Aa
end of week 4 results on triple therapy with incivek
Okay here it is. I am not undetectable BUT I went from 14,900,000 to 43 so I say that's a win!!! I will be tested again at week 8 and if undetectable then I will stay on for the remainder of the 24 weeks which would be 16 more weeks. My Dr isn't keeping anyone on the therapy for the full 48 weeks if they have compensated liver cirrhosis. I did talk to incivek and they said that my chances were as good as anyone as far as a SVR. I bet it is gone today, just one day after my blood work :) So what is your thoughts with it not being undetectable...the 43 still *****......
Best Answer
Did your doctor tell you that you weren't und or is that your interpretation? Since the results from the RT-PCR won't indicate "undetectable", just less than 43, I'm wondering if you might really be und?? Since Quest's RT-PCR's lowest detection limit is 43, and you reported 43, this could be possible.
Hello and welcome to the forum.
This is an older thread. Many may not look at it. It would be better if you will start a new thread and more people will respond. Post exactly what your lab report says, all of it. Don't leave anything out. Then people can interpret it for you.
To start a new thread, go towards the top to the orange bar and "Post a Question".
This is an older thread. Many may not look at it. It would be better if you will start a new thread and more people will respond. Post exactly what your lab report says, all of it. Don't leave anything out. Then people can interpret it for you.
To start a new thread, go towards the top to the orange bar and "Post a Question".
2.7.2 Duration of Treatment—Previously Treated Subjects
In subjects who have had previous treatment for HCV, treatment with telaprevir must be initiated in combination with Peg-IFN and RBV and administered for 12 weeks. Subjects who had a partial response to previous treatment (partial responders) or minimal response
(null responders) to Peg-IFN plus RBV receive an additional 36 weeks of Peg-IFN and RBV treatment alone for a total treatment duration of 48 weeks.
In subjects who had relapse after previous treatment to Peg-IFN plus RBV, a responseguided regimen is recommended.
• Subjects with undetectable HCV RNA at Weeks 4 and 12 of telaprevir-based treatment receive an additional 12 weeks of Peg-IFN and RBV alone for a total treatment duration of 24 weeks
• Subjects with detectable HCV RNA at either Weeks 4 or 12 of telaprevir-based treatment receive an additional 36 weeks of Peg-IFN and RBV alone for a total treatment duration of 48 weeks
Telaprevir must be dosed with Peg-IFN and RBV to prevent treatment failure.
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/Drugs/AntiviralDrugsAdvisoryCommittee/UCM252562.pdf
Treatment Futility Rules: All Patients
HCV-RNA Week 4 or Week 12: Greater than 1000 IU/mL Discontinue INCIVEK and peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (INCIVEK treatment complete at 12 weeks)
Week 24: Detectable Discontinue peginterferon alfa and ribavirin
Laboratory Tests
HCV-RNA levels should be monitored at weeks 4 and 12 and as clinically indicated. Use of a sensitive real-time RT-PCR assay for monitoring HCV-RNA levels during treatment is recommended. The assay should have a lower limit of HCV-RNA quantification equal to or less than 25 IU/mL and a limit of HCV-RNA detection of approximately 10-15 IU/mL. For the purpose of assessing response-guided therapy eligibility, an “undetectable” HCV-RNA result is required; a confirmed “detectable but below limit of quantification” HCV-RNA result should not be considered equivalent to an “undetectable” HCVRNA result.
http://pi.vrtx.com/files/uspi_telaprevir.pdf .
In subjects who have had previous treatment for HCV, treatment with telaprevir must be initiated in combination with Peg-IFN and RBV and administered for 12 weeks. Subjects who had a partial response to previous treatment (partial responders) or minimal response
(null responders) to Peg-IFN plus RBV receive an additional 36 weeks of Peg-IFN and RBV treatment alone for a total treatment duration of 48 weeks.
In subjects who had relapse after previous treatment to Peg-IFN plus RBV, a responseguided regimen is recommended.
