Starting v-pak soon-Genotype 1b. Very nervous. Your thoughts?

[mandimont900]

Hey everyone,  I'm brand new here. I've been googling this drug like crazy, and luckily I find this forum. Anyway, I'm 25 y/o and somehow contracted hep C-Since my birth mother and little sister have it also,  So I'm pretty sure I contacted it through birth unfortunately. (I'm adopted obviously)
My VL was about 500,000 which my GI doc said was low. Genotype 1B. I also had that blood test done that they do instead of a biopsy now (fibroscan??) And GI doc said no cirrhosis and only mild inflammation. But he wanted to start me on treatment now because he didn't want it to get any worse since I'm still young. He initially wanted me on Harvoni for 8 weeks but, insurance denied it and will only approve v-pack for 12 weeks, since I have express scripts that's the only option. Luckily it is without that other drug (Ribavirin?)
 I have a lot of health issues so I'm very nervous. I'm underweight, struggle with an eating disorder and have gastritis (lots of burning stomach issues) Also I'm extremely weak, tired and cant go out most days because of my eelectrolytes being off, and sometimes end up vomiting a few times a week from stomach issues. Also I'm forgetful so taking pills 2x a day might be difficult.   I'm wondering if people who have taken v-pack with or without that other med, can shed some light on how it was and any side effects they have had? I'm just nervous that these pills will be harsher on my body more so than others, since my immune system is crap.
Also what about tums, I depend on tums everynight for relief! Am I supposed to separate it 4 hours? Because that could be difficult to remember. I am supposed to receive a call from insurance about delivery any day now, so probably next week sometime I'll start.
Thanks, sorry it's so long.
-Mandi M.
 

[SIXFOOTFOUR]

I also have Express Scripts through my Blue Cross and Express Scripts made a deal with Viekira Pak to use it as their 1st choice because of the discount in cost to them. (google it and there are a lot of new reports about the deal, speculation is that they are saving as much as $ 20,000 a course withthe discounted contact for Viekira) Express Scripts did use Harvoni until the end of last year and then made the change

Express Scripts contacted me and denied the Harvoni and said I could get Viekira instead. My docotor was adament that Harvoni was the better choice, ease of use 1 pill, fewer side effects etc and no need to monitor (blood tests) during tx. So they fought it and after 4 weeks I was approved by Express Scripts to get Harvoni instead of Viekira pak.

I cant speak to the other but the Harvoni is basicly side effect free in my case and on my 7th day I feel overall more energy than in the past and I think more clear headed.

If you can get them to appeal Id try to get Harvoni it does have less chance of side effects.

Best of luck and either way we are very lucky with either tx compared to previous  treatments

[Red Hen]

Mandi, I took the Viekira Pak with ribavirin for 12 weeks. Currently waiting for my 12 week post treatment results. Taking the Viekira Pak was not easy but since you aren't using ribavirin I imagine you would have fewer side effects. It sounds like you have time to go through an appeal process for Harvoni and that might be the way to go. I'm not sure about taking tums with either medication so you should make a point of asking your doctor. My side effects were mostly itching and feeling tired. No stomach upsets. No head aches. You're young. You're going to kick this disease and when you do I bet you will feel great! Please let us know how you're doing.