Anyone change from interferon alfa 2a to 2b???

I was curious if anyone has been changed from Alfa 2a to 2b....After reading the post about the difference..It prompted me to think that might be a good thing for me to do in this stage of my tx....I'm C1, and going into week 26..And my VL last count over a month ago was less then 50...Thats down from 12.5 million.....With that in mind I was thinking that going to interferon alfa 2b would be good at this stage ..If its a smaller molecular structure and can get into tighter spots then HEY LETS CHASE LITTLE BUGGERS DOWN AND KILLER THEMIN THEIR HIDING PLACES!

THOUGHTS????

[FlGuy]

My opinion is that it comes down to effectiveness.  If what you are using is working (not sure when you first became und) why switch?  The concept of the 'grass is greener on the other side of the fence' does not apply to interferon - they both suck.

[sallyo]

I tend to agree with Flguy.  Why mess with success? Better the devil you know.

[madbrad]

I hear you both....It's just my aggresive (aggressive) nature to pursue until conquered...
I'm taking the UND stands for Undetected???
    I hope either of you would explain this concept....If my last VL was less then 50..To me that means their still detecting virus??!!
Maybe I'm wrong..I have no clue..All the while going from 12.5 million copies to less then 50 ,around week 12 of my tx.

[jmjm530]

It appears you're wrong. "<50" means non-detectible to the limit of your particular test, it does not mean there is necessarily virus below that detection limit. Of course, that would have to be confirmed by someone looking at the actual test report, but from what you post, I'm assuming the above. If you want a more sensitive test, try either "Heptimax" or the "HCV RNA QL TMA" -- both from Quest Diagnositc Labs and both go down to 5 IU/ml. I agree, if the peg you're on is working, don't change it.

-- Jim

[madbrad]

If I'm not mistaken I think this is the test that the VA uses HCV RNA QL TMA...If anyone knows better I'd invite a correction....If a heptamax is better let me know and I'll see if I can request one..I'm currently awaiting results from my VL test from a few weeks ago.....But tomorrow I'm going to ask for a copy of my medical report on all my recent tests ,so I can bring it to the forum to have some questions answered...

[jmjm530]

"Heptimax" and the "HCV RNA QL TMA" have the same sensitivity, 5 IU/ml. One is therefore not better than the other. Pre-treatment and until you become non-detectible you would want the Heptimax because it's quantitative, i.e gives you a numerical reading. But after you become non-detectible, such as your case, the QL TMA is fine. Nor sure if the VA uses the same QL as the two tests mentioned from Quest Labs. The Quest lab QL uses Bayer Versant Technology which I believe is licensed from Bayer. Does the VA test have a sensitivity down to 5 IU/ml. That is the key point. If it does, then it's probably just as good as either of the Quest tests. If the VA test is not as sensitive, then you might consider one of the two I listed.

-- Jim

[GrandOak]

"Heptimax" is a brand name for a particular companys test.  TMA is the method which is employed by the test.  There are other test which utilize the TMA method.

While you may not be able to get a brand name callout for the test, but if you ask for a test using the most sensitive TMA method you may stand a better chance of getting it done.  At least it seems to work better that way with the HMO's in my state as they shy away from showing company preference by always requiring a generic when available.

Often times, the most commonly used generic for HCV treatment, or the rescue meds required, are the common brand names you hear about (i.e. Procrit brand = Epogen-Alpha generic).

As for Peg-IFN, it is my understand that the FDA has not qualified how to ascertain that a generic is the same as a branded version when it comes to these types of biological medications.  However, Ribavirin does come in both branded and generic varieties and so a callout of Copegus or Rebetol may get substituted with another generic like Ribasphere.

[madbrad]

Pardon me, I forgot to thank you jmjm530 for the info....I'm learning more everyday.

[gazebo1]

Quote:

."...After reading the post about the difference..It prompted me to think that might be a good thing for me to do in this stage of my tx.."

What post?  can't find that one.   Is there some link to a study? Thanks.

[madbrad]

All the testing the VA does ,is done by the CDC.

[nygirl7]

Yes and many of us have taken all of the different versions of Riba at one time or another during treatment - it really seems to come down to what hospital your doctor is affiliated with WHICH med he prescribes (IFN) and also the riba seems to be dictated by what insurance plan you have and what it will pay for.

It's pretty much the same stuff with different names.

[madbrad]

peginterferon alfa-2b Vs. 2a
JackABCD.... I was commenting on what I read here....

[madbrad]

Mines Ribasphere....Thats what the VA uses.