1a vs 1b treatment

[Ginabros]

First of all I want to thank you for the "2016 graduates" thread. I am about to commit to begin  my treatment and reading the success stories is very helpful!

Going through the posts I noticed that most of the time the 1a geno patients took Harvoni and 1b took viekira PAk. Is it because the success rate is better? I could not find any stats for genotype/medication SVR rate.

 I am geno 1b, F2. This will be my first and hopefully the last treatment.

Thanks all!

[gnatcatcher]

Hi, Ginabros --

In deciding what to prescribe, hepatitis specialists usually follow the AASLD&IDSA HCV Guidance, which is updated whenever new medicines get approved or new scientific studies change best practices. Here is the link: http://www.hcvguidelines.org/full-report/initial-treatment-hcv-infection

Best wishes with your treatment.

Gnatty

[Lynn K]

Last I read genotype 1b is easier to cure than 1a. I think they might be going with the less expensive for those easier to treat. Also for 1a who are taking viekira pak they have to take ribavirin along with because 1a is harder to treat while 1b does not need to add the ribavirin.

[Ginabros]

Thank you Gnatty and Lynn ! I will see what my doc suggest.

[jakas]

I have 1 a and b and took Harvoni for 12 weeks and got SVR

[Lynn K]

Hi jakas

You were infected with two genotypes both genotypes 1a and 1b? I don't recall you were dual infected.

[Ginabros]

Thanks for the reply Jakas!  I didn't even know two genotypes are even possible at the same time. ...


My doctor prefers me to start viekira pak.  I have 1b. In my head I was kind of preparing for Harvoni, maybe because it is advertised more and I have heard more people were taking it.  Feeling a little unsettled right now.

[Lynn K]

A lot of people have taken viekira pak and been cured. Side effects are similar to Harvoni really the major difference is more pills to keep track of. If you were 1a and had to take ribavirin that makes treatment a little tougher but since you don't need ribavirin your treatment will be similar to Harvoni with the same excellent odds of cure

[jakas]

Hi jakas

You were infected with two genotypes both genotypes 1a and 1b? I don't recall you were dual infected.

Went last week to the Hep Doc and he said I have had 1a and 1b I did not know that. Anyway he did a fibroscan and it was just a little less at 24.5 from the previous 27-32 kpa. I insisted on another blood test to reconfirm SVR at 58 weeks. So will know that in a week. My liver function tests have been fine. He was again asking to do a biopsy and I refused. Did an ultrascan too the same day and that was fine.
Put on lots of weight . Now need to do something about that