Started Trial

I just started a trial of TMC - 435 Phase III. I have a 2/3 chance of being on the drug, and a 1/3 of getting placebo. Even the control group gets standard Interferon and Ribavirin.

So far, no side effects. Should I expect this to get worse? I may have some very minor side effects but nothing noticeable.

As for me, my viral load was measured at 10.7 million, I have stage 1 liver disease, and all my enzymes were fine, so overall I'm in pretty good condition to start the treatment, but I do have a high viral load.

I would appreciate any insights people might have.

[willbb]

  Hi there...this Protease inhibitor seemed to have good results in their phase ll trials.
Yes. your viral load is high however  many people go on to SVR with high viral loads.As far as side effects,sometimes they are very mild and sometimes somewhat more severe severe. It differs for everyone.Make sure to drink plenty of water.
When is the first time they let you know  your viral load.?

  Good luck and congrats on getting started..  and as any questions here you might have.

Will

  

[willbb]

  didn't mean your sides would be more severe because I typed it twice  :)  and I meant to say  'Ask any questions"  

[researchmonkey326]

you sound like you are in about the same situation as I am - I am actually in a trial that is testing two different drugs so I could be on one or the other or both or none which gives me a good chance of being on something besides just the riba and interferon.  I also am having very few sx - nothing unmanageable at this point and I hope it stays that way.  I wasn't sick at all to begin with even though I have probably had HCV for close to 30 years - I've been sober for 20 so I think that helps a lot.  I am just finishing up my 2nd week and will get the viral load results from the first week tomorrow.  My research nurse tells me that they will be able to tell almost immediately - next week if not this - if I am going to respond.  Good luck and let me know how you are doing.  
D