Sovaldi, Interferon, & Riba...Now Harvoni

I have edited header. I am now treating with Harvoni.

Geno 1a, early 50's, and in reasonably good health.

I have not found any posts where people are including interferon in their regimen. My doctor recommended that if I can stand it, I should take the interferon. He didn't mention any off-label treatment, and neither did a hepatologist I visited for a second opinion. The hepatologist said that I would SVR after concluding treatment. I thought that was pretty bold since I did 48 weeks interferon and riba in 2000 and was a partial responder.

So, here I am. I hope people will share their treatment experience on this thread.

April 7, 2014: I took the riba at work around 4 p.m. I started feeling weird around 4:25. Probably anxiety. Ten minutes later on my way home from work I was good. Took the $1k pill and did the shot of peg in my left thigh. I fumbled with the syringe a bit, but figured it out, and it didn't hurt a bit, 5:33 p.m.
I prayed that this time I will be healed.
I watched Thrones reruns for a few hours and drank plenty of water. Around 7 - 8, I started feeling a little achy and was stretching and noticed that my normally sore knee didn't hurt. That was strange. Around 9:25, I decided to hit the sack. When I stood I was all of a sudden chilled.
When I got upstairs I had major chills. My skin was very warm to the touch, but it was like I was in a freezer. I mentally focused to stop shaking, but it required great concentration. I quickly brushed my teeth, drank a glass of water, and put an extra blanket on the bed before jumping in.
No doubt I had a fever. I fell asleep pretty quick and slept four hours. When I awoke, I noticed that I wasn't sweating even though I had added an extra blanket on the bed. I drank about 8 ounces of water and laid awake about two hours. I then slept for a few more hours.

April 8:I felt alright. I believe my prior experience and my expectations cause me to react differently to treatment this time. I went outside and worked for a couple of hours and didn't think of therapy.

April 9: I'm sleeping pretty good considering I am full of some strong medicine. (Thank you, Father.)
I wonder why I am handling this so well. It's still early in treatment. I remember my prior experience with interferon, 3 shots a week, and the headaches.

I'll try to post on a weekly or bi-monthly basis.

Another thing, my doctor is not monitoring me very closely. I have two lab sheets. One for a month from now for a liver panel and another liver panel and viral load for the end of treatment. Back in 2000, I went for visits twice a week for two weeks and then once monthly and probably lost a pint of blood for all the tests he wanted.

Post Edited (Dog LeDon) : 1/29/2015 7:38:11 PM (GMT-7)

hey dog, you must be genotype 1. that is the approved treatment for you. the chills and fever are common for the 1st shot. a couple motrin or tylenol if you cant take anti inflammatories will help a lot. the riba causes a little anxiety when you 1st start, but your body will adjust to the meds. i agree that you will be svr at 12 weeks post tx. your triple combo is 90% for 12 weeks. your triple tx is soooo much milder than the triple tx i did in 2012. the 1k pill is easy to tolerate. if you need help with side effects, a few of our members have experience with int/riba tx. we are here if you have ?s.
barry

Hi Dog, My husband, themister, was a 2 time interferon/riba treater. He obtained SVR the 2nd time as a geno 3a, 24 weeks both times. You have the same symptoms from the first shot as themister. You will kill it this time with that $1,000 pill ;) Welcome to the board! Don't be a stranger. Big hugs,

Day 7, last night, I slept almost all night, hit the bathroom, then slept until the alarm. That's rare even not on medication. Just did the second shot of peginterferon and all seems well. If nothing significant happens from this shot, then I'll report later. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Hi Dog, was excited to see your post and testimony...a real encouragement for us all. I also am 1a and was to be on the same treatment as you. about 4 days before starting, Dr cld me in and took peg inter off the table. Disappointment is the weakest of reactions I had. He instead extended treatment to 24 weeks with a much lower chance of success. I have hope and anxiety re his decision. Praying for us all to achieve svr from this virus and for us to he helpful to others. Looking forward to your continued post.

music

Sleeping good at night, deep sleep with good dreams. And my digestive system is operating very well. Zero headaches. This is way different from 14 years ago. Again, I am only taking the HCV medicine, no vitamins. I also take 100 mg of doxycycline every other day for rosacea, but I'm hoping that may go away when the HCV does.
Good luck everyone.

The last two shots of interferon have had no noticeable effect on me. No chills, headaches, etc.
I treated myself to a sack of cheesy popcorn and woke up a few hours later with a dry mouth from hell, so I think I'll wait until the end of treatment to do that to my liver again.
My wife and I started T25 and she wants to add Zumba to the mix. I'm fortunate to have a good wife to support me in making positive choices.
Even though I was a partying fool for most of my life, during the journey I always tried to be a good guy. I took advantage of others along the way, but I understand that I am a human being, selfish and one of the very few creatures who will defecate in their own front yard. Learning about my character flaws has helped me to put the past behind me and strengthen me to handle future challenges. Good luck, all.

Father, I don’t fully understand how Jesus could die for me, but I stand firm on this mystery knowing Your wisdom is greater than mine. Thank You for loving me so much.
In Jesus’ name, amen. (prayer from Moody Media dot org)

Hi dog, I may have missed this in your posts, but didn't you apply with sovaldi for their co pay coupon. I also have Caremark...coupon is for up to 68,000 per mo up to six mo. They email you the coupon codes and you just tell the specialty pharm. Just google sovaldi and you will see their support...no financial need to qualify..just need ins. Sorry if I missed your addressing this if you previously mentioned it. Prayers for a continued great week.
👱 music

Ups and downs. That's the long and short of treatment.
If issues from work, etc. bother you, the issue will be magnified when you are lying in bed trying to sleep.
I am very surprised that the treatment is not causing me more grief. My spirits are mostly up.
I've got about 54 days to go.
Going for a liver panel test on Monday for the GI. When the results come in I will post again.
I'm thinking about going to my GP and having a viral load test done. I think it's only a few bucks if the insurance doesn't cover it.
I've been reading others posts. You guys are inspiring. Hang tough.
Good luck, all.

In 2000, it was all about the shots and the pills, acupuncture, trying to get cured. There were so many crazy thoughts. And headaches and explosions of emotion, etc.
Now it's not so bad.
As the other folks on this board do, I hope to encourage others. I think if one approaches these treatments with the right frame of mind, SVR can happen. Better chance now than ever.
From now on, get high on sports. Drink one half ounce per pound of body weight of water or more a day and exercising may help to turn a life around.
Thank you for the kind remarks, Sandia. I'm sad for you about your Mike. But I also rejoice knowing he's relaxing pain free where we'll all meet up one day.

thanks for the updates.. I really liked the positive attitude in this one Dog..

Hey dog, your posts are inspiring for us all. Look forward to following your posts. That was a good reminder re not making major decisions while treatment meds are in our systems. Have a blessed weekend.

Hi Dog,
I was catching up on your treatment thread. You will be done before you know it! Themister missed one dose of Riba because he was in hospital having surgery. It is frustrating while treating when you miss a dose, but he still obtained SVR. Have faith ;) Your plan of action for after treatment sounds perfect. Big Hugs