Author Topic: Started with Viekira pak + Riba this week (Read 18908 times)

Lusitano · « **on:** September 19, 2015, 09:55:25 pm »

Day 3 - so far, so good. Minimal side effects; hoping it stays this way...

tblount · « **Reply #1 on:** September 19, 2015, 10:50:58 pm »

I started this week too and there is a lady who started about 10 days ago.

Hope we all have a great Christmas present.

Lusitano · « **Reply #2 on:** September 19, 2015, 11:36:36 pm »

Yes, for me that will be the greatest Xmas present possible. I will be posting my progress or any significant events at least weekly. Good luck to you and all the HepC fighters out there.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2015, 01:11:23 am »

Good luck Lusitano - I did 24 weeks with riba and while the first month was tough, the rest was smooth sailing. It was the ribavirin that got to me - once that was reduced everything was better.

Here's hoping it goes well for you! There are a few Viekirians around on the forum.

cconklin1102 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2015, 02:34:43 am »

:-*I just started the Viekira about 4 days ago. So far, so good. (of course) it's kind of soon. I hope all of you are successful in beating the Hep C. One thing at a time. I will be dealing with my liver issues as well.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2015, 02:43:32 am »

Hi cconklin, welcome to the forum! if you can, it's really useful to fill out a sig file, which displays at the bottom of each post. That way people won't continually ask you what treatment you are on, what genotype you are, how long you areon treatment for ... You get the picture!

So how long are you on VPak for? Do you get the added bonus of ribavirin? There are a few of us past and present Viekirians, we have a few threads scattered around

byebyeC · « **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2015, 05:01:46 am »

Welcome fellow Viekirans!

I started 13 days ago. We'll wrap this up about the same time. Here's wishing you Lusitano and you cconklin the very best of luck in clearing and SVR.

We're in it together and that it a very good thing

Cal · « **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2015, 08:49:37 pm »

Hello and welcome dear brothers and sisters in viekira. I am on day 32 that's in week five. Sxs have been interesting but manageable so Keep that in mind especially if you've not txed before. A bit off discomfort for a little while is worth it. Keep your eye on the prize and keep posting.They are a really knowledgeable and caring bunch.Cal

dearprudence · « **Reply #8 on:** September 29, 2015, 09:08:52 am »

Welcome Viekirans!
Wishing you all a fruitful journey down this road. Side effects changed for me throughout the treatment with some worse than others. Post treatment now and feeling better every day. Virus undetected since week 4.
I was disgnosed in 1970's as nonA/nonB - disgnosed in the 90's as hepc. Been with my same doc since then. Have had 2 liver biopsies - what a difference from the first to the second - and a
fscan before treatment. Grade 1-2 and genotype 1a - refused previous treatment of interferon - started 12 weeks vpak and riba in May 2015.
Hang in there! This disease is being beaten every day!
Best to you all - Prudence

Lusitano · « **Reply #9 on:** October 01, 2015, 08:58:34 pm »

Completed week 2 of medication today. Today's labs showed normal ALT and AST for the first time in 34 years. It appears meds are working

Minimal side effects so far although red blood cell count is down (anemic). I'm happy

Philadelphia · « **Reply #10 on:** October 01, 2015, 09:06:06 pm »

Haemolytic anaemia is very common Lusitano. Mine plummeted and they had to reduce my ribavirin dosage.

Looking forward to hearing your viral load results - ALT/AST sound fabulous!

Do you have Lusitano horses?

Lusitano · « **Reply #11 on:** October 01, 2015, 09:45:36 pm »

LOL! I wish had a lusitano horse. The handle comes from my country of birth Portugal. Lusitanians were a people formed by several tribes that lived in what is now known as Portugal prior to Roman Empire conquest, hence the breed’s name. Can't wait for week 4 labs!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #12 on:** October 02, 2015, 12:17:30 am »

Olá!

Lusitanos and Andalusians are quite something else.

lporterrn · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2015, 06:33:35 pm »

The FDA just posted a warning about Viekira Pak and Technivie: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm468634.htm

byebyeC · « **Reply #14 on:** October 22, 2015, 07:24:03 pm »

BillT · « **Reply #15 on:** October 22, 2015, 09:01:47 pm »

Thank you for the info Iporterrn.I'm 6 days into this and my liver isn't too bad except for what the HCV has done for last 30 some odd years.I will bring it up with my doctor at the VA though.I posted today that the only thing I'm feeling is a bit fatigued but that has been my normal for as far back as I can remember.They're going to have to drag me off of this kicking and screaming.Cheers

BillT · « **Reply #16 on:** October 22, 2015, 09:03:16 pm »

Make that 40 some odd years.

badbradley · « **Reply #17 on:** October 22, 2015, 10:03:46 pm »

Double Post I'll keep the one below
Brad

badbradley · « **Reply #18 on:** October 22, 2015, 10:09:11 pm »

Quote from: lporterrn on October 22, 2015, 06:33:35 pm

The FDA just posted a warning about Viekira Pak and Technivie: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm468634.htm

Undoubtedly this news will have many implications. I have to say that what rankles me about this, is that some insurance companies/PBM's require you to be F3-F4;severe liver damage/cirrhosis to meet the criteria for eligibility to even get the treatment. I am fucking livid about this!!!
Brad

lporterrn · « **Reply #19 on:** October 22, 2015, 11:13:26 pm »

Yes Brad, that is what rankles me too.