• Subjects with undetectable HCV RNA at Weeks 4 and 12 of telaprevir-based treatment receive an additional 12 weeks of Peg-IFN and RBV alone for a total treatment duration of 24 weeks
• Subjects with detectable HCV RNA at either Weeks 4 or 12 of telaprevir-based treatment receive an additional 36 weeks of Peg-IFN and RBV alone for a total treatment duration of 48 weeks
Telaprevir must be dosed with Peg-IFN and RBV to prevent treatment failure.
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/Drugs/AntiviralDrugsAdvisoryCommittee/UCM252562.pdf
Treatment Futility Rules: All Patients
HCV-RNA Week 4 or Week 12: Greater than 1000 IU/mL Discontinue INCIVEK and peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (INCIVEK treatment complete at 12 weeks)
Week 24: Detectable Discontinue peginterferon alfa and ribavirin
Laboratory Tests
HCV-RNA levels should be monitored at weeks 4 and 12 and as clinically indicated. Use of a sensitive real-time RT-PCR assay for monitoring HCV-RNA levels during treatment is recommended. The assay should have a lower limit of HCV-RNA quantification equal to or less than 25 IU/mL and a limit of HCV-RNA detection of approximately 10-15 IU/mL. For the purpose of assessing response-guided therapy eligibility, an “undetectable” HCV-RNA result is required; a confirmed “detectable but below limit of quantification” HCV-RNA result should not be considered equivalent to an “undetectable” HCVRNA result.
http://pi.vrtx.com/files/uspi_telaprevir.pdf .
i was told by an incivek nurse its additional 36 weeks if u failed svr in prior treatment regardless if u r und at weeks 4 and 12. is this true?
i hasd medc/for 4/week i stared with 1,80000,now its 64,500 dr say stop med after the 4 week it has to be 4/week or 12/week
Sounds great to me! I also have cirrhosis and will start tx tomorrow, my doc is doing the same as yours, if I am UND at 4 and 12 weeks I will tx an additional 12 weeks, if not I guess that is it.
as the dosing instructions states, if und at 4 and 12 weeks relapser will treat additional 12 weeks
It then says "Cirrhotics may benefit from additional 36 weeks"
I am so happy for you congrats
You would think the nurse could have been more helpful though maybe she doesn't know and you need the doctor to tell you you are UND
Dee
as the dosing instructions states, if und at 4 and 12 weeks relapser will treat additional 12 weeks
It then says "Cirrhotics may benefit from additional 36 weeks"
I am so happy for you congrats
You would think the nurse could have been more helpful though maybe she doesn't know and you need the doctor to tell you you are UND
Dee
Bravo Hector. I don't like to read it, but it's basically what I was told by Dr. That is one of the reasons only a transplant team would prescribe to me for tx. They'll be the ones who will be able to facilitate a transplant in case of total liver failure. The kidney team is the floor below theirs and my sis is a match if I get into trouble there.
Of course, I'm believing it won't be needed. But we gotta know the truth even if it's ugly. ;P
Thanks, Karen :)
Of course, I'm believing it won't be needed. But we gotta know the truth even if it's ugly. ;P
Thanks, Karen :)
there are a number of misunderstandings and outright wrong conclusions being repeated in the posts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hector...I am so glad someone else noticed.
Will
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hector...I am so glad someone else noticed.
Will
Hi. I will let others comment about viral load UND.
I will concentrate my statements on liver disease and cirrhosis as there are a number of misunderstandings and outright wrong conclusions being repeated in the posts.
Before I forget. You have cirrhosis, stage 4 liver disease. "Cirrhotic configuration of the liver including internal fibrosis and nodularity of the hepatic contour." The only qualified type of doctor to treat and manage your condition is a hepatologist (specializes in liver disease). Gastroenterologists (specialize in the digestive system) are not qualified which may be the reason for so much confusion and misunderstanding of the facts of liver disease and cirrhosis.
