Do I dare hope for 4th?

[somuchmore2]

WRT

SOFOSBUVIR

Am genotype 1 with cirrhosis. Working out, living well, getting older, watching for complication and getting older.

My doctor mentioned Sofosbuvir as the next big chance. I have been treated three times: 1999, 2003 & 2011. The best or latest treatment for those years were used. (BTW treatment is tough)

I would like to step up and give the disease one more kick in the head with the new Sofosbuvir stuff but wonder if I will be giving that chance or should want to.

Is the approval stuck in FDA government shut down MO.

[somuchmore2]

Yes I continue to receive great treatment.

My disease is what it is and I am pushing up the 60 years old.  Suspect summer of 1973 is when I was exposed the HCV.

Wow! 40 years from those days strange days and nights.

I fine from day to day and been very blessed with family and many good friends.  Been taking care of my liver since blood work revealed a problem in 1996/97.  Stopped the weekend beers and went to mainly water plus a little AM.  coffee.

[Advocate1955]

Hi somuchmore2.  Unfortunately, Hector is right.  Sofosbuvir will not be available for Genotype 1s who have already treated, at least not with this go around.  It will be combined with Interferon and Ribaviran and used for Genotype 1s who are treatment naive (never treated).  My husband is in the same boat as you, three failed treatments, Cirrhosis, is seen by his hepatologist in a transplant center every 6 months, and hoping that his Cirrhosis doesn't decompensate his liver before a new treatment becomes available.
I don't know how old you are or what stage of Cirrhosis you have, if your liver is compensated or decompensated, but my hubby just turned 60, has beginning Cirrhosis, and his liver is well compensated.  His hepatologist encourages him to eat healthy (lots of organic fruits and veggies included), walk, and stay optimistic.  Since she is a transplant hepatologist, she is familiar with all of the trials going on in our area, and she has him on a list to be notified if an appropriate trial comes up that he qualifies for.  Otherwise, he tries to stay healthy, be liver friendly, and keep on living life and seeing his hepatologist every 6 months.
Advocate1955

[Dee1956]

Here is a little information

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2013/07/simeprevir-will-most-likely-be-approved-by-the-fda.html

[Dee1956]

Hello, Hector has given you excellent advice.  He is so great to continue to share his time with everyone.
There is another drug that may be approved next year called Simeprevir.
If you have not used Incivek or Victrellis, those might be good to try.
Or, you could wait for the Simeprevir.  It is supposed to be good for those that are hard to tx.  I will try to find some information.
I took the SOC back in 2008 with an added trial drug.  While I responded I relapsed within 6 weeks of finishing tx.
I did the Incivek in 2011 and am now considered cured.  I was able to tx for 24 weeks.  It was not easy, I have cirrhosis, but I did it and now am looking forward to a longer life than I would have had with the HCV.

Yes, the govt shut down is affecting everything, I am sorry to say. I hope it will be over soon.
Dee

[HectorSF]

The new treatment with Sofosbuvir for genotype 1s is ONLY for those who have never treated they hepatitis C before. So it is not an option for you. I am sorry.

Even though you are feeling well you must realize that cirrhosis only gets worse and should be decompensate your only option may be a liver transplant. Something you should try to avoid at all costs.

Having cirrhosis you should be seeing a hepatologist. Only they can manage your disease and direct you to the best treatment for you. They would have already told you what I am telling you. I trust whoever is caring for your liver disease is conducting surveillance for liver cancer (HCC) every 6 months? Checking for varices, have warned you about liver toxic over-the counter medsm etc?

Also since you have cirrhosis you should treat your hep C as soon as possible. The worse your liver disease, the harder it is to successfully treat. If you have already tried Victrelis or Incivek you should get into a trial near by that doesn't include interferon. Since you have failed treatment so many times it could be that you are interferon resistant so interferon based treatments will not work for you.

I wish you all the best. Please get the medical care you need while you still have options available.
Hector