Viral Load

[tired2013]

Hello,

My vl before treatment was 6 million. In two weeks it dropped to 810. 4 week labs show it only dropped to 610. Has anyone had results like this and still achieved svr?  I am so disappointed as I thought I would be und. I have had to take antibiotics for the last few weeks and steroid inhalers because I have been sick.  I am wondering if this had anything to do with the lack of decrease.  I am just sick!!!!!!

[tired2013]

Thanks for your reply! I reposted with a different title.

[pooh55811]

"My vl before treatment was 6 million. In two weeks it dropped to 810. 4 week labs show it only dropped to 610. Has anyone had results like this and still achieved svr?"
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Sorry no one has responded to your question. I am not sure how I missed it either.

When taking triple med with PIs the initial drop is usually quite rapid and quite steep. You did have a 4 log drop from 6 million down to 610 in 4 weeks. I know you were hoping (as we all do) for an UND at week 4. However, Incivek protocol states that you can continue Tx as long as you are under 1000 at week 4. You are 610, so you can continue Tx. If I were you, I would ask my doc for an 8 week VL to see if it is still coming down and/or UND. Hopefully, you will be UND at 8 weeks. Unfortunately, being DET at 4 weeks on Incivek means you will need to do 48 weeks of Tx.

You ask if anyone has had results like these and still attained SVR. I don't know the answer to that question. I do know that several people on the forum have been DET at 4 weeks on Incivek triple med Tx and have had to do 48 weeks. We are now seeing those SVR results starting to come in and I am happy to say that we are seeing SVRs among those of us who had to do 48 weeks. Keep in mind that those of us (me included) who had to do 48 weeks and who have attained SVR started treatment 18, 19, 20 months ago. There are many people still in treatment or still within the 24 week post EOT window, so we do not know their results yet.

I know this is a big disappointment, but do not give up hope. Get an 8 week VL and see how that is. Hopefully you will be UND at 8 weeks. You are still withing range and you still have a good chance of attaining SVR.

[tired2013]

I called vertex and they said the inhalers and antibiotics are not on their list. I also called my nurse and she said that she is not discouraged. I am bummed!