Starting Victrelis

[mlkinmb]

I will be adding the Victrelis to the mix starting in the morning. I was wondering what sides others have experienced, and what it's possible to expect? One of things I worry about most is just being able to stay on track at the right times. Thanks....

[rockymoe]

Hopefully I will be adding vic sometime after 9/12 if I drop a log. This is my 8th treatment and I'm really praying this is the one as I already have cirrhosis.

[frijole]

This is what the prescription label on the VIC says

"refigerate until 1st use, then store at room "

The pharmacy material says
STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator.  This medication may also be stored at room temperature, but only up to 3 months.  Store away from light and moisture.  Do not stroe in the bathroom.

I guess they loosened up some after the trials.

magtx -- tell fisheress hi for me next time you see her.  We certainly had some good times around here.

[mlkinmb]

Thanks to all! I have heard about the taste and thought mints would help. Never heard about the fork thing, will see how that goes, I hate plastic. I have made myself a chart to check off all the days and times, I'm hoping it helps me if I leave it out where I can't miss it. I'm taking the Rebetol, which have 70 pills in a bottle, never seen single packs. The last Victrelis of the day will likely be the worst to remember, I've decided to set an alarm for that time, and hopefully everything else will go OK. I have done a 2 week bloodwork, but have not seen results as yet, also will be doing the 4 week at which time I will get copies of the 2 week. The 4 week labs is to have a PCR done, so that will be interesting, next labs will be in 8 weeks unless anything changes. I'll keep everyone posted, Thanks.

[spectda]

yes during the trials the vic had to be refrigerated and the bottle even stated this. They were adamant about it and we were sent home with it on ice in an insulated bag. I guess they have found that's not necessary which is kind of interesting.
-Dave

[MagTX]

Fisheress is doing great these days and still doing the pool partys, but in real life now!  As you remember she SVR'ed her first time around, is enjoying life and she's finally marrying the man of her dreams next month, she's been waiting for that special day for years!... LOL, yea those pool parties here were kick a**.  Someone should maybe re post an old pool party and share for those that can handle a few big laughs, funny entertainment made my tx a bit easier, especially with you guys!

I thought I was ready to jump in the warm waters but now getting another consult in Oct., my doc was kinda hesitant for me to tx at this time b/c he is claiming he has new standards for someone who has an elevated RA factor and doing inf.,.  So I'm in limbo right now, got a couple months to think before the next appt., but will be pushing for a bx if I'm not treating in the very near future.... I'll keep posting when that time comes.  

[can-do-man]

Yes SVR now thanks to victrelis, and yes our pool partys with fisheress sure was fun..... Heck they still help me get thru the night......:)

So you ready to jump back into tx??? The water is warm..:)

[can-do-man]

Bean........... during the trial that was always a must, i was told not to leave them out for more then a couple hours, to the point i took a ice pack with me for my 2:00 dose. After reading this maybe things have changed, kinda confusing still though.

How should I store VICTRELIS?
• Store VICTRELIS capsules in a refrigerator at 36°-46°F (2-8°C). Safely throw away
refrigerated VICTRELIS after the expiration date.
• VICTRELIS capsules may also be stored at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for 3 months.
• Keep VICTRELIS in a tightly closed container and away from heat.

[MagTX]

Yea it has been a long while since I've been here and it's fantastic to see some of the ole folks are still here giving support, like you!  I didn't SVR with SOC and never got into a trial... so lucky for you that you did, and assuming you had great results??  SVR?  This place use to rock n roll when we were all on tx,  soooo many good laughs, great posts and downers too but with everyone's support it made things much easier.  Thanks everyone!

Maggie

[frijole]

MagTx - didn't we correspond for awhile after failing treatment?  What are you up to?Weren't we sharing info on various studies for awhile? You haven't made the move yet, huh?  Have you had a biopsy recently?  Mine liver kind of tanked in 4 years so here I go again. Good idea on the cell phone--  I will try to set my cell phone on buzz -- probably someone will have to do it for me -- I am so bad about those things.  I am blanking on the name of our mutal friend in Houston -- can-do-man was her pool boy -- have you spoken to her lately -- you know, the yacht salesman.

I am going to have to look at the packaging again on the VIC but I am almost sure it said could be left out for 3 months.  I will pull out the box and look tonight.  That may be an issue if it has to be refrigerated. If so I may just have to leave it in its cutsy little indivual pill containers.  I think it would be better in a pill organizer but I just won't see it in the fridge.   Cando - did Kwo tell you to keep in in the fridge?  

  I told my hubby he was losing his garlic drawer for another year.  It is a tray in the fridge door that actually locks in which I put the PegIntron.  The pharma nurse thought that was pretty cool.

[can-do-man]

Staying on time taking vic is very important, keeping a close eye on your HGB, and yes i did find the imodium helpful...........You will do fine.

Dave........Yes keeping the vic refrigerated was very important, i wonder if that has changed???

MagTX............ Well hello there, good to see you around again.

[spectda]

I treated with victrelis. Good suggestions from everyone. One problem I had with the vic was having to keep it refrigerated or on ice whenever I traveled or was out when it was time to take my dose. Once I left a bottle out by mistake and my nurse replaced it and tossed the old bottle, a fortune in pills.

I have one of those fancy HTC phones and had the alarm set for three times a day so that really helped.

Good luck to you hope to hear great results. Are you having a 4 week PCR?
Dave

[MagTX]

Hi Kathy!  Just something I thought of that might help.  I f you have your cell phone at work can it be set it to buzz ya at 2:00 pm everyday?  Maybe that wouldn't be so obvious to anyone..  
Using a plastic fork makes sense,.When my doc and I discussed re treatment and he brought up possibly going with Vic he said the metallic taste was an issue for many, so yea the nurse gave a good tip on that one.  Sounds like you're well prepared and your way for another journey.  Happy to hear you've finally started tx and on your way to SVR!  Good luck!

[frijole]

I plan on taking all the VIC out of those silly little individual dosing bottles and putting them in pill boxes.  I will take my ribavirn out of its little special blister pack too and put those in the pill boxes.  I have a separate pill box for the 2:00 pm serving to put in my purse so I will have it at work. I worry about that dose more than the others because I tend to not look at the clock.  I have looked online at vibrating alarm wrist watches, but they all look too obvious and I don't want that.

Hey, one thing the pharma nurse told me was that it is a good idea to suck a lemon drop or mint BEFORE you take the pills.  That helps with the metallic taste.  I plan on using TicTacs.  She also said use a plastic fork and that helps.  Good luck, I want to hear what you have to say.  I won't start the VIC until Sept 23.

Also, can-do-man says get some Imodium and willings says buy toilet paper in bulk!
frijole

[MagTX]

Using pill boxes is a great way to help from missing any doses, and don't forget to refill them as soon as you take the last tablet.  It's easy to get forgetful on tx and remembering to take all the doses and on time, is a challenge some days.  Set a timed reminder for the times when your doses are to be taken......   I hope this helps, is this what you meant by staying on track at the right times?  I haven't done triple, just SOC so can't help ya with that, someone else treating with Vic may have to help with that one...