Else · « **Reply #20 on:** October 23, 2015, 12:25:21 am »

Quote from: byebyeC on October 22, 2015, 07:24:03 pm

(((((Marianne))))) Call your doc tomorrow to ease your mind, eh?

byebyeC · « **Reply #21 on:** October 23, 2015, 09:20:31 am »

Will do Else. Thank yo

lporterrn · « **Reply #22 on:** October 23, 2015, 10:03:47 am »

OK, so now that I've been the bearer of disturbing news, perhaps it is a good time to share something I shared on another thread about why panicking isn't warranted at this point:

Quote

I think it best to know that this warning exists, and heed this, "Patients taking these medicines should contact their health care professional immediately if they develop fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes or skin, or light-colored stools, as these may be signs of liver injury."

Sounds unlikely to happen to most, especially those in the early stages of liver disease. Also sounds like most of the occurrences were in the first month. Also, medication interactions seemed to increase the risk.

If you are on these drugs, panic will make your treatment very uncomfortable. Just watch for these signs, and let your doc know ASAP rather than hope things will improve. You can talk to your doc or pharmacist about potential drug interactions. Here is a good tool: http://www.hep-druginteractions.org/

Sometimes I just get too focused on information dissemination, and lose sight of the bigger picture.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #23 on:** October 23, 2015, 10:30:01 am »

I think it's useful info to have and to discuss with your dr or specialist. Thanks for letting us know Lucinda.

Cal · « **Reply #24 on:** October 24, 2015, 12:27:16 am »

Marianne,
I really think you'll be fine lovely. Don't let it make you wobbly! Cal

Lusitano · « **Reply #25 on:** October 25, 2015, 08:59:46 pm »

I am now into week 6 of the V-pak. Week 4 labs indicated a viral load of 19; down from 8.3 million. Past side effects seem to be decreasing, no headaches, but on some days I feel a little exhausted. However, I often feel dazed and keep on losing my train of thought. Other than that, all is fine. More labs due late this week. Almost over the hump!

BillT · « **Reply #26 on:** October 25, 2015, 10:22:14 pm »

Not to worry about giving us information Lucinda.You simply gave us what the FDA said and I must say I trust your opinion more than theirs.For some reason every time I do a search for information on HCV it's usually you that's written it.Well done.

beto · « **Reply #27 on:** October 25, 2015, 10:31:21 pm »

Yes amazing how often I am doing a search and end up right on this forum. We are kinda on the cutting edge of the new treatments and their side effects. A lot of us research and have been following all of this for a long time. Then there is Lucinda who has posted and blogged more stuff than probably anyone out there. Lynn has posted a zillion studies as well and continues to inform. A very smart bunch o folk.

As for the FDA...well...to be continued

BillT · « **Reply #28 on:** October 25, 2015, 11:13:48 pm »

I couldn't agree more Beto.The amount of information and support on this site is incredible.Half the battle is understanding the dragon.What people need to understand is that none of us asked for this any more than one would ask for cancer.It doesn't matter how we got it,what matters is that we can beat it now.I never thought I would see this many people getting cured in my lifetime but here we are.This is just the beginning,and as you said we're on the cutting edge of this chapter of the new meds.Cheers

Cal · « **Reply #29 on:** October 26, 2015, 10:28:37 pm »

Bill and Beto,
I agree it's amazing to see so many being cured before our very eyes! I can only hope that Australia follows through soon. Though it's not looking good there. Our December date for approval looks like being more February. Its a date with legs it just keeps walking away into the distance out of reach! There are 230,000 HCVers in Australia and 1% of them are accessing tx! We are in crisis here. Cal

Else · « **Reply #30 on:** October 26, 2015, 10:44:25 pm »

A quarter of a million people, Cal? That is some bullshit.

slats1056 · « **Reply #31 on:** October 26, 2015, 10:57:52 pm »

Kudos to Lucinda!! As I was researching I kept coming across her posts & blogs. That is how I wound up here on the forums. Unending , tireless , unrewarded work by her has helped a many of lost & confused souls who otherwise had no where to turn. Most definitely the beacon on the horizon during stormy weather leading to safe harbor. Not to mention the on going , never ending source of info. for the masses. Three cheers for the modest Lucinda!

lporterrn · « **Reply #32 on:** October 26, 2015, 11:06:57 pm »

Thank you for your kind words, Tommy

slats1056 · « **Reply #33 on:** October 26, 2015, 11:24:20 pm »

You are most welcome! I truly admire all that You do for no compensation. I can only assume that it brings You great personal pride & sense of being able to help so many people. The size of Your heart is only exceeded by the amount of help You do for so many!

lporterrn · « **Reply #34 on:** October 27, 2015, 06:29:47 pm »

Actually, the size of my head will exceed the size of my heart if I keep listening to you!

BillT · « **Reply #35 on:** October 27, 2015, 06:57:27 pm »

Accept the praise Lucinda because it's all we have to offer.The information and support you provide has helped each and every one of us get through this.

slats1056 · « **Reply #36 on:** October 27, 2015, 09:35:18 pm »

Lucinda, Good one

, I have some Texas size hats that I get You to fit that swollen head

lporterrn · « **Reply #37 on:** October 28, 2015, 10:16:15 am »

Lusitano · « **Reply #38 on:** November 05, 2015, 07:35:02 pm »

Completed week 7 of treatment today. Week 6 report (last), shows VL <15 IU/mL HIGH, and <1.18 log IU/ml HIGH. It appears to me there is still detectable virus. A bit disappointed but still confident

slats1056 · « **Reply #39 on:** November 05, 2015, 11:08:42 pm »

Lusitano, Great news, the numbers look good, I wouldn't let them cause any stress. Still have plenty of time until 12 week EOT for the final proof. No sweat, keep Your chin up & enjoy life. Laugh every chance You get, it's good for You!

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Author Topic: Started with Viekira pak + Riba this week (Read 18908 times)