HS5A resistance and DNA testing

[fieldD]

 I have Hep C since I believe the lat 80's and found out on a random blood work in 2000. I was a Peg+ribavin non responder in 2003, Peg + ribavin + teleprivir 2013(it was rough but did 48 weeks) and was told clear of April 2014. Just went in a was checked and the dragon is still there but only a 2 log. They now want me to take Harvoni for 24 weeks but I am worried about mutations and HS5A resistance. I see you used ribavin in your treatment and now your clear. I have also read in the clinical studies 22 out of 22 whom took 24 weeks + ribavin has been 100 percent. Do you happen to know about that combination in Canada? Anything new on DNA tests for resistance mutations. I am awaiting paper processing for my insurance and want the best solution going forward. Thanks.

[CureSeeker]

Im a little more than confused on the whole thing, especially when it comes to log numbers, but isnt "less than 15" still considered clear?

A lot of people who have had the previous INF/Riba treatment that didnt respond are having success with Harvoni.

When I was originally diagnosed in 98, I had read about researchers working on the DNA of the virus and the development of inhibitors.  I recently read that those NS5A Inhibitors are scheduled to hit the market in a year or so.  I have read that if patient's can wait for them they should.

The way they work is they attach themselves to the virus and geneticly alter it so it cant replicate.

You should ask your doctor about them, and if you have time to wait for their approval and release.

There is a lot of information on it through Google.  My understanding of terminology and biochemistry in general only goes so far - but it cant hurt to check it out.

You can gain a lot of information by simply reading the abstract and concluding remarks of these studies, without your brain turning to soup in the process, lol.

Here's one link, but maybe you can find better ones on your own:

http://www.hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/what-are-ns5a-inhibitors.html

And a more recent one:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25666806

[dragonslayer]

>>I recently read that those NS5A Inhibitors are scheduled to hit the market in a year or so.  I have read that if patient's can wait for them they should.<<

No need to wait!   NS5A inhibitors are already on the market.  Ledipasvir, which as we know, is a crucial part of what makes Harvoni Harvoni is helping millions of people shed this virus, and, its an NS5A inhibitor.

[fieldD]

My Dr. asked for 24 weeks treatment and my insurance company wanted a fibroscan before saying yes. On a waiting list now to get test as only 1 machine in whole province. I am going to push for the 24 weeks of Harvoni because of prior txt even though no cirrosis(will have to see if still none after fibroscan, biopsey in 2012 showed 0). Heres my reasoning:

http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=2212.0

Makes sense for both the insurance company and me, lets get it over with. Any thoughts?