You have stage 4/compensated cirrhosis. NOT decompensated, End-Stage Liver disease. They are two different stages, although they are both called cirrhosis. To treat your HCV in less than the best chance of SVR is taking your life into your hands. I hope you release this. Many cirrhotic patients will fail treatment and develop resistance. To have to wait from different categories of antivirals is a big risk. No doctor can tell you how long before you will decompensate and be unable to treat your hepatitis C again. That their is a "timetable" that you are on is a false belief. Each person's liver disease has its own particulars. To give someone a timetable is a sign of little understanding of liver disease. Then your only option will be a liver transplant to survive. In my opinion this is a risk nobody should take.
"I had endoscopy in feb 2011 and no bleeding varices. "
An endoscopy doesn't show "bleeding varies". You would be vomiting blood if you had bleeding varies. What the endoscopy does is measure the stage or your varices. How likely they are to burst. Varices are caused by hyper portal tension which cirrhotics have and showed on your ultrasound scan.
"the portal veins and hepatic veins are patent. Mild enlargement of the spleen with recanalization of the umbilical vein and gastroepiploic collateral vessels consistent with PORTAL VENOUS HYPERTENSION."
The lab results you post provide little to no information on the status of your liver disease I'm afraid.
As far as treatment time the limited data is clear for cirrhotics. If you are treatment-naive or were a relapser during previous treatment you can treat for 24 weeks. All other cirrhotic patients should treat for 48 weeks until new data proves otherwise. See Incivek label data below.
Info based on the Incivek label:
From Incivek label...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/201917lbl.pdf
"INCIVEK must be administered with both peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for all patients for 12 weeks, followed by a response-guided regimen of either 12 or 36 additional weeks of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin depending on viral response AND PRIOR RESPONSE STATUS."
"TREATMENT-NAIVE patients with CIRRHOSIS who have undetectable HCV-RNA at weeks 4 and 12 (eEVR) of INCIVEK combination treatment may benefit from an additional 36 weeks of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (48 weeks total) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]."
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
"Table 1: Recommended Treatment Duration..."
"TREATMENT-NAIVE and Prior RELAPSE PATIENTS:"
HCV RNA - triple therapy - peg-interferon - Total duration
Undetectable at Weeks 4 and 12 - First 12 weeks - Additional 12 weeks - 24 weeks
Prior PARTIAL and NULL RESPONDER Patients:
- 48 weeks
"....there were small numbers of subjects enrolled in some key subgroups. In the T12/PR group:" (12 weeks of Incivek, 12 weeks of peg-inf & Ribavirin) .....Twenty-one subjects had cirrhosis at baseline and the overall SVR in these subjects was 62% (13/21). Among subjects with cirrhosis, 43% (9/21) achieved an eRVR and of those 78% (7/9) achieved SVR."
"Twenty-three percent of INCIVEK-treated subjects had cirrhosis at baseline. SVR rates among cirrhotic subjects who received INCIVEK combination treatment compared to Pbo/PR48 were: 87% (48/55) compared to 13% (2/15) for prior relapsers, 34% (11/32) compared to 20% (1/5) for prior partial responders, and 14% (7/50) compared to 10% (1/10) for prior null responders."
The following points should be considered when initiating treatment with INCIVEK:
• A high proportion of previous null responders (particularly those with cirrhosis) did not achieve a Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) and had telaprevir resistance-associated substitutions emerge on treatment with INCIVEK combination treatment [see Microbiology (12.4) and Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Hope this helps.
Hector
I will concentrate my statements on liver disease and cirrhosis as there are a number of misunderstandings and outright wrong conclusions being repeated in the posts.
Before I forget. You have cirrhosis, stage 4 liver disease. "Cirrhotic configuration of the liver including internal fibrosis and nodularity of the hepatic contour." The only qualified type of doctor to treat and manage your condition is a hepatologist (specializes in liver disease). Gastroenterologists (specialize in the digestive system) are not qualified which may be the reason for so much confusion and misunderstanding of the facts of liver disease and cirrhosis.
