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Author Topic: Interferon Use  (Read 9399 times)

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Offline Bucky

  • Member
  • Posts: 341
Interferon Use
« on: September 03, 2014, 11:22:25 am »
I see that several people are about to or have started treatment using Interferon. I am curious about this since so many people are having excellent results with Sovaldi & Olysio. With the new meds coming out soon, it just seems like Interferon & Ribiviran are so old school now.
Bucky
I HAVE SLAYED THE DRAGON.....CURED SVR24!

Offline lporterrn

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  • Posts: 1,969
  • LucindaPorterRN
    • LucindaPorterRN
Re: Interferon Use
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2014, 02:35:06 pm »
Isn't it great progress!
Lucinda Porter, RN
1988 Contracted HCV
1997 Interferon nonresponder
2003 PEG + ribavirin responder-relapser
2013 Cured (Harvoni + ribavirin clinical trial)
https://www.hepmag.com/blogger/lucindakporter

Offline Bucky

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  • Posts: 341
Re: Interferon Use
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2014, 05:13:51 pm »
Isn't it great progress!
Lucinda,   I really did not think about it but your are 100% correct that it is great progress.
I was just curious if the members who are using the older treatments are because of insurance or uninformed doctors. I know that Interferon used to be all there was, but it is a drug that is toxic. Ribavirin  is not much better. 
On the flip side of this, when I discussed my decision to go off label with really new meds my brother was concerned because the TV is full of commercials regarding class action lawsuits for medications that were approved within the last five years.
I really wasn't too concerned because the fight against HIV has been using antiviral medications for many years. Yes, some of them are toxic as well but they have saved a lot of people.
Bucky
I HAVE SLAYED THE DRAGON.....CURED SVR24!

Offline lporterrn

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  • Posts: 1,969
  • LucindaPorterRN
    • LucindaPorterRN
Re: Interferon Use
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2014, 06:11:52 pm »
Mostly it comes down to insurance. Insurance providers don't want to pay for the more expensive meds if they don't have to. And although I am frustrated by the industry, I don't blame them, esp the state run Medicaid providers who are trying not to go bankrupt.
Lucinda Porter, RN
1988 Contracted HCV
1997 Interferon nonresponder
2003 PEG + ribavirin responder-relapser
2013 Cured (Harvoni + ribavirin clinical trial)
https://www.hepmag.com/blogger/lucindakporter

Offline Mendeemoo

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  • Posts: 18
Re: Interferon Use
« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2014, 12:32:19 am »
I asked this same question several weeks ago as I was prescribed  So, Peg, and Rib.
Mike had a great explanation.
This is from my question:
Hi Mendeemoo,
The answer is yes: There are reasons why SOL+INTF+RIBV is preferred over SOL+RIBV.

Specifically, SOL+INTF+RIBV has been proven to generate higher cure rates for those infected with genotype 1a compared to SOL+RIBV. In my case, this meant a 10%+ greater chance of a cure vs. SOL+RIBV.

This was due to several factors, including high viral load, previous partial responder, diabetes and hemochromatosis.

The other reason is that, when treating genotype 1a, SOL+INTF+RIBV is a shorter treatment protocol with a 12 week duration compared to 24 weeks for SOL+RIBV.

Simply put, in my case SOL+INTF+RIBV gave me the greatest chance for a cure. Knowing this, my decision to move forward with this protocol was easy. The length of treatment was also a consideration.

I completed treatment in April and achieved a SVR12 in July, which means I'm cured.

When discussing treatment options with your doctor, make sure you look at the protocol that gives you the best chance to put the Hep-C dragon to rest.

Lastly, Gilead is scheduled to receive approval for an  single pill combination (Sovaldi and ledipasvir), which avoids the side effects associated with INTF and RIBV. Since this protocol should be released (and FDA approved) in October, you might want to wait, as it is only a couple of months away.
Talk to your doctor about this.
Best wishes, Mike


I will add that my insurance approved this treatment in 2 days. With the additional copay cards for the Peg and Sovaldi, I pay $20 a month for all 3 meds. This was just easier for me with no BS to deal with.  I also think my side effects so far are all from the Rib, and the interferon has not been an issue.



Offline willie g

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  • Posts: 427
  • geno 1 25million etc. s/o for treatment
Re: Interferon Use
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2014, 06:50:08 am »
Hey BUCKY go to Replies from August lol Willie g

Offline Bucky

  • Member
  • Posts: 341
Re: Interferon Use
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2014, 11:01:45 am »
Hey BUCKY go to Replies from August lol Willie g

Willie,    Could you please post a link to that?
Thanks
Bucky
I HAVE SLAYED THE DRAGON.....CURED SVR24!

 


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