Am I a non-responder?

[sunshines76]

Hello! Got diagnosed with HCV, genotype 1b two years ago. Looks like I've had it for at least 30 years now - had a blood transfusion in 1970s... I am now on week 14 of TX (pegasys + ribavirin). Don't feel any side effects at all, except for some mild hair shedding. I also drink plenty of water, and feel very good, actually better than before the therapy. Got more energy. Yet, my PCR test results are ... a buzz killer:
- 3 weeks before therapy- 280,000
- 1 week before therapy - 1,060,000
- week 4 of therapy - 13,000
- week 8 on therapy - 2,575
- week 12 on therapy - 66,742
- week 13 on therapy - 103,000

Looks like a roller-coaster ride to me... Am I a non-responder? My doc is suggesting keep on the current meds will week 24 and then if the virus is still detectable, switch me on infergen.

I am still hopeful... but my optimism is kind of down now when I got my labs done for week 12...

Anyone had the same happen to them as far as viral load climbing up? Is pegasys not working for me?

[Rockerforlife]

Ill let you know in 5 days if the boceprevir phase 3 RESPOND 2 trial worked for me,i get my PCR resuts Friday.

[Bill1954]

I believe the difference in waiting for the protease inhibitors this time, as opposed to previously is that most of the data is in from phase 3 study now. The efficacy and tolerability studies are now complete, and it appears that eventual release is now imminent. If one is to believe press releases, Telaprevir should be available in 2011 sometime. Now whether this translates into adoption for Standard of Care by insurance companies is an entirely different story. I believe Vertex plans on submitting the NDA for TVR in early 2010; we’ll know more at that time.

Hang in there--

Bill

[HCA]

Ribavirin has no role in initially suppressing viral load.
It (helps) prevent relapse by causing mutational error when the virus rallies against the effect of the interferon.It is most important during the period when the viral load is being driven down to undetectable levels.
It's all rather involved,but if it gives you any comfort your non-response is down to your lack of sensitivity to interferon.
It is true however that if you did not experience a significant drop in haemoglobin you could probably tolerate more ribavirin next time..

[sunshines76]

I am thinking about waiting till 2011 - I just hope that in 2011 we do get the drugs instead of being told to wait another 5 to 10 years... The fact that I probably had this virus in my body for the last 30 years kind of scares me, although on another side, I really feel great and am very active, full of energy. My pressure is my kids now - I know I have to get rid of this virus to stay a healthy and happy mom for them.

[sunshines76]

Do you think it's too late now to increase my ribavirin dosage? If it's done after 12 weeks?

[Rockerforlife]

Yes,i am currently in a trial,check out my profile for details,and Bill,WOW...didnt realize you did such a long TX,Were your sdes really bad?...How are your EOT sides?


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