You have stage 4/compensated cirrhosis. NOT decompensated, End-Stage Liver disease. They are two different stages, although they are both called cirrhosis. To treat your HCV in less than the best chance of SVR is taking your life into your hands. I hope you release this. Many cirrhotic patients will fail treatment and develop resistance. To have to wait from different categories of antivirals is a big risk. No doctor can tell you how long before you will decompensate and be unable to treat your hepatitis C again. That their is a "timetable" that you are on is a false belief. Each person's liver disease has its own particulars. To give someone a timetable is a sign of little understanding of liver disease. Then your only option will be a liver transplant to survive. In my opinion this is a risk nobody should take.
"I had endoscopy in feb 2011 and no bleeding varices. "
An endoscopy doesn't show "bleeding varies". You would be vomiting blood if you had bleeding varies. What the endoscopy does is measure the stage or your varices. How likely they are to burst. Varices are caused by hyper portal tension which cirrhotics have and showed on your ultrasound scan.
"the portal veins and hepatic veins are patent. Mild enlargement of the spleen with recanalization of the umbilical vein and gastroepiploic collateral vessels consistent with PORTAL VENOUS HYPERTENSION."
The lab results you post provide little to no information on the status of your liver disease I'm afraid.
As far as treatment time the limited data is clear for cirrhotics. If you are treatment-naive or were a relapser during previous treatment you can treat for 24 weeks. All other cirrhotic patients should treat for 48 weeks until new data proves otherwise. See Incivek label data below.
Info based on the Incivek label:
From Incivek label...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/201917lbl.pdf
"INCIVEK must be administered with both peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for all patients for 12 weeks, followed by a response-guided regimen of either 12 or 36 additional weeks of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin depending on viral response AND PRIOR RESPONSE STATUS."
"TREATMENT-NAIVE patients with CIRRHOSIS who have undetectable HCV-RNA at weeks 4 and 12 (eEVR) of INCIVEK combination treatment may benefit from an additional 36 weeks of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (48 weeks total) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]."
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
"Table 1: Recommended Treatment Duration..."
"TREATMENT-NAIVE and Prior RELAPSE PATIENTS:"
HCV RNA - triple therapy - peg-interferon - Total duration
Undetectable at Weeks 4 and 12 - First 12 weeks - Additional 12 weeks - 24 weeks
Prior PARTIAL and NULL RESPONDER Patients:
- 48 weeks
"....there were small numbers of subjects enrolled in some key subgroups. In the T12/PR group:" (12 weeks of Incivek, 12 weeks of peg-inf & Ribavirin) .....Twenty-one subjects had cirrhosis at baseline and the overall SVR in these subjects was 62% (13/21). Among subjects with cirrhosis, 43% (9/21) achieved an eRVR and of those 78% (7/9) achieved SVR."
"Twenty-three percent of INCIVEK-treated subjects had cirrhosis at baseline. SVR rates among cirrhotic subjects who received INCIVEK combination treatment compared to Pbo/PR48 were: 87% (48/55) compared to 13% (2/15) for prior relapsers, 34% (11/32) compared to 20% (1/5) for prior partial responders, and 14% (7/50) compared to 10% (1/10) for prior null responders."
The following points should be considered when initiating treatment with INCIVEK:
• A high proportion of previous null responders (particularly those with cirrhosis) did not achieve a Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) and had telaprevir resistance-associated substitutions emerge on treatment with INCIVEK combination treatment [see Microbiology (12.4) and Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Hope this helps.
Hector
Good news Mike! Dixiechick - I'm loving ur fighting spirit girlio. I'm straight up w my Dr too. I asked point blank: if I were your wife, what would you do? He said 48 weeks as long as I was UND at 4 & 12. I'm def ESLD. Barely got in shape for tx. He said he'd take it to the limit for me if I could hack SE n get all the rescue drugs I needed.
Oh. And let me add... STUPID TEST VARIABLES! I know they're neccesary. But you've had to endure some needless worry IMHO. Karen :) hang in there..
Oh. And let me add... STUPID TEST VARIABLES! I know they're neccesary. But you've had to endure some needless worry IMHO. Karen :) hang in there..
As a relapser if that UND<43 was your 4 week PCR and your 12 week PCR is also UND.. the protocol is to only have to do another 12 weeks of INF/Riba(unless you have chirrosis)..
