT 14
12/29/15 -12 wk EOT-HCV NOT DETECTED! AST 23, ALT 15
3/26/16 - 24 wk post EOT - HCV NOT DETECTED!! AST 19, ALT 21
1 yr eot - AST 20, ALT 17

Offline BillT

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #15 on: October 20, 2015, 08:59:45 am »
Well it's day 4 now.I don't know if it's just me or what but I do feel like I have a little more engery.Other than that I really haven't noticed any side effects.As I've said I already had insomnia so I can't really say the meds are causing it.I'm feeling pretty blessed so far.
Contracted 1973 Military
Diagnosed 1980
Pegintron treatment 2004 unsucessful
Genotype 1b
FibroScan 10 (F2)
Start Viekira 10.17.2015

AST 40 ALT 69
VL 440k
10.31.2015/Week 2 Labs : AST 14/ALT 17
No VL done
10.14.2015/Week 4 labs : AST 14/ALT 14
VL UNDETECTED!!!
12.11.2015/Week 8 Labs : AST 12/ALT 13
No VL done
01.05.2016/EOT labs : AST 15/ALT 13
VL UNDETECTED!!!

12 WEEK SRV:UN-BLOODY DETECTABLE !!!!!!!!

24 WEEK SVR:UNDETECTABLE!!!! Thank You God.

Fibroscan 6Mo. Post Treatment 7.15.2016-5.3(F1)

Offline BillT

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Re: Is anyone just taking the Viekira?
« Reply #16 on: October 20, 2015, 10:00:52 am »
Here's a interesting link that I found.There's a lot of information.I drink a lot of coffee
and there's a great read on that here.I just thought I would pass it on.

http://www.hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/fibroscan-results-the-scoring-card.html
Contracted 1973 Military
Diagnosed 1980
Pegintron treatment 2004 unsucessful
Genotype 1b
FibroScan 10 (F2)
Start Viekira 10.17.2015

AST 40 ALT 69
VL 440k
10.31.2015/Week 2 Labs : AST 14/ALT 17
No VL done
10.14.2015/Week 4 labs : AST 14/ALT 14
VL UNDETECTED!!!
12.11.2015/Week 8 Labs : AST 12/ALT 13
No VL done
01.05.2016/EOT labs : AST 15/ALT 13
VL UNDETECTED!!!

12 WEEK SRV:UN-BLOODY DETECTABLE !!!!!!!!

24 WEEK SVR:UNDETECTABLE!!!! Thank You God.

Fibroscan 6Mo. Post Treatment 7.15.2016-5.3(F1)

 


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