Question on shot timing w/pills

[susan400]

I went to my CMA that the doctor has working for him with the Hep C patients, yesterday.  He told me I only take the Riba and Sovaldi on day 1 (Wed) then on day 2 (THurs.) a on day 3 (Friday) and then on day 4 (Sat] them 4 pm
Then Sun take only because Rib and Solvaldi and THEN he wants me to do the Peg on Mon. nigh

Is it unusual to start any on 5 days prior to giving theo give the INF should?

[sue4hula]

Oops. I hit post to soon AGAIN!  Can I blame it on Interferon now?  :)

Best of luck and keep up the good attitude!  We can do this!  

[sue4hula]

I'm glad you've started your journey!  It sounds like your off to a good start!  Go get that dragon!  

I didn't hear from my MD this week so I am assuming my labs are within an acceptable range still!  I'm both looking forward to and dreading hearing my 4 week on treatment VL.  My next appt is 7/2 and I'm conflicted if I want to call before that.  I got so caught up in my numbers last time around that I promised myself to let the doc be the boss and leave the numbers game to him.  I trust him and am trying to keep my stress level low!  I just don't want my Ribavirin reduced!  I had to with the Victrelis and still wonder...

Shot 6 tonight.  This past week was the first week I really start feeling like I was "on treatment". I did a frenzy of cooking today after work so I can rest a lot.  

[ASmile4U]

I have finished the Sovaldi, Peg and Riba tx.  I also do not work and chose to do the Peg on Sunday nights so I could enjoy the weekend.  The first Sunday, I started all three drugs. The first few days of the week there wasn't much motivation, but usually felt better by the second half of the week.  Try not to worry too much, it's an easy treatment and so different from past ones (I did 4).  Like FlGuy said, it all evens out the following week.  And before you know it, it's over!  July 11th I go for my 90 day post....feeling pretty certain that I will still be undetectable and this fight will finally be over!  Best wishes to you these next few months!  

[FlGuy]

I really don't know the regimen for the new stuff but based on your schedule it all comes back to normal next Monday.  Then it's weekly shots and daily pills.  Like CDM said, probably some sort of a lead-in thing.  Last time I treated (peg and riba only) I did the riba for a week before starting the Peg.  Doc said that the riba takes several days to build up to a constant level then introduce the Peg.  Maybe similar concept for you.  But, it all evens out over the course of this,  "your last tx"

[susan400]

Oh and I also wanted to report (for those who are getting ready to treat w/Sovaldi and SOC), so far this being day #2, all I've noticed is a zingy feeling around 10 am-noonish time frame after taking the Sovaldi and 3 Riba at 7 am.  Had a little bit of stomach fluttery activity not totally nauseous per se. No headache yet, no vomiting. I did take it with enough food though, because I've found from my last treatments that it helps to have food in you w/Riba.  I am drinking plenty of water, too.  I walked on my treadmill here at home yesterday and rode on my stationary bike and lifted my little hand weights and did some stretches.  Went out and got a haircut in the afternoon, did some light housework. So, I'm definitely not sitting around allowing myself to get depressed.  That's another thing I've learned over the years of doing this.  Anytime, I've started to feel any kind of symptoms, I've repeated my mantra (I am KILLING VIRUSES..!)  Also, since the treatment is now on board, I don't go outside in the sun at all w/o being completely covered up.  After having such bad rash issues w/Telaprevir and minor rash issues on Riba, I don't have the ability to take a chance at sun exposure.  Susan400

[susan400]

I started the treatment yesterday.  This is my regimen:

3 Riba and 1 Sovaldi w/food in the AM  
2 Riba w/food PM

I don't work and I do have sleep issues, so this regimen works better for me. I'm doing the 7 am and 7 pm .  

I started on Wed. June. 18 and I will do this Thurs.,Fri.Sat., Sun. and then, Mon. I will include the Interferon (Pegasys 180) with the regimen.  Mon. nights will be my shot nights and then, Wed. will be my weekly blood draws.

I'm thinking maybe that they wanted to see if they was anything that was unusual on the Riba/Sovaldi part of the regimen that stood out, before adding the Peg to the mix?  Since, for me, the Sovaldi is the new drug?

Also, I know others have been on the Riba/Sovaldi x 24 wks as their regimen w/o Interferon, so, maybe they also theorized that this would be safe and not an issue w/ going way outside of protocol?

[can-do-man]

Sounds like he want's you to do a 'lead in" before starting the interferon. I remember years ago there was some here doing this with SOC to get the riba build up in one's system. Can't recall anyone doing his with these new drugs but in your case your not the typical new treater either.

Really pulling for you gal.

[flyinlynn]

I forgot to mention to take the Ribavirin with food

[flyinlynn]

Hi Susan

Am I following what you said you are to take Ribavirin and Sovaldi every day beginning on Wednesday and then do the interferon injection on Monday night which would be day 6. Is that correct?

I am guessing your have either 5 or 6 pills a day of Riba which you would take 2 or 3 in the morning and the other three at night.

He wants you to take the Sovaldi at 4 pm every day. Is that also what you are saying?

The only thought I have is a lot of people prefer to take the shot on Friday night especially if they are working so they have the weekend to feel better by Monday. But If your Dr wants you to do your shot on day 6 he is your doctor so I would go with his recommendations if you have a question it would be better to ask your doctor

Good luck with your treatment
Lynn