TOPAZ I - Viekira Pak long Term outcomes clinical trial

[OdinLovesLife]

Posting this info for anyone considering treating with Viekira Pak.

I started in an open-label clinical to measure the long-term effectiveness of this treatment 9-days ago. It's a wonderful opportunity for me as there is no prescription medication insurance where I live. Harvoni is not even approved here yet, and even if it was, it's the most expensive in a suite of treatments that are already completely unaffordable. Our government run Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is unlikely to list it any of the treatments soon. Like most other countries it is highly unlikely that the scheme can justify the cost of treatment subsidy until someone is on a proven path toward requiring a liver transplant.

I have seen quite a few people posting about wanting Harvoni instead of Viekira Pak. I would want it too, if it was an option. So for people in the same boat, I am happy to say that is not too bad at all! A walk in the park on a sunny day compared to IFN treatments.

For those that like lots of detail this is the study. Might still be recruiting.
A Study to Evaluate Long-term Outcomes Following Treatment With ABT-450/Ritonavir/ABT-267 (ABT-450/r/ABT-267) and ABT-333 With or Without Ribavirin (RBV) in Adults With Genotype 1 Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection (TOPAZ-I)
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02219490?term=TOPAZ+I&rank=1

Viekira Pak - FDA prescribing information, side effects and uses
http://www.drugs.com/pro/viekira-pak.html

I will post my progress and numbers as time goes on.
GT1a C/T. Failed IFN/Riba combo treatment in b2008.

[SurfsideGal]

I did have ribavirin and was scared to death as my hemoglobin dropped horrifically on Peg and riba. This time it dropped a little bit...not enough to make me feel it. I was a cirrhotic 1a and did 24 weeks in Turquoise II.

[OdinLovesLife]

Did you have Ribavirin? I have been able to work the whole time during TX which was good. Certainly a breeze compared to Interferon. The trial nurse said the 1b's have no side effects.

[SurfsideGal]

Woo Hoo. I had no trouble with Viekira Pak and have been clear for over two years now.

[OdinLovesLife]

Got my undy!

Baseline: 6,000,000
Week 2: 42
Week 4: 20
Week 8: ZERO ZERO ZERO!!!

I am starting week 10 tomorrow. Coping a bit better with the haemoglobin drop but can't wait until this is over now. Sides are mostly more of the same but manageable. Slightly sore joints, and muscles, weakness. From week 9 the dizziness (normal without swordfish trombones) has eased up enough to walk a short distance without feeling like I am going to roll into the gutter. To celebrate I took myself and my undy out for a banquet with friends.

[OdinLovesLife]

Thanks Dee. Have seen it, but good to be reminded and good to share :-)

[Dee1956]

Hey there, thanks for updating!  I am so happy to see!  I found this article I hope might help you.  The new tx's aren't like the old ones where they wanted to you be UND by 4 or 8 weeks.  I don't know if you have seen this, I hope it helps you.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/HCV-UND---SVR-NEW-INFO/show/2527772