Question about taking Sovaldi and Ribavirin please! :)

[CureSeeker]

Today's a great day for me!  I picked up my first 30 day supply of Sovaldi and Ribavirin.  Yay!!!!  I cant thank the world enough, lol.

I need to work while taking the treatment.  I dont have an option with the Ribavirin - 3 in the morning and 2 at night. 

The Sovaldi I do have a choice.

I was wondering about how other people take the Sovaldi. 

Is there a particular time of day that I can take it to help keep my mind somewhat clear and my mood somewhat amiable for work?

Its a stressful environment, and Id like to get off to a good start with treatment.  My hours are normal 9 to 5.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  My doctor is of the opinion that it doesnt matter.

Thanks! 

[Lynn K]

I did not have any side effects from sovadi Olysio last year.

When I treated this year I treated with Harvoni Ribavirin the only sides I had were anemia from the riba. Ribavirin
the tough one for most people kinda makes you feel like something the cat dragged in.

Just take the Sovaldi at a time of day you will consistently remember to take it would be my best suggestion.

Good luck on treatment

[CureSeeker]

Thanks so much for the reply Lynn, and gratz on completeing your treatment.  Your siggy seems like you have been through enough, so, best wishes for being clear for good. *thumbs up*

I was afraid the Ribavirin would be the issue.  Bummer.  But I was hopeful that the time of day I take the Sovaldi could be helpful - I guess the doctor knows best, lol.

Thanks again! 

[KimInTheForest]

Hi CureSeeker. Congrats on starting treatment!

I am surprised that, as a Genotype 3 person, you are only on 12 weeks of Sovaldi+Riba and not 24 weeks, which is the standard length of treatment for ALL Geno 3 people on Sovaldi+Riba. Geno 2 people get to do 12 weeks. Geno 3 people need 24 weeks for the same effectiveness and cure rate. Here is a link to a Fact Sheet on that:

http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Sovaldi_GT2-3.pdf

Is it possible your Dr. has not looked closely at the situation and doesn't realize that Geno 3 people require twice as long as Geno 2 people? You might want to ask him/her about that.

I am Geno 3a also.

All the best to you,
kim

[Francis60]

Hi Cureseeker,
I am also surprised you are only doing 12 weeks the standard of care for 3a is 24 weeks rba/sol.which I have just finished.  .
I tried to take my pills at the same time every day, getting a pill counter really helped. Make sure you eat when you take Riba, drink heap of water. I took 2 riba and ! solvaldi in the morning and 3 riba at night.
Cheers
Liam

[CureSeeker]

Hi Kim and Liam!

Thanks for the input and advice.

I was surprised myself when I read that on the Gilead site today, however, I am prepared to get hit with 24 weeks down the line.  Ive read that researchers are looking into shortening treaments as well, so maybe Im a test case, lol. 

All I really care about at this point is the great reviews Sovaldi has gotten, and my approval for access to the drug.  I have a drug plan but these drugs are excluded from the plan.  I had asked my doctors about plans that were covering the drug, and they had said right now only Medicare and Medicaid were really covering them.  Im not old enough for Medicare, and not working-poor enough for Medicaid.  My doctors arranged for the drugs which due to my income I am getting free of charge.  I feel like Ive won Lotto right now, lol.

Im good with 24 weeks if I have to.  No worries.