pegasys

[crankykk]

Has anybody out there been treated with COPEGUS and PEGASYS?  I saw a gastroentoligist today and he has ordered all sorts of blood work, but says if I start treatment this is what he would give me.  I asked about the new VERTEX drug coming out next year and he said it probably wouldent be out that soon.  I'm really not sure what to do as I  have to wait for results ( I have no symptoms) but he told me I have probaly had hcv for 20-25 yrs (who woulda guessed) as to date I have never had any type of treatment and I'm not sure if I'm rushing in to soon... any advice would be helpful... And thanx ahead of time

[carol411]

I agree that knowing how much liver damage is vital to knowing when to treat.  Also, genotype is important.  If you are a geno 2 or three, there is not much point in waiting for the new meds.  If you are geno 1, or (I think) 4, and have mild damage waiting would make sense.

Carol

[nygirl7]

I was here in 2007 when we all thought the new drugs would be coming out soon.......we are still waiting.  Although they look promising you have to remember that they might never be approved at all.

You need to find out how much liver damage you have - that will the key indicator if you have time to wait or not. Once you know you can make a more educated decision.

[RobertBeWell]

"so I should start this treatment if the doctor feels its warrented, don't wait to see if the new drugs are approved "

Not unless your biopsy indicates that you should. It's pretty common practice among experienced liver docs that at this point, if your damage is less than Stage 3, you should wait. Heck, by all accounts, it's only going to be another 6 or 8 months.

Like James said, gotta have that biopsy. Can't really make a decision without it.

RBW

[hcvJames]

Have you had your biopsy yet? Much of your decision rides on the results. Otherwise just understand there are posts from 2007 stating the 'new' drug(s) were going to be out in 2009. Since I've been here it was early 2010, fall 2010, now it's 2011. Maybe you have time to wait, maybe not. The biopsy tells all.
Keep in touch and good luck.

[crankykk]

so I should start this treatment if the doctor feels its warrented, don't wait to see if the new drugs are approved

[pj1881]

Oh yeah.. I still have the remainder of 48 weeks with about a 50% chance of success.. The sides are annoying, but tolerable..

[pj1881]

Your GI is giving you the Presciption Brand names by Genetech/Roche Pharm.  These names indicate the basic current protocol of Interferon and Ribavirin in combination.  Those two drugs are the only currently FDA approved meds for treatment.  My GI told me that I could wait, and may need to wait another year or two before the final decision could be made on the new meds.. Also, she explained that the new meds come along with new side effects that may not be as tolerable as the current ones.  Once the new meds are approved (and I do hope they get approved), the Insurance COs will not want you to take a lesser road (less Meds) at their expense at a less % sucess rate.  My GI has experience with the new meds, and again states that they have great benefits and risks... I chose to go with the current protocol... G1a, 14 weeks.. UND...