When am I done

If my first shot was July 1 and I am 2b 24 weeks of treatment is my last shot on december 9th or the 16th? Do I actually take 25 shots of interferon? Obviously, I am a bit confused - can someone help me out with this?

[R Glass]

You will do 24 injections. Some people’s Doctors have them continue the Riba for one week after their last injection. Mine told me I could stop at my last injection. If yours tells you can stop and you wish to continue, knock yourself out (for some reason we all seem to have leftover Riba). If he tells you to continue for one more week, I advise you to do what he says. If you were to relapse, you will know you did all you could to achieve SVR and will not blame yourself.

[Sammy1000]

Agree, you will do 24 inj. The Interferon comes 4 shots per box so you will not have hard time figuring when you finish. My Riba supplier sent enough tabs for 31 days each refill. Guess they couldn't figure 7 days @ 4 wks.

Your Dr may have you do more than 24 wks depending on your blood work. Have you test UND at this point?

[portann]

You last shot is December 9th and your last ribavirin is December 16th.

Shot begin the week and riba completes the week, if that makes sense.

By taking the riba for another week, you complete 24 weeks of riba, instead of 23.

Similarly, you take PCR's at the end of the completed weeks, e.g., your 4 week PCR is done immediately before your 5th shot, not your 4th.

My doc wanted me to take my riba for a week after my last shot but some docs say you can stop the riba at your last shot. In a short 24 week treatment, I'd opt for doing the last week of riba; in a long 72 week tx, I might skip it.

Whether December 9 or 16th, it's almost around the corner, so hang in, you're almost there.

Best wishes,

Susan

[simcha511]

Thanks to all of you - this has been really helpful. Shot at begin week and riba at end makes it all make sense.