What is Lead In?

[yoyoma123]

I have been reading about the new drug and there is a term I don't understand. What is lead in? They are talking about lead in this and lead in that. What does this lead in mean.

Also now that Victrelis is FDA Approved does this mean is out on the market already?

[yoyoma123]

but telaprevir is with lead in as well? or just Victrelis.

I thought Telaprevir is taken from the beginning.

So lead in is take ribs and pegasys for 4 weeks and depending on the result you take victrelis?

[smaug48]

Forgive me if this was explained in another thread.  The reason for the lead in is to ensure the patient responds to peg/riba, and the determining measurement is a 1 log drop in viral load at the end of the lead in 4 weeks?

What if a patient doesn't get a 1 log drop in those lead in 4 weeks?

[frijole]

Eiether that or the doctor has not read the labeling for Boceprevir yet

[spectda]

"I asked my Dr today about the lead in on the drugs and he said no I would start with all three.? Is this a new protocol?"

I imagine you are going to use telaprevir, ribavirin and interferon, the proctocol for that combo is to start all three from the beginning.
good luck with your tx,
Dave

[screaming48]

I asked my Dr today about the lead in on the drugs and he said no I would start with all three.? Is this a new protocol?

[Gee704]

The "lead in" is  simply for the first four weeks you will begin your treatment with two drugs: Ribavirin and Interferon. At the start of the fifth week, Victrelis to create a three drug combo.

Victrelis is on its way to market and should be available within days.