Did you doctor say you had to do the full 48 for some reason...
Congrats on the UND ...
Will
Dixi,
My doctor told me that assuming all goes well, I will be on the Incivek for 12 weeks and Pegasys and Ribavirin for 48 weeks.
Two years ago, I was on the Pegasys and Ribavirin therapy and I was at non-detectable at 48 weeks. However, for some reason I relapsed and the Hep-C returned.
It was very stressful waiting for the Incivek to be approved! Also, my kidney blood test numbers were out of range and I had to test weekly for the last two weeks for that but now those numbers have gone down also.
I was so scared when I called for the test results today that he was going to tell me that I had to stop treatment :-( But, as I posted earlier, all is going well with me now, I am so relieved.
Mike
My doctor told me that assuming all goes well, I will be on the Incivek for 12 weeks and Pegasys and Ribavirin for 48 weeks.
Two years ago, I was on the Pegasys and Ribavirin therapy and I was at non-detectable at 48 weeks. However, for some reason I relapsed and the Hep-C returned.
It was very stressful waiting for the Incivek to be approved! Also, my kidney blood test numbers were out of range and I had to test weekly for the last two weeks for that but now those numbers have gone down also.
I was so scared when I called for the test results today that he was going to tell me that I had to stop treatment :-( But, as I posted earlier, all is going well with me now, I am so relieved.
Mike
Hi,
I just got my blood test results from my doctor and I also tested at Quest. 4 weeks ago I was at 20,000,000. The results today indicated that I was under 43. He said that I don't have 43 but that I am under 43 and that I was undetectable (I hope so!) I wish you the best!!!
Mike
I just got my blood test results from my doctor and I also tested at Quest. 4 weeks ago I was at 20,000,000. The results today indicated that I was under 43. He said that I don't have 43 but that I am under 43 and that I was undetectable (I hope so!) I wish you the best!!!
Mike
Labcorp test #550080
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Quantitative, Real-time PCR
Methodology: COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® TaqMan® HCV Test
The limit of detection of this assay is 7.1 IU/mL for HCV genotype 1, and the quantifiable range of the assay is 43 IU/mL to 69,000,000 IU/mL.
Turnaround is usually 4-7 days, depending on which lab performs the test.
QuantaSure is the most sensitive test available but it does pose problems if approval or continuation of the DAA is contingent on the results. QuantaSure NGI takes 3 weeks or longer for results.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Quantitative, Real-time PCR
Methodology: COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® TaqMan® HCV Test
The limit of detection of this assay is 7.1 IU/mL for HCV genotype 1, and the quantifiable range of the assay is 43 IU/mL to 69,000,000 IU/mL.
Turnaround is usually 4-7 days, depending on which lab performs the test.
QuantaSure is the most sensitive test available but it does pose problems if approval or continuation of the DAA is contingent on the results. QuantaSure NGI takes 3 weeks or longer for results.
In 2007, my Dr said he had people live 10 years with people that had similar liver condition. In Sept 2009 I had an ultrasound. I have no idea what it means lol It says:
Cirrhotic configuration of the liver including internal fibrosis and nodularity of the hepatic contour. Multiple small hyperenhancing foci throughout both lobes of the liver. These lesions do not demonstrate worrisome T2 characteristics or enhancement washout and likely represent regenerative nodules, however, atypical and early hepatic neoplasm cannot be ruled out. Clinical correlation and repeat MRI would be helpful. The portal veins and hepatic veins are patent. Mild enlargement of the spleen with recanalization of the umbilical vein and gastroepiploic collateral vessels consistent with portal venous hypertension. Prominenet porta hepatic, paraesphogeal, and retroperitoneal lymph nodes likely reactive secondary to known chronic hepatitis. 1.6cm left adrenal adenoma.
