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1838299 tn?1403492543

Sovaldi + ribavirin + interferon

Is anyone on or finshed tx with
Sovaldi + ribavirin +  interferon for 12 weeks? I am curious about how many people are still treating with interferon cause i will be starting it in October.  Plus, how were the side effects and did any SRV?  I am tx naive. .thanks
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Avatar universal
It will be worth it when you get undetected.., right?   If somebody like me, has been treating for literally years on this treatment or that treatment, this one being number 11..., can finally hear the words, undetected, then, I'm thinking you will hear those words, too.  This is from my week 4 blood draw.  Best of luck to you.

Susan400
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Avatar universal
Hi Susan,  great advice.  I haven't been going to the pool in our park since I've started treatment.  I'm not socializing outside anymore mainly because the headache, which are tolerable most times, become severe when I'm in the sun and heat, it's extremely muggy here also.  I've always suffered through summers an get bad glare headaches even before treatment, but now  if I go out even with sunshades,  my head just pounds.  I'm thinking the treatment intensifies an already existing problem.  I'm doing errands like shopping at night,  walmart.. I feel into this routine fast,  when I sleep, it's in the day, up at night.  It's working for me temporarily.  Although the management wondered why I was out walking at 3am the other morning,  you've given me an idea, I'm going to ask the mgr. if I could swim at night for an hour or so.  ( they close the pool at night ). Might work,  just slowing down too much an having increased body pain.  Just feeling like crap this last day.  Went about 4-5 days w/o headache an BAM, yesterday, woke up an felt like I did the first 2 wks. Yucky,,,,but still tolerable.  No where near like the old tx..    Thanks for the ideas.     Mary
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Avatar universal
Do you swim??  If you have access to a pool and you like swimming, that would be something you could do without bothering your hip too much.  I am not into the water exercise, but many people I know are.  The only thing is if you were to do the water exercise, it would probably be better to do it at a gym or an indoor pool because you don't want to be in the sun during treatment.  I know the YMCA usually has pools and many of them have water classes.  I've seen many older people and people who are heavy, be able to do the water exercise.  My mom has 3 joint replacements and has had two compression fractures in her back. She has one of those table top 'arm' bikes.  So, sometimes sits in a straight backed chair and uses it on her lower legs.  She tries to lift like some 3 lbs hand weights.  Don't get discouraged, any movement you can handle will help you do feel better, you need to trust me in this...  Susan400
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Avatar universal
Hello, I'm amazed how many people that push through an do quite a lot of a working out during treatment.  I read on a post if your overweight, the medicine do not distribute as well as being thin.  I can understand why that would be.  I'm assuming that even if your physically disabled, any exercise would be beneficial.  I walk at night, but not enough to get my heart rate up.  I'm wishing I would have taken care of my hip before treatment.  Do you think my sedentary lifestyle will affect my chances of SVR ?  Are there any studies addressing that?  I don't know what my BMI is but I'm probably 30 lbs overweight, an live a sedentary lifestyle
Helpful - 0
1838299 tn?1403492543
Thank you so much... i am taking all of this info in so i will be ready.. again thank you all.
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Avatar universal
Having gone through the triple therapy a couple of years back susan400 and sue4hula are giving you some really good advise. It's really good to get out and take a brisk walk for a mile or so everyday and also hit the gym and do some aerobics. Might be a good idea to do it not soon after you take your meds each day. That should really help with any anxiety you might experience plus it get the endorphins flowing which give a sense of well being.

You might want to put together a game plan with your daughters and get them involved in getting you out and about. See about joining the YMCA before you start your treatment if there's one in your area. Might only be $30 a month and might really help. You can always quit after your treatment is up if you can't afford the payments. If you can't do anything physical you might want to try going to a sauna to get your circulation up.

