Almost undetectable!!

[ArthursMom]

Earlier this week I (finally) got my 4 week lab results.  They told me that the report said "detectable between 2 and 50"  So, yay!   I get to continue!  I'm finding triple therapy difficult.  No prob with itching after the second week, but, the eating thing is a constant struggle and sometimes quite disgusting.  And the fatigue has hit big time.  I don't have much help getting things done, so.........just pushing thru day by day.  But, I'm very happy that the incivek is working and pray that this is the last time I'll have to go thru this treatment.

[Advocate1955]

My husband's doc said 48 weeks before he even began triple therapy.  I think she said that since he had been through two previous treatments and was a partial responder, that he has a highly resistant virus.  Since we got the 4 week VL result at 78, he would be in for 48 weeks anyway, I think, so we were already expecting that.
Advocate 1955

[ArthursMom]

Thanks to all for your comments and info.  I must admit that the brain fog is a big sx for me.  The stats and facts can make my head spin, when I really need to understand the most.  That being said, I do have a lot of confidence in my treatment team. They came highly recommended and have treated many hcv and hcv/hiv infected folks in this area. Also, I've been told that I'm better informed than their typical patient, which they appreciate! They take the time to explain any questions I've asked  I've given all credit to this forum for any knowlege I've picked up. so thanks again to you all and keep the info coming!  I'll try to absorb it the best I'm able.

[working dog]

i hope you keep doing blood work every week...that incivek can really cause your hgb to tank fast...i would think you've talked with your doctor on when he/she will bring in rescue drugs....good luck...billy

[willbb]

Yes...I agree . These meds are very powerful and should only be administed by those that are very knowlegable with the protocols. The stakes are too high to be stopping to soon or  vice versa   prolonging treatment unnecessarily for "no" or "little gain".
I guess part of the dilema  (especially on the 4 week test mark) is the sensitivity of the test.
One can always  request the Lapcorp Quantasure t w/ LOD <2  .however with taking up to 3 weeks to obtain results,it can get complicated when the P.I is involved.(ie. if over the futiliy limit ,then you are overexposed to the P.I  for a needless 3 weeks and possible resistance issues).

Hopfully in the future the sensitivity"s are better and take shorter times...

Will

[hrsepwrguy]

"It seems like your lab test stated DET. so the 48 would be properly recommended"

Good point will and the odds of the vl being between 15-50 are much greater than the odds off it being between 2-15. I just think some of these docs should take the time to actually do a little research on the guidelines concerning these meds it is what we are paying them for.

[orphanedhawk]

Congrats!
Just take it one day at a time. Sometimes, for me, it's been one step at a time!
Good luck
OH

[hrsepwrguy]

I was a naive but my liver is tetering on cirrhosis that had a lot to do with my pushing for 48 wks

[willbb]

There was no difference in the" Realize trial" for prior relapse patients that  were UND. at week 4 and 12 that treated for 48 ..vs. 24 .as seen below  95vs. 94 % respectively.
This is why it is very important to know...given the sensitivity of the lab tests ..whether or not an UND. is achieved at  the 4 and 12 week mark...so that 24 extra weeks of INF. /Riba is not taken needlessly for no greater benefit.
It seems like your lab test stated DET. so the 48 would be properly recommended ,
Always best to take your doctors advice though obvoiusly.
Best ..
Will



Among prior relapsers, 76% (218/286) achieved an eRVR and of those 95% (208/218) achieved an SVR. In an earlier, dose-finding clinical trial, 78% (52/67) of prior relapsers achieved an eRVR and were treated with 24 weeks of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (T12/PR24); of those 94% (49/52) achieved an SVR.

[hrsepwrguy]

"I would much rather do 48 now than take any chance with another relapse"


That is very understandable, there was some debate at my 4 wk PCR about LOD's and vertex guidelines a little diff situation than yours, but I pushed for the full 48 wks as well and will be doing 48 wks

[ArthursMom]

At first (several months ago) I was told 48 weeks for sure.  Then I asked if 24 would be possible if I was UND @ 4, 8 and 12 weeks.  They said possible, but, they want to see what the relapse rate is at that time before stopping at 24.  I would much rather do 48 now than take any chance with another relapse.  I appreciate your info re: the vertex guidelines.  I'm going to ask about that at my next appt.

[hrsepwrguy]

Also if they have told you 48 wks that may not be needed, like I said it's a big gap and just trying to give you some good info. Congrats on the great response as well definily a great start

[hrsepwrguy]

Thats a large gap that could be left open for different opinions, from reading your profile I see that you are a relapser and could qualify for the 24 wk treatment duration but I would want a more specific number before that decision is made, by vertex guidelines to qualify for 24 wk tx anything under 10-15 IU/ml can be considerd UND(in the trial the test they used were 10 IU/ml for an LOD). I guess my point is have they told you you have to do 48wks or 24 wks yet and if they have said 24 wks I would want a more specific number to go off of. Labcorp has a test with an LOD of 7.1-25 IU/ml which in IMO I would feel more comfortable with.

[JasmineT]

Congratulations! Looks like you will win this time!

[nygirl7]

I'm sorry you are feeling so poorly but very excited about your near UND!!!