Wait for new meds?

[soldieradvocate]

In order to qualify for a position I am interested in, I have to be Hep C free. I want to get started on Sovaldi and Olysio (sp) but my doctor wants me to wait for the new meds since my Hep C is not very advanced and no liver damage. I can't wait until Spring to qualify for this job. I am Genotype 1. What is the likelihood that Sovaldi and O will work or should I wait? The doctor is pretty adamant

[Sarah1949]

A lot of insurances don't want to pay unless you have cirrhosis and many doctors seem to support this. However, if you have good insurance you should be able to get treatment with the latest Gilead drug in a month or two. The only decent drugs available immediately, imo, are Sovaldi and Olysio and if your doctor won't give you a prescription, I would try another doctor. I had to see three specialists in order to get my prescription.

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Do you think that he's thinking you don't fit the criteria? Is that it? On the upside the newer tx only takes 8 weeks. S/O takes 12 weeks. You could call your Ins Co and ask what are the chances you will get approved. Then ask for a dr referral for one who will treat you. Who knows how long it will be after FDA approval before people can actually get Sofie/Ledip. Treating now is better than waiting of course.

[can-do-man]

I understand your doctors thinking being you have no liver damage. But in your case your reason for wanting to treat now is understandable. that said the combo of S/O seems to have very good cure rates and more so for someone with very little liver damage. When you say your type 1 is that 1a or 1b? 1b seems to have better success rates then 1a but both have very high cure rates.