Adding Ribavirin to Harvoni treatment?

[Bree]

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!