Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
298631 tn?1210625430

Weight and Riba dosing

Hi all,

I am 8 mos into SOC with 180 Peg and 1200 riba. Had an EVR at 4 weeks and remain clear.

I've been reading some posts that dosing of riba can exceed the 1200 for those above 230 lbs? I am a female at 265 and am wondering if the 1200 was the optimal dose for me. My gastro group treats hundreds of HCV patients and they seem to know what they are doing, but I also know the SOC sometimes outweighs the personalization of tx. No one ever mentioned going higher than the 1200 when I entered into tx.

Should I not worry about it at this point since I am so far into it and have cleared?

Not that I want to increase at this point as sides are the pits (severe fatigue) but if 1400 vs 1200 would give me a better shot at SVR, I would certainly check it out.

Thanks,

Robin
12 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
i wouldnt change a thing at this point (8month into the TX)
whats the old saying "if it aint broke dont fix it"
you aint broke you cleared at 4weeks, why mess with success
Helpful - 0
12773 tn?1328913186
I also do drink Ensure or Boost for meal replacements.
Helpful - 0
12773 tn?1328913186
Robin

I cut my portion sizes and sugar back in Sept last year , due to the diabetes.  Then with TX and lack of appetite, and all that water the weight just melted off.  Its still coming off. and I have 5 shots to go.

Most of the weight loss has been in the last 4 months,   I was losing before then, but not as much per month.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
results published in Hepatology this month suggest the old 1000/1200 dosing rule is likely to be replaced with something a bit more fine-tuned. See

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-10/jws-wdo100107.php

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
But I should also note that is my starting amount, and that amount could be increased if I hit a plateau in VL and was not achieving desired results of TX.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Robin,

I am a male and weigh 250.  I am taking 180 mcg Pegasys and 1200mg ribavarin/day too.  I had 2 different doctors confirm this was the correct dosage for my weight.
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
Robin,

At week 20 - 24 or so I developed hyperthyroid from tx.  I dropped a phenomenal amount of weight (unfortunatelY I was very thin to start) and most of my hair as well.  I looked like a vampire quite literally.  Then at week 30 when I went for my nuclear imaging scan I went HYPOthyroid - they flip flopped which is very very common to do.

I quickly (and wow easily) gainned 30+ pounds. The original 20 I'd lost plus ten +.  Now, no matter WHAT I do I can't seem to lose one pound (even when the endo doc upped my Synthroid to 88mcg from 75).

I never understood how horrible it was for people to have to deal with this problem.  Seriously.  I always thought "well just eat less Mallomars it's EASY" and horrible thoughts that had NOTHING to do with anything to do with losing weight when you have a serious problem with your metabolism.

I wish you luck in your quest!  I was fortunate because of the hyperthyroid it saved me from gainning too much when I went hypo because of the big loss at first.  

(I do have to admit I never ever used to eat ice cream or things like that and now well everybody in here can tell you during treatment I discovered a terrible addiction to ice cream...so I'm NOT as well behaved in the eat right department as I used to be but...if you are eating under 1000 calories a day you SHOULD be able to lose weight I don't care what!!!!!!!!!!)

It stinks!
Helpful - 0
298631 tn?1210625430
All, thanks for your feedback. I didn't really think that it would make much diff at this point since I had EVR/RVR but wanted to be sure.

Talked with gastro group today and asked - they said that their guidance is 1200 up to 275lbs for Copegus, and then more above that. They also participate in a lot of research protocols (I am NOT in a study) and they are dosing more riba in some of those, but they would not increase me above the SOC even though I am at the upper end of weight range. So there it is.

dperry - way to go on the weight loss!! Super job! Tips??? I am 46 y.o. female with tx-related hypothyroid (controlled for 6 weeks now but no discernable diff in weight or energy). I have always struggled with weight but since starting tx, my energy is so low I can't manage much exercise these days (which I at least did do to some extent before). A couple of brief walks with dog every day (but certainly not at the high energy pace as before), and very occasional recumbent bike.

Really concentrating on as good a diet as I can muster - lots of fruit/veg, low fat, Omega 3 etc. but am still eating more calories than I need and weight remains stable. Prior successful weight loss was due to really serious exercise program which I just cannot handle now. Was really looking forward to the weight loss side (LOL) but no such result (just lots of fatigue, brain fog and hair loss for me!). Even Dr thinks it's humorous that I haven't dropped a lb in 8 mos (cruel, cruel man!). ;-)

So your diet tips are appreciated. Am thinking of a 1x meal replacement like Medifast with two usual healthy meals, and try as I can to reduce portion sizes. Anyone know if this is good idea? Metabolism is soooo slow w/o heavy doses of activity so this is doubly hard!

Thanks all!

Robin
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i take 1600 riba day,stillfeel great and tired at times and ache
Helpful - 0
148588 tn?1465778809
Eight months into treatment it's not going to make any difference.
Helpful - 0
12773 tn?1328913186
I too was was about your same weight before starting.   I am currently taking 1200 Riba as well, and was at beginning.  Doctor says once I got below 170, which he doubted would happen, that he would then reduce my riba.  

I have currently lost 98 lbs and am at 164 now,   but I only have 6 to go.  Tonight I do shot 43 of 48. At this point, I am not going to reduce my riba.   I did not do a 4 week PCR, but one at 12 & 24. both were UND., so hoping it remains that way.. Good luck to you and hope you clear for good as well.
Helpful - 0
186606 tn?1263510190
seems low for your weight. I weigh less than you and take 1400.

deb
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.