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Author Topic: Adding Ribavirin to Harvoni treatment?  (Read 5256 times)

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Offline Bree

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  • "Today is a good day for a great day!"
Adding Ribavirin to Harvoni treatment?
« on: August 14, 2015, 09:03:56 pm »
Hi Forum Group,

First, I am Undetected after 4.5 weeks on a 12 week regimen of Harvoni!!!
Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!

I know it seems "standard" for so many at the 4 week mark during treatment, and is not the final end result, however, I just have to say it feels really good to see "Not Detected" in black and white!  And, it's a great indicator.  For all of us, especially previous relapsers, it's a nice feeling to breathe that in and continue in hope.

Since I have seen so many on the forum who are UND post treatment who have had Harvoni and ribavirin, with either ribavirin throughout the treatment or added in later... I asked my doctor about it.  I was thinking about increasing the odds.

He mentioned that side effects will increase (which I knew).  I wasn't even a candidate for the entire course of viekira/riba due to riba side effects.  (This is when I thought I wouldn't be able to get Harvoni and was exploring options.)

He will add it in for the final 6 weeks of the 12 if I want it... (I think he adds if for C3/4 and I'm F1/2).  But it's up to me and I'm not sure if it's a real benefit?

I had an extreme side effects with 48 week interferon/ ribavirin, especially toward the end,  but I muscled through, with chronic cough, procrit and numerous other issues, only to see the virus return within a couple of weeks.

I'm not sure it is a good idea to add to treatment given my reaction to it in the past and current platelets are low (120) and WBC low (3.2).

I was thinking adding 6 weeks of ribavirin might "hedge my bets" and yet won't be enough time to get the serious symptoms going.  If ribavirin is started and stopped during a course of Harvoni due to side effects, does that decrease chances for the Harvoni?

I think Harvoni is doing the trick... I just don't want to have regrets and I want to do everything I can to reach a SVR (cure).

I'm doing o.k. with Harvoni, with some tolerable side effects, as long as I take it reasonably easy and listen to my body.  When I overdo it, or get really stressed, I pay for it.

I see the doctor next week and I know we will make a decision.  Any help or suggestions most welcome!  Thank you! 
Dx 1997 Geno 1a
2002-2003 PEG Intron/riba (48 wks) respond/relapsed
Pre-Harvoni - Viral Load: 13.5 M - Log 7.1
Fibrosure Score F1-2  Pre-Treatment:  AST 73 / ALT 88

7/6/15 Started Harvoni (12 weeks)
10/5/15 HCV NOT DETECTED (One week post EOT)
11/9/15 NOT DETECTED!!! (6 wk post)
12/21/15 NOT DETECTED (12 wk post) 
3/14/16  NOT DETECTED (24 week post)AST 26 ALT 18
SVR ACHIEVED!!! 
CURED YES!!!

 


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