I never ask what stage and grade I am because it scares me. It is easier for me to live just thinking I have more time then seeing and end...if you know what I mean. I had endoscopy in feb 2011 and no bleeding varices. I did get scared though because another study at Mayo sent me a paper stating they would like to have an extra teaspoon of blood for a study they are doing and they were contacting me because I had end stage liver disease. My Drs nurse said I don't have end stage liver disease or else I wouldn't be on this medicine. My labs from june 24th 2011 are:
Hemoglobin=15.3
sodium=138
pot=4.2
creatinine=0.9
EGFR >60glucose=88
triglycerides= 85
HDL=53
LDL=108
total cholesterol=178
AST-SGOT 127
ALT-SGPT 174
TSH=4.4
uric acid=4.8
INR=1.0
I will do my best to persuade my Dr to keep me on the 48 weeks. The best I can understand with him and he is a good Dr is that because everything as far as blood work with me goes and is always normal range other than AST and ALT with no ascites or complications, that he feels like if this doesn't work the best it can for me or like he would like to see then he is afraid the meds could do more harm than good in the long run...damage. He discussed with me about waiting for a couple more years for the new drug to come out without the interferon? or the oral drugs I guess but I wanted to go ahead with this one and he said it was fine. My whole issue is that if he gave me 10 years give or take a few, 5 years ago, then maybe I should try to kill this virus before it kills me. I will just have to go into further detail with him next appt.
Cirrhotic configuration of the liver including internal fibrosis and nodularity of the hepatic contour. Multiple small hyperenhancing foci throughout both lobes of the liver. These lesions do not demonstrate worrisome T2 characteristics or enhancement washout and likely represent regenerative nodules, however, atypical and early hepatic neoplasm cannot be ruled out. Clinical correlation and repeat MRI would be helpful. The portal veins and hepatic veins are patent. Mild enlargement of the spleen with recanalization of the umbilical vein and gastroepiploic collateral vessels consistent with portal venous hypertension. Prominenet porta hepatic, paraesphogeal, and retroperitoneal lymph nodes likely reactive secondary to known chronic hepatitis. 1.6cm left adrenal adenoma.
I never ask what stage and grade I am because it scares me. It is easier for me to live just thinking I have more time then seeing and end...if you know what I mean. I had endoscopy in feb 2011 and no bleeding varices. I did get scared though because another study at Mayo sent me a paper stating they would like to have an extra teaspoon of blood for a study they are doing and they were contacting me because I had end stage liver disease. My Drs nurse said I don't have end stage liver disease or else I wouldn't be on this medicine. My labs from june 24th 2011 are:
Hemoglobin=15.3
sodium=138
pot=4.2
creatinine=0.9
EGFR >60glucose=88
triglycerides= 85
HDL=53
LDL=108
total cholesterol=178
AST-SGOT 127
ALT-SGPT 174
TSH=4.4
uric acid=4.8
INR=1.0
I will do my best to persuade my Dr to keep me on the 48 weeks. The best I can understand with him and he is a good Dr is that because everything as far as blood work with me goes and is always normal range other than AST and ALT with no ascites or complications, that he feels like if this doesn't work the best it can for me or like he would like to see then he is afraid the meds could do more harm than good in the long run...damage. He discussed with me about waiting for a couple more years for the new drug to come out without the interferon? or the oral drugs I guess but I wanted to go ahead with this one and he said it was fine. My whole issue is that if he gave me 10 years give or take a few, 5 years ago, then maybe I should try to kill this virus before it kills me. I will just have to go into further detail with him next appt.
Find out if you did the heptimax RNA test. If you did it has two parts. the second part taking longer and more sensitive. Your doctor may not have all the results in yet. They seem to throw negatives around without giving us numbers. I got two negatives the the hepatimax two part test and I'm taking it. I will question him more when we have our next visit. Trying to get good answers over the phone is almost impossible with some doctors. They are way toooo busy.
A nurse at incivek told me last night on one of our contact calls. That incivek protocol was 24 weeks for treatment naive patients who were undetectable at week 4 and 12 that they have nothing about cirrhotics treating for 48 weeks. So this is probably where doctor confusion could be coming in . We had a long talk about it and she said it wasn't in incivek protocol but to see how i do. You never know if you do well and drugs are causing more harm then good after 24 you may want to stop. Still a higher success rate then the original SOC. I think we just have to wait and see how our bodies respond in all ways to the medication, then make a decision with our doctors.
