Just to clarify,
I disagree with this statement:
"it would seem to make sense to simply extend full treatment another four weeks or so rather than lesson inf"
The whole idea of tapering off is to allow the immune system to slowly adjust to fight on its own. I think more benefit would come from the tapering then adding 4 weeks of a full doses.
As for not knowing what tweaking or tapering TX with the new PI's will do, I can only speak for the PI I did, Telaprevir. I didn't have any adverse effects from tapering off the inf.
I realize that many people did what they felt they had to do as far as their own particular tx.and that protocols were often altered and as you did above told the OP what you thought worked for you.Also ,you asked your Hepa what his thoughts were and got the go ahead to step outside the box somewhat.
My point to the OP was that as just laymen I would pass on to others personal experiences(like you did) however, personally would be very reluctant to advise anyone to take extra or less of anything,especially now with the new meds involved and nobody knowing yet how these will effect us in the long term....,as one of the posters above did by suggesting "it would seem to make sense to simply extend full treatment another four weeks or so rather than lesson inf"
I just personally would not be comfortable advising that to anyone treating.
Yes...all done on this...and apologies flcyclist...again congrats on your success.
Best to you
Will
""If one thinks there might be remaining virons, it seems to make sense to simply extend full treatment another four weeks or so rather than drop the riba and lessen the interferon. "
This sentence seems like advice to me on how much medication to take "
No...simply a comparison between tapering over four weeks or doing full treatment over four weeks if the theory is to mop up any remaining virons by tapering. I've explained my intent but you insist on accusing me of pushing my point of view and now prescribing medication! rather than sharing my own thoughts on the subject, no different than anyone else in this thread...or you in the many threads you post in. This is twice now I've clarified and twice more than I should have, so I'll leave you to your own interpretations and I don't wish to interrupt this thread any further in response to your interpretations.
flcyclist.......my apologies. :( Scots wha hae.
I don't consider taking an additional 1 & 3/4 shots extending tx. Extending tx to me would be doing 72 weeks. Many members here, especially the old timers became pro-active and "thought outside the box" when it came to "their" TX. No one followed a particular protocol and did what they thought was right for them. Many did extra shots if they had them left over at end of tx. People come to the internet seeking help and opinions. They then decide what is right for them.
I'm not telling anyone to taper off. I felt it was right for me and gave my opinion on why I think it worked for me.
When I was treating I asked a hepatologist about the tapering off and he liked the idea. He told me go for it.
flycyclist..I know you were just looking at theory"s and discussion.. good luck with tx.. ..I know you are off to a great start.. a real good predictor of success.. hang in ..:)
Will
Will/Trish,
I recognize all information provided here as opinions, taking everything with a grain of salt and would never change treatment protocol without discussing with the doctor. I also recognize the depth of knowledge of some who have been fighting this battle and I appreciate and respect your input. The information provided has helped me better prepare and understand the challenges of treatment.
Thanks again........
Have you looked at trough levels on the decreased dosage? With pegylated interferon, you might be exposing yourself to little or no interferon for some days of the week. I don't know the answer to this, but if you decrease your dose and your trough levels drop too far, you might be allowing virons to start reproducing once again. I think this is a risky approach. If you extend treatment another 4 weeks and taper during that period, you will have taken the prescribed dose for the proper duration and just be experimenting with the value of a taper.
Personally, I think interferon is so toxic that I wouldn't extend my treatment for one hour. I also wouldn't take a risk by dropping trough levels to the point where the virus could start reproducing once again. The very reason pegylated interferon was developed and is more potent than standard interferon, is that the trough levels remain high between doses.