correct dosing

[aquarius64]

another question. i just started tx thurs, but i was reading through the archives and i was wondering if i am on the correct amount of riba. i am on pegasys180 and riba 800. i weigh around 143. i read in the archives that 1000 of riba would be more appropriate for my weight. any ideas? i finally started to feel the sx from the shot about 24hrs later and still am. very achy all over and fatigued, low grade fever and headache on and off. guess i'm right on track. i don't know how you people can do this for a year or more. my heart goes out to you all. thanks.

[orphanedhawk]

I'm also a 2 and was started out taking the same amount as you guys. I weigh around 105 (48 kilos) and am a lightweight with everything. I'm now having problems and had my dosage cut. I wish they'd started me out on less to begin with. I would definitly approach your doctor with any concerns you have and make sure you get answers that satisfy you.

[scubadiver30]

That's what the doc says..That I'm doing good and should stick to Tx no matter what. Only fourteen to go..I'll know my Hgb on tuesday

[purplecat]

Geno 2, 800mg is standard.  1000 to 1200 is geno 1 depending on weight and stage of biopsy. Every week is different.  I'm on week 20 and I've had many different experiences.  I've had great weeks and  bad ones.  When your down for the count your husband has to be there for you and the children.  Any other friends and family ask for help if you need it.  Just take care of yourself and don't let yourself get stessed out.  This is a life changing experience no matter what the outcome.

[ladhill]

You said it took 24 hours to feel the sx? I'm starting tx in a few weeks and am wondering how I'll feel. Do you feel like you will be able to work on Monday? I heard it's best to take the shot on Friday and you'll feel better on Monday. Why did you pick Thursday?

[aquarius64]

i am GT2b. i'm going to ask my gastro about the riba. want to make sure i do this right since i'm doing it. as far as the sx go, i have 2 small kids, but i stay at home. my thoughts were, i didn't want to be sick every weekend for 6 months(if that were to happen) i didn't want my hubby to have to deal with my issues every weekend while he's off work. i have help with my kids on friday. i'll let you know how the sx go tomorrow, cuz right now i still ache a lot. no nausea though. if you did a shot on thurs, it may be better, cuz i didn't feel anything till late friday and i did my shot at 8:30pm on thurs. i guess it affects everyone differently though. thanks for the feedback on the meds and good luck with starting tx. i also have no idea what i weigh in kilograms, it's something around 2.5 lbs? i'll have to look it up. my brain is not what it used to be...

[gazebo1]

See, Mike was right there for you!

[scubadiver30]

I'm also a 2b 800mgRIBA/180mgIFN (on 10th week TX) and I weigh 98 kg (very heavy as you can see) Heavier than Rocky Balboa lol...
Since they don't give procrit over here in Spain, I'm taking 800 mg from the start (by the book)(I shoulda taken 1200 mg)...
What happens is that MH is state of the art and it is ahead of many docs worldwide...
I requested an increase in my riba dosage at the beginning,my docs said no way (they stick to the standard), but now I'm taking it easy because I don't want my Hgb to drop below 10 and I'm feeling pretty crappy with 800mg.. I can't imagine what my friends here go trough with WBD? You really do have cojones..NYG specially :-)
I'm UND from week 2 and yes, many G2/3 do clear with 800mg only..
But many others relapse... :-(
I guess we will have to go like this the first time around if we relapse (let's prey we won't)..
saludos
scuba

[FlGuy]

With the tight line you're on (balance of anemina vs amount of riba and no access to procrit) just keep in mind that the 'numbers' are on your side.  You are much more likley than not to end the 24 weeks with a good result. 10 down and only 14 to go and und at 2 weeks - lots of reasons to be optimistic.

[gazebo1]

I'm sure you will get the experts to clarify, but I recall that Pegasys is not dosed by weight like Peg-Intron A, so it should not be a concern for you.  The Ribavirin may be altered tho.  Just what I remember in a recent post.

[mikesimon]

You didn't indicate your genotype. If you are type 1 I don't think there is much doubt that 1000 mg ribavirin would be the minimal ribavirin dose you should take. It's not as clear with type 2 and 3 but my personal lay opinion is that 1000 mg would be a more appropriate dose for you.

See:http://www.radiology.medscape.com/viewarticle/518702

"The WIN-R trial (the largest hepatitis C study conducted in US patients) compared the use of pegylated interferon alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg/week plus either fixed-dose ribavirin 800 mg/day or weight-based dosing of ribavirin.[3] Weight-based dosing of ribavirin was administered as follows: Patients weighing < 65 kg received 800 mg/day; patients 65 to < 85 kg received 1000 mg/day; patients 85 to < 105 kg received 1200 mg/day; and patients 105-125 kg received 1400 mg/day."

Mike