I
dixie - remind me again what your biopsy read was. What is your grade and stage and what else did the biopsy report say. Is the liver architecture changing? Is the spleen enlarged and do you have any ascites?
lynda - the QuantaSure is my preferred test. The problem with it is that it has to be sent to the lab in California and the turnaround time precludes a doctor from getting the results and okaying the continuance of Victrelis within the 7-day time period (if the insurance company is requiring that before approving the Victrelis). I thought I had read about a fast timed low viral load test that could be done on sight by LabCorp but I have looked all over their website and cannot find it. I realize dixie is taking INC but you seem pretty knowledgeable and I thought I would throw this iquestion in.
frijole
lynda - the QuantaSure is my preferred test. The problem with it is that it has to be sent to the lab in California and the turnaround time precludes a doctor from getting the results and okaying the continuance of Victrelis within the 7-day time period (if the insurance company is requiring that before approving the Victrelis). I thought I had read about a fast timed low viral load test that could be done on sight by LabCorp but I have looked all over their website and cannot find it. I realize dixie is taking INC but you seem pretty knowledgeable and I thought I would throw this iquestion in.
frijole
I'm just going to go with the flow I guess.... what can I do anyway?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are doing just fine..actually you have had a phenomenal response. From 15 mill.to <43 in 4 weeks is great.
You may be mis-intepreting what folks are saying somewhat. It is actually BECAUSE you are having such a good response we are just suggesting that you don"t short yourself on getting the right end result(SVR) because you didn"t treat long enough
We were just a little concerned to hear your doctor say that he would not treat a chirrotic for more than 24 weeks ,when clearly the trial results showed chirrotics did better with 48 instead of 24 . And also ..if indeed your result at 4 weeks says DET.. then regardless of the number ..DET at 4 weeks means ..again(in trials ) a much better outcome was attained with 48 weeks.
This IS working for you...we just want to make sure it stays working ..in light of being chirrotic and all that was suggested here ,is a discussion with your doctor ,,about length of time to treat.
Congrats on a great 4 week result :)
Will
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are doing just fine..actually you have had a phenomenal response. From 15 mill.to <43 in 4 weeks is great.
You may be mis-intepreting what folks are saying somewhat. It is actually BECAUSE you are having such a good response we are just suggesting that you don"t short yourself on getting the right end result(SVR) because you didn"t treat long enough
We were just a little concerned to hear your doctor say that he would not treat a chirrotic for more than 24 weeks ,when clearly the trial results showed chirrotics did better with 48 instead of 24 . And also ..if indeed your result at 4 weeks says DET.. then regardless of the number ..DET at 4 weeks means ..again(in trials ) a much better outcome was attained with 48 weeks.
This IS working for you...we just want to make sure it stays working ..in light of being chirrotic and all that was suggested here ,is a discussion with your doctor ,,about length of time to treat.
Congrats on a great 4 week result :)
Will
I'm just going to go with the flow I guess.... what can I do anyway? detectable/undetectable its still working. I was almost 15,000,000 now <43 . I am going to ask my Dr a lot more questions for sure and get that lab report copy. I just am sick of being sick and I really am not up for dying anytime soon. I have no desire to have a transplant...this better work.
Thank you lynda, my understanding of the RNA portion of the test seems to be incomplete. I now see the second line on my Heptimax test which shows < 0.7 (value) < 0.7 (range)
Comments state that this is a TMA method.
If I understand you correctly this is a true UND of RNA as well as VL? Whereas dixie may have had a range number HIGHER than the value number on the second line of the test?
I hope Im understaning this correctly now, but please let me know either way. The first line of my test is <5 (value) <5 (range)
Comments state that this is a TMA method.
If I understand you correctly this is a true UND of RNA as well as VL? Whereas dixie may have had a range number HIGHER than the value number on the second line of the test?
I hope Im understaning this correctly now, but please let me know either way. The first line of my test is <5 (value) <5 (range)
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