nonresponders

[fightit]

If you have a less than a 2 log drop at week 12 will they let you continue until 24 weeks? I understand they consider you nonresponsive but is there much of a chance to be a slow responder by 24 weeks. If so would you continue to 72 weeks of tx. Is it worth trying to convince the DR to continue?

[frijole]

Is that the postion you are in?  Having less than a two log drop at week 12 is not a very good indicatior.  There are some studies that show that SVR has a greater percent for patients treating 72 instead of 48 weeks, but only if your viral load at week 12 is less than 6000 and you are clear at 24 weeks.
frijole

[fightit]

I had a half log drop at 8 weeks (no 4 week drawn) I am trying to find out all I can so I can know what to do if they tell me to stop.

[frijole]

Most of the time this decision (to quit or step up treatment) is based on the amount of liver damage. The drugs are hard, and damaging in their own right, but still they are better than a liver transplant.  Did you get a biopsy and was it staged and graded?  Do you have any cirhosis?

A half log drop at week 8 means you are responding, but slowly.

http://www.clinicaloptions.com/hepatitis/annual%20updates/2006%20annual%20update/modules/sulkowski.aspx

Perhaps read this Clinical CAre module -- you have to register but it is free - on Customizing Treatment.

Personally, I had a mere 40IU at week 12 and relapsed even though I treated for 56 weeks and was clear for the last 36 of them.
frijole

[nygirl7]

I continued onwards to 72 weeks but I had my two log drop in the first four weeks and just had a number of 400 that wouldn't go at week 12.  I was clear at 24, did 72 and am SVR.

With a half a log drop I'm not sure that is the same case at all. Did you discuss upping your meds with the doctor, seeing if the additional riba would help?

[wndycity]

I would not continue treatment unless it is your last hope. The side effects are too severe.

[fightit]

I can't get the dr or pa to call me back to discuss anything. That's why I am here. They are so busy, and I know they could do without me always wanting to see my labs and asking questions.
I seem to find out more information on this site than from the dr's office. I think so many people here are more up to date on the current treatments.
I have an apt. with another Dr's pa in 3 weeks. I hope to have my 12 week results back by then.

Biopsy- 2/2

frijole, thanks for the site.

[frijole]

Well, 2/2 isn't too bad.  Post your beginning VL and your 8 week VL.  

Have you been 100% compliant?  Have you become anemic (hemoglobin dropping below 12)?

You are smart to try to get informed.   A lot of us don't think the 2-log drop means much.  We think you need to be totally clear by a sensitive test by week 12 OR consider extending and uping doses.  It is a hard call, but a lot of folks here have trumphed their doctors and insisted on extending.  

If you get on the Clinical Care Options email list, they weill email you every time they post a module on Hep C.  There are a good sight.

If you haven't been here, the Janis7 sight - it is a good place to start too

http://janis7hepc.com/

[fightit]

VL to start 2.75 mil.  hgb15.9
No 4 week draw

8 week 453,000
hgb 11.8

I have been 100% compliant. I take the meds the same time every day.
I had high iron (over 1000) for a long time, and fatty liver. I'm about 150 lbs. maybe 10 lbs overweight. No diabetes.
I read the page you suggested, thanks.The more I learn, the more I realize how much I didn't know.