hep C viral load 1 month treatment

Hi,
I just got my viral load report after 1 month treatment hep. C with Pegasys and Copegasys.
It droped from 5million to 360,000 for 4 weeks. I thought that it was not a bad result.
But my doctor called me today, mentioned I have to make 1 month follow up appointment
and mentioned that my hep. C is still not 0. Now I am confused. Does it mean if it is not 0, that it
issn't working or doesn't give too much hope. My apointment is in 8 days and I don't know
what to think now. does anybody have any thoughts.?

Thank you

Justtry  

[annpas]

by 12 weeks you must have a 2 log drop that is 50,000 to be considered a responder and to continue with treatment that is my understanding anyway

[zazza]

So far you have had a 1.14 log drop. It is good enough for you to continue tx, but indicates that you might be what is called a slow responder. Slow responders have at least a 2 log drop by week 12 and are undetectable by week 24. They might benefit of extending to 72 weeks treatment. That is what I am doing. Good luck!

[zazza]

By the way, dropping one log means you have lost 90% of your viral load. Dropping 2 logs means you have lost 99%.

[justtry]

Thank you, zazza, you info was very helfull.
My 1.14 log drop was 4 weeks after I start treatment. Can doctor
increase the medication if I " slow responder"?

[justtry]

thank you, annpas

[zazza]

The best thing to do is actually to discuss increasing meds, especially the ribavirin, RIGHT NOW with your doc. You are responding, but a greater response would be better. The sooner you become UND, the better it is, and an increase in meds could help you get there. Of course your doc has to look at your blood counts, especially regarding hemoglobin and white blood cells, to determine if it is possible for you to increase your meds. Also, some docs just go by the book and will not take this approach, but it is worth the asking in my opinion.

Don't wait to discuss this with your doc, since preferably you will be UND or have as little virus as possible left by week 12!