Starting Harvoni, how to improve effectiveness?

[bloodandkoolaid]

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with genotype 1 at 17 years old, and now at 24 I am starting 12 weeks of treatment with Harvoni. Two big questions here:

Firstly, does anyone know any ways to help the drugs be as effective as possible? I'm trying to stay hydrated, eat right, and get lots of sleep, but is there anything else? I've heard others mention consuming extra acidic foods/drinks, but is there evidence about this being helpful?

Secondly, is anyone else here taking Harvoni who is young, in relatively good health, treatment naive, with no cirrhosis? I'm very hopeful about fast and long-lasting treatment outcomes. Does anyone in my situation know how long they were taking Harvoni for before they became undetectable?

Thank you!

[FutureThinker]

Hi B & K, I just completed 12 weeks of Harvoni, but I'm in my 60s ---- but pretty healthy overall, no cirrhosis, treatment naive and had the virus 40+ years. No real symptoms until ~ 6 years ago, primarily fatigue. This treatment was A BREEZE for me, had the "Harvoni High" with increased energy and better mental clarity.  The 3 months flew by, no significant problems at all. However, not all get by so easily, as  you have probably read on this forum. But most do very well on Harvoni.

Re: optimizing Harvoni:  My doctor specifically said "no herbs"; otherwise, I was OK'd to take a calcium supplement, glycosamine sulfate and vitamin D3, plus antihistamines as needed for seasonal allergies.  I drank ~ 80 oz. of water daily and made sure to get my 2.5 mile walk in every day. I eat pretty healthy and just ate what I normally do, didn't add anything specific except the increased water. I did notice an increase in appetite and chose to watch that; I gained 3 # on treatment.The Harvoni has a dehydrating effect, so the water is very important. Nausea is one of the more common side effects so I chose to take my pill with food, based on the advice of several forum members.  I did notice a bit of stomach "acidy" feeling occasionally, but that was it.

It also was recommended by a forum member not to make any drastic changes to your diet/life/etc. if possible during this time; just keep a steady norm for yourself and keep stress to a minimum if possible.

The studies show that most people are undetected @ 4 weeks, some as early as 2 weeks, but not all -- I wasn't until my 8 wk labs.  There is an excellent study posted by dragonslayer under "Frequency of Tests" in the "On treatment" category that shows that even if one does not show UD at the end of 12 weeks, they may still go on to reach SVR 12 weeks later.  SO -- don't get upset if you aren't UD right away! Your 4 week labs are done 1) to ensure you are taking the drug and 2) to make sure the drug is working.  They like to see a 2 log + decrease in your viral load at that time.

It's a scary time, but try to focus on getting to the other side, the side of SVR. And think positive thoughts! I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. There are many amazing people on this forum, so I hope you find comfort in the information and support here, as I did. I am sure some others will chime in -- hope this helps, and welcome to the forum!  The future is bright, FT

[KimInTheForest]

Welcome to the forums, bloodandkoolaid, and to the Harvoni journey!

The ledipasvir in the Harvoni will be neutralized in an alkaline stomach environment, which is why no Tums or anything like that 4 hours either side of taking Harvoni. But other than that, I think the Harvoni will work to its maximum effectiveness regardless of what you do or don't eat or drink. (Although it is good to stay hydrated for other reasons - minimizing treatment side effects, especially headache).

Many people become undetected by Week 4 of a 12 week Harvoni course. Some people even by Week 2. But for others it takes longer. However long it takes, that does not seem to affect anyone's treatment outcome. People get cured just the same and just as permanently regardless of when they first turn undetected on treatment. (I was undetected by Week 4.)

You will in all likelihood be cured, and permanently, as a result of this treatment.

best,
kim

[Lynn K]

Don't take anything you do not have to as far as supplements or OTC meds. If you commonly use any acid reducing medicines (Tums, Prilosec, Pepsid or similar) discuss with your doctor how to take them properly with Harvoni. Or ask us or just avoid them if you can.

Best to take your meds at the same time every day but if you are late just take your missed dose asap and return to you normal schedule.

There are no dietary restrictions or recommendations as far as just taking Harvoni nothing you eat as food will effect treatment one way or the other.

Good luck to you. This medicine is like a miracle for most of us you will be cured believe it!

[brie41]

Hi B&K,

  Welcome and hope your treatment goes smoothly.  You are young, so I imagine you will feel just fine.  I finished my 8 week Harvoni treatment a few weeks ago.  I took my pill with dinner to avoid any stomach issues.  Keep up with your water intake.  Really makes all the difference in how you feel.  It made me so dehydrated, I had no problem getting at least 80oz. a day. So if you take your pill at the same time and don't miss any doses you should do great.  I also changed my toothbrush weekly, a bit much, but made me feel better.  I also sterilized nail clippers, tweezers, etc.  Best of luck to you!  Brie

[Philadelphia]

The best way to maximise your chance of a cure is to take your tablets every day. Oh and discuss any other medication you are on with your dr before starting.

Otherwise, stay the course, stay healthy.

[morab]

Welcome to the forum,
You have come to the best place for advice, I have had Hep C 1a for over 40 years,
I am at 6 weeks into tx naive Harvoni for 12 weeks.
I just got my 4 week lab results on Friday and I am UNDETECTED!
Hang in there and you will do really well with youth on your side!
Morab