New Hep C Drug

[Vintagechix]

I have hepatitis C with beginning stage cirrhosis and supposed to be starting treatment with Pegasys, Ribavirin and the new drug Sovaldi as soon as the medication gets approved.  Has anyone been on the treatment with the new drug and what are the side effects like?  

[nursehepc]

I love your spirit. I think that what you have reported will be encouraging to those who are beginning to treat, hope to treat soon, or in the midst of treatment.

Vitagechix, almostsixty - Good luck...

[Livelife777]

I just finished my treatment of Solv/Ribv a week ago today.      12 weeks.   UND at 2 weeks.      F4.    Wrote a lot on different posts about my experience but noticed some thoughts and question so thought to share.   Hmg levels were my biggest concern as my #s were all over.     Started at 14.2 and my lowest was 10.4.     It's funny but they became the lowest after treatment ended.     Generally a steady decline but spiked up a few times.    Had my post blood work done Fri and still UND.     Docs say levels start to rise 7-14 days after treatment stops.     Sandi you are almost there so hang in there.    Tammy hope you get approval and start treatment soon.    Also will say its a powerful drug combo but not having the virus is so worth the treatment.    Before treatment had so many aches and pains, fatigue, you name it.     Since finishing treatment didn't realize how the virus had made me feel miserable.    Everyday now I feel better and better.    Am here if you guys need help with side effects as the people prior to me starting helped me to get thru it.    Looking back its the best treatment I have ever taken with such positive results.     All of my liver tests are now normal.    So very grateful and hoping all of us finally beat this disease.        Kim

[hepc4Sandi]

Hi Tammy, I have a hard time sleeping, but find if I take half a Benadryl at night I can sleep. I try to not drive for an hour or so after taking the Ribavirin, as it gives my head a buzz. I take my shot on Friday night about 7:30. I usually have to go to bed within an hour or so after. My nurse told me to take two Motrin an hour before and one extra strength tylenol half an hour after. I keep a tube of calendula by my bed, as I usually get an injection reaction of itching and welts in the middle of the night. Low platelets are common, I am sure your doctor will monitor you closely. These are common things, and really minor. One day at a time!

[almostsixty]

You will do just fine. I am in week 8 of 12 weeks of same meds you will be on. I have been tired most of the time but able to work about 30 hours a week. Some days are better than others. My emotions run high but I have learned to manage that. Just drink, eat, and rest all you can. Our bodies can handle this as we need the cure!

[Vintagechix]

Thanks Sandi,
I was thinking of taking my interferon in the evening, then starting the other meds the next day.  Did you have any problem with sleeping?  I do now but I know it is just being anxious about the treatment.  

The other concern I have is that my platelets are low and hoping that they don't have to lower doses etc and treatment will not be as effective.  Were you able to drive, work etc????  Sorry for all the questions but curious.  Thanks for you help with all this.  
Tammy

[hepc4Sandi]

Hi Tammy, I have 19 days to go, will be done end of April. Don't be afraid of the Interferon if you have to take it, I have found it really isn't that bad. The Ribavirin really seems to cause more Sx. I am awaiting my viral load results from week 8 labs, so should know tomorrow. My doc raised the Riba dose to 800 mg after lowering it to 600 mg from 1,000 mg because my hemoglobin had dropped below 10. Supposedly it doesn't impact the final results. I hope not. So far Sx have been fatigue, mostly for two days after shot, appetite is off, but has been manageable. Drink lots of water, keep food intake up. Feel free to ask me any questions, good luck!