HARVONI

[honokaabigisland]

Has anyone been on this new treatment called HARVONI? AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW YOUR AGE . THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND SUPPORT.

[flyinlynn]

The old treatments were not as expensive. I first treated with what was called interferon monotherapy 3 shots a week. That was maybe in 1995. Later treated with an improved interferon (only one shot a week needed) and Ribavirin. Then again with interferon Ribavirin and an experiment drug in a clinical trial which was paid for by the trial. The first 2 were covered by my insurance through my employment. I did not respond to treatment at all my viral load increased while I was taking those medicines never decreased.

Last year I treated with Sovaldi and Olysio for 12 weeks but I relapsed when tested 12 weeks after finishing treatment. That treatment and my recent treatment with Harvoni for 24 weeks with Ribavirin for 15 of those weeks were both covered by my insurance from my employment

I have cirrhosis for 7 years but I am still compensated I am not sick and work full time.

Only people with decompensated cirrhosis are on the transplant list. They want your odds of dying from cirrhosis to be higher than the odds of dying from the transplant right not I am not at risk of dying from my liver disease so I am not eligible to be on the transplant list.

[Lnc33]

I am 34 and just finished taking Harvoni  2 weeks ago.  I am also type 1a and my liver is in good shape.  I had a liver biopsy when I first found out I was HCV positive in 2013.  I was on treatment not long after I found out, but had to quit at week 24 due to not being undetectable.  Then, Harvoni was approved and I started that in February of this year.  I got funded for Harvoni through the Gilead company and didn't have to pay for any of it.  If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me.  

[48weeks]

I am 55 GT 1a, treated 3 times prior to Harvoni, including Telaprevir. I finished Harvoni March 3rd, hoping to hear SVR at my June Dr. appt. Good luck, consider getting a second opinion from a more highly regarded Dr.

[honokaabigisland]

Thank you for your information I just wanted to know how old everyone that has been diagnosed with this HEP C.Did you have any financial assistance...since you have gone thru the treatment 5 times!
I'm surprise that you havent gone thru a liver transplant operation.

[honokaabigisland]

Reason for asking about HAVORNI...they had sent me a questionaire and got a response from this company called MEDICAL RX SPECIALIST PHARAMICAL.  They handle financial assistant w/ HEP C patient on their treatment.  Have you heard of this company?
Thank you for your information and time....

[honokaabigisland]

thank you very much for your information.  I had seen my gastro dr and he stated that I'm the beginning and properly won't be able to get the approval from QUEST....because I'm at an early stage 1 and my liver looks good...  he did mention that the they are only taking patients w/ cirrhosis 1st.  Which doesn't make sense about going thru w/ blood testing, fiber optic scan, and other treatment that cost alot of money.  DON'T THEY BELIEVE IN PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE....CURE IT BEFORE THE COST GOES UP HIGHER. (Hospital, surgery, finding a donor for a possible transplant liver, etc. BD is 1956 and was diagnosed two years ago.  (just wanted to know my blood type) instead I got this reading!
Will keep in touch....please excuse if I don't get back...will be taking care of my father for 2 wks. :)

[flyinlynn]

Harvoni was approved in the U.S. on October 10 2014

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm418365.htm

[flyinlynn]

Hi

Not sure why you are surveying age but anyway

I am 57 just completed 24 weeks of Harvoni and in addition I took 15 weeks of Ribavirin.

I am genotype 1a and have had hep c since 1978. I was diagnosed with cirrhosis Jan 2008. This was my 5th attempt at treating I treated 3 times with interferon based medicines in the past and was a null responder.

[Rbeth]

Hi there & welcome. I did treat with Harvoni and am now 3 months past end of treatment (EOT). I'm not sure what your questions are; are you getting ready to treat with Harvoni? Side effects (SX)? Just age ( I'm 63:)? Many on here have now treated with Harvoni. We're not doctor's, but happy to try to answer questions you may have. So do post back and again welcome!

[Dee1956]

Hi while you are waiting for responses I thought you might be interested in reading this.  There are many people who have taken it with little side effects
It was just approved in December
Take Care, Dee

[Dee1956]

Hello, welcome!  I have not taken it but there are many people on here who have.  I am sure once they wake up they will be happy to answer any questions. Dee