Day 1 on Harvoni

[milliehepc]

I'm back!  
I am naive treatment (never treated).
My doctor called me yesterday and said come pick up your Harvoni - you've been approved.  Like hitting the lotto right?
I am Genotype 1A - hep C - probably 40 years!  I am old - 66 years old...lol
2012 - Indication Chronic Hep C, Stage 2-3 fibrosis
Recent Live Scan -forgot name - same stage.
For years, refused, interferon, riba, incevick.
Rejected Solvadi with Olysio because Gene Q80K showed likely "resistant".
Recent Lab Work AST and ALT's (which I understand is no indication of virus damage) to my surprise dr. said they were "liver test Normalizing.. AST at 38 ALT at 54.  Go figure.
Then Yesterday:  Nurse said ok Milagros this is it...Do or Die (literally?).  You first month of Solvadi is here.  Start today.

So yesterday, after years of refusing all these other treatments - I was taking a gamble - as in if I feel perfectly healthy (well sort of since having hep c is NOT perfectly healthy) why take a drug that will make me so ill.  

All due respect the amazing warriors on this site that have done all these drugs - the true pioneers who have taught me and others so much.  It was those stories and all that wealth of knowledge I got here that kept me waiting.

So, here I am - no more excuses - this is the ultimate gamble.  
I started Harvoni last night - second pill tonight.
Will come back in 10 days - report on blood work.

I know nothing is 100 percent - but hopeful 100 percent.

Glad to see so many of my favorites still here....Hector...SF - you rock.

All have a great day.
Millie

[VimanaPilot]

Actually Magnum, the most common side effects are headache and fatigue, nausea is on the list but not as common. I got a call on Nov. 7 from the pharmacist asking me where to send my Harvoni, that was a shock, since it all went on behind the scenes, I guess my doc did all the leg work for me. I started taking it the next morning, Nov.8th, I've been taking it for 8 days now with no side effects at all, that was my last concern (other than getting cured that is). I see my doc on the 21st, I guess it will be my first check on how it's working. Good luck to you, and everyone else, and I wish everyone the good fortune that I had when I was approved. I'm so grateful to have insurance, Obamacare rocks!!

[Stronglady14]

Just so happy for you. I just started sovaldi and gs-5816 yesterday on 12 week trial. Just so glad to be in these forums with others going thru same things . People who can relate. Hoping gl to everyone.

[Dee1956]

Millie, this great news!  I am so very happy for you!!
I hope you will share your experience with everyone
Dee

[AWorriedMom]

Lots and lots of good luck on your journey to SVR. I haven't heard of anyone who had trouble with side effects so hopefully you won't either.

[katethecatlady]

Best of luck to you and hope you have the best possible outcome! I just met with my doc today. I am on week 8 of riba/sovaldi/interferon. I cleared the virus already! I am so happy! I do have to finish the meds, but my doc said i responded so well, that she does not ever see a relapse!

[Magnum]

Great news! Be sure to keep us informed of your progress, especially side effects, of which my doctor said the only one known is nausea. No big deal...

Magnum

[flyinlynn]

Hi Advocate

I see your husband is getting Harvoni that is great! I hope it works and he can get cured. I and see my doctor on 11/3 hope to get a prescription for Harvoni then too.

Good luck to you both
Lynn

[Ekkiemom]

Good luck to you....remember to keep us updated.
Be well and keep the Faith
peace
Deb

[milliehepc]

I don't know how true it is - but one of the other staff person's said that when Solvadi and Olysio came out - it was the same.  That is, substantial approvals until "they figure it out"  Pharma and Insurance Co..then they get strict. (Like hitting the lotto).  But, I don't have proof of this...

Either way, Advocate - good luck - hope you get your call yesterday. :-)

Millie

[milliehepc]

Thank you all so much for your good wishes.  Today, will be day three - I am on a 12 week regime.

I was pretty shock myself.  After working with my hep dr. for several years now and waiting and refusing all the other treatments and even the best combo which was offer and approved at the time (Solvadi and Olysio) which I rejected because of my Q80K gene which showed on test as resistance...I was floored when I got the call..

My doctor (his amazing nurse actually) just said - Millie - "you have been approved - come in the office to pick up your med".

I know its too soon - just two days but I feel absolutely nothing.  They say it makes you tire but I actually had energy.  

I am lucky - (regardless the outcome) I wish you all who are waiting luck and thank you all ..this is the forum that made me "smart" in deciding how long to wait.

I will keep you abreast - particularly in ten days when I get tested...

[pat12]

Congrats! I've read about many, including myself, who have went to their doctors and are in the waiting for approval stage, but you are the first person I've seen to actually start treatment with Harvoni!!  That's awesome -- I can't wait for a similar call from my Dr.!!  Please keep us posted...

[FRED220]

Very nice, please keep us posted.

[hepcandme]

Wow, that is Awesome!!!

I'm so excited for you (and to be truthful, kinda jealous too)

Please do keep us posted. We want details - how you feel, labs, support from your medical team...

I am just SO happy for you!

[patra_]

Wow!!

[Advocate1955]

Wow, that is surprising one week after approval! My hubby received a voicemail message last week from his hepa's office. His insurance switched from Regence to Cigna on Oct. 1st, and they needed updated ins info. I found at yesterday it was for pre-authorization. Kind of surprised so quick. I too figured it would be a month or so.
Advocate1955

[flyinlynn]

Better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed right?

[Sarah1949]

Evidently, most insurance has it on now. My doc said it would take over a month. Wrong again.  :)

[Aquisi]

WOW that was quick, congratulations on starting Harvoni. I'm on my 24th day of S/O. 24 weeks of Harvoni is for people with cirrhosis. Best wishes to all.

Table 1 Recommended Treatment Duration for HARVONI in Patients with CHC Genotype 1
Patient Population
Recommended Treatment Duration
Treatment-naïve with or without cirrhosis
12 weeks*
Treatment-experienced** without cirrhosis
12 weeks
Treatment-experienced** with cirrhosis
24 weeks
* HARVONI for 8 weeks can be considered in treatment-naïve patients without cirrhosis who have pre-treatment HCV RNA less than 6 million IU/mL [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Regards,
Charlie

[flyinlynn]

Express scripts has it too

[tobila]

Anthem Blue Cross has Harvoni. Haven't heard back from my doctor yet, but finger crossed.
Prior Authorization form here. Similar to Solvaldi.

http://www.anthem.com/provider/noapplication/f0/s0/t0/pw_e225443.pdf?na=pharminfo

[Sarah1949]

I don't think it is on the insurance formularies yet.

[48weeks]

This is great news, but really unexpected. I assumed harvoni wouldn't be around for a month or so. My Dr. won't return my calls so I assumed he is inundated with phone calls and has nothing to report yet. Best of luck to ya

[Livelife777]

I wish you success on this Tx.  I'm sure your very excited to get the show on the road.  May you have none to few Sx, and hopefully you will clear this virus for good!
Be well
....Kim

[Sarah1949]

How exciting to be starting tx after all these years. Are you doing 12 or 24 weeks?