Relapsed

[Tekelcat]

After 24 weeks of INF, Ribavirin, GS5885 and another Gilead, UND by week 6, then straight into another 24 weeks of INF and Ribavirin, my PCR shows HVC RNA at week 12 EOT. HCV-1a. CC. Very tough year of tx with lots of sides. What now? Hepa says no more INF. Sofobuvir (GS7977) not doing so well with 1a and 1b and not yet tested on relapses. I'm 62, moderate fibrosis prior to tx. I'm tired. What to do?

[can-do-man]

"Usually when one  fails tx. with one of these new medications,the reason is from their lack of sensitivity to the Interferon."

Not quite sure I understand that as if one still had the other 2 new drugs and relapsed what would make it any different without the Interferon???

[can-do-man]

I agree, go for it. You had a great response to just Riba and interferon being you were und at week 6. Add one of the PI's to the mix and you should be good to go...... Depending on your stage of liver it looks great for a short course......... Hang in there.

[crossroadsec]

Go for it! What relief you must feel. How is your liver disease? I have a bad memory. Will you go 48 or 24? Happy happy for you! Karen:)

[Tekelcat]

Wow!!! My hepa talked to Gilead and they unblinded me. I got the placebo and not the GS trial protease inhibitor. This means I can retreat with PI. Now doing a new Fibroscan, CT for lymph lesions, and talking about whether I can survive INF again. For us HCV 1 people, INF still seems inevitable. Sofosbuvir (spelling) is now looking not so good for genotype 1 alone or with GS5885. I could start Telaprevir on Boceprevir in July, if I want. What do you think guys?

[Tekelcat]

Hey frijole, I was UND at 6 weeks with INF, Ribavirin, and the two GS trial drugs, one of which may have been a placebo. Trial protocol was that if I went UND at Week 4 or earlier, tx would have ceased at Week 24. If UND later than Week 4 then trial drugs stopped at Week 24 but the old SOC of INF and Ribavirin continued to Week 48.

I responded to INF and the nearly catastrophic side effects were from the INF because they continued, even worsened, after the trial drugs stopped. Given my Fibroscan level of 8, gender, CC allele, and overall excellent health, we were all surprised when I dragged my feet with UND and then relapsed after tx ended. HCV-1a is a tough one, and I'm pretty sure I got the placebo rather than the GS trial protease inhibitor because while all the other pills had distinctive chemical smells when I opened their bottles, the PI just smelled like salt. I once chewed one and it tasted like sodium bicarbonate.

But Gilead should unblind me now so I have choices in July, when I will have had 6 months of rest and maybe ready to try again. I am going to put pressure on them.

[UKgirl55]

The good news as far as I can see is that you didn't have Sofosbuvir (7977) and that the next time around you can treat with it. I have great faith in this drug and a different combo will be a whole different story. I'm not surprised that combo failed you. NO more interferon. The next time around will be a more gentle treatment! I wouldn't take any trial that had a placebo. Gilead may very well offer you something else with 7977. Second piece of good news is that you gave your liver a well deserved rest from being attacked from this ugly virus. Keep your chin up....there really is good news on the horizon.