I know it's really hard when you don't have the energy to exercise but after you're done you won't believe how much better you'll feel.
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1838299 tn?1403492543
How do you all know so much about this stuff? Like if its ok to exercise or what to eat ? Did your doctors tell you all?
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Avatar universal
LOL, that was a screw-up..  my brain is fried.  I just noticed I sent that last message to Susan400 (me)...,  Ha-Ha    Totally unintentional.  Susan400
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was offered Lexapro or Paxil several times but declined because of my past history of having tried numerous antidepressants and they've always made me feel worse.  I am not against antidepressants though and I know that they work well for lots of people.  But, seriously, I haven't felt like crying or cried once during all of this.  I'm on like my 5th shot on Mon.  I did have a few momentary blahs, down in the dumps feelings, but not suicidal thoughts, no crying, so I feel like for me the exercise is keeping it in check.  I'm not able to do the high intensity high heart rate stuff right now though.  But, I get on the elliptical and go at a slow to moderate pace for 35 min and burn over 400 cal., walk on the treadmill like 3.8 MPH for like 20-30 min, ride the stationary bike 20-30 min. and lift the nautilus equipment weights at the gym.  I was doing this type of workout prior to treatment and I felt like I needed to just push through and keep doing it.  I can't afford to let my heart go, my bones get any thinner than they already are, my blood sugar to get unstable, I need to keep all these things in check, while I'm working at fighting the Hep C.  It's like what good would it do me to cure Hep C and end up with Osteoporosis (I already have osteopenia), or a heart attack from too much sitting??  Like Sue, I try and get out and do my errands and/or working out early, since I have to go out in long sleeves and long pants..  Susan400
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4043517 tn?1374006573
There are tons of us posting our treatment and side effects.  Just read the threads.
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Avatar universal
I have a history of anxiety and some depression as well.  My doctor started me on Celexa about 6 weeks prior to treatment this time as well as last time.  It helps!  

Most of the time, RIBA rage issues are manageable.  I can tell when I'm being a B|#~€ and reign it in.  If I feel down,1 I recognize it, have a good cry and get back moving forward again!  

I did shot 10 last night.  I was able to get up this morning, walk the dogs for a mile, make blueberry pancakes, run to the bank and grocery.  Now I'm home relaxing and hiding from the sun.  I will put a movie on and take a nap.  Chill the rest of the day.  I'm content!  I look at the rest daysas letting  my body and the meds fight the virus.

Take care and I'm wishing you success on whatever treatment your Doctor and you decide is best for you!
Helpful - 0
1838299 tn?1403492543
Thank you Sue. All this information is very helpful to me.. At least i will be prepared.  I hope i dont get depressed tho, depression runs in my family. Plus i have anxiety and have been on zoloft for a few years . With all the possible side effects i get scared, but im tired of having this. Im weak alot and i know its the hep c..,
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am also on the Sovaldi/RIBA/interferon meds.  I started week 10 today and take shot number 10 tonight.  Like Susan400, my doctor wouldn't allow me to take the Sovaldi/ Olysio combo because of my partial and poor response and side effects I experienced with Victrelis (Boceprovir) and RIBA/Interferon.

This go around I've had some tough days, but really am functioning pretty normal except for a couple days after my shot.  I had quite a drop in my WBC as well, but it has leveled off since week 6.  I haven't gotten results from my week 8 bloodwork, but assume all is OK since the doctor or his nurse haven't called to say otherwise.  I still work full time at an "on my feet" job. I cook, shop, visit with family and friends and exercise with dance and Yoga.  The sun is not my friend!  

RIBA rage has been so named because Ribavirin can cause your moods to fluctuate dramatically.  I find myself getting irrationally annoyed, extra anxious, or cranky about the littlest things!  It is like an emotional roller coaster!  I find that as I know it is a legitimate side effect, I can usually recognize it and step back.  Fortunately, I have a very understanding and supportive family who put up with me.  I find myself apologizing quite humbly.  I try and look at it as a lesson and that the feeling will pass.  

Wishing you the best on your treatment and here's to hopeful SVR for all Hep C fighters, regardless of treatment type!

Helpful - 0
1838299 tn?1403492543
Ive never treated before so Im trying to find out as much as i can on what to expect.  I havent heard riba rage, so whats up with that? Thank you
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Avatar universal
I've been on this for 4-1/2 wks.  I was not eligible for Olyssio because of my poor / null response to a protease inhibitor (Telaprevir) and because I had such a severe rash from the Telaprevir(otherwise known as Incivek).   Since I was well familiar with Interferon and Riba,  I chose the 12 wk option of that + the Sovaldi.  Actually, other than the day after the shot, I've been going to the gym regularly, like 5 days a week.  It's harder for me to do than before treatment, but the point is, I AM STILL doing it.  I feel like for me, the gym is what helps me to keep from being depressed and helps me to have a place to deal with all this RIBA RAGE and irritability that comes upon me.  I can get it out by getting moving and it helps to calm my nerves down and helps me with my sleep and muscle aches, too.  Sure, I'm having side effects, I can't lie about that.  In fact, my white blood cells/neutrophils have tanked and I had to go in for a Neupogen shot today.  But, I didn't want to dose reduce and chose to do the rescue drug route instead.  

Susan400
Helpful - 0
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