Ooops did it again

[hcvJames]

People have posted how missing a set of pills, like the morning set, usually isn't a big deal. However in the last four months I've missed between two and three sets a month. The VL test in Sept and Oct were UND, so short term it isn't a problem. How about long term? Will this materially affect chances of SVR?

btw: this morning was the first miss for this month, it's really irritating ...

[Diane12855]

Yes, brain fog can be a culprit. I have found that if I do things at the same time it helps... Like take your pills with breakfast and supper. I put all of  my pills for the week in my weekly pill box thingy and I leave it where I'll see it. I even load up my pill box at the same time every Sunday. With brain fog, we have to utilize every trick in the book.

Diane

[hcvJames]

Thanks for the tips in keeping track. I use some of them ... except when I forget :-} As for the subconscious thing I know it happens but can I blame it on brain fog? As an example I was scheduled for blood work on 11/01 but some reason I decided the day after 10/24 was 11/01 and went in a week early. Thanks all.

[blondie717]

alarm clocks are great and so are calanders, but is there someone who can call or come over to remind you to take your pills

[Diane12855]

I would ask myself why I'm missing all of these doses, if I were you. The subconscious makes us do lots of things. One of the reasons listed for failure to reach SVR is noncompliance with dosing regimen.

I don't know how much longer you have on tx but you should do whatever is necessary to make sure you don't miss anymore. I use the alarm on my cell phone too.

I know if I went through this tx, and missed as many times as you say you have and then relapsed, I would REALLY be mad at myself.

Diane

[SusieS2010]

This probably isn't too important at this time. You're on standard of care, right? Just interferon and ribavirin?  If you were on one of the protease inhibitors it could be a very serious problem, especially when the non-interferon combos become available. But even with one protease plus inf and riba, resistance can become a huge issue if adherance is ignored. That can cause failure of the nedication to work and resistance to any other drugs in that class of meds.

[Survivor45]

During tx I missed a dose of riba using a pill organizer and freaked.  After that I printed out a calendar of the remaining months left.  Each time I took my pills, I wrote M for morning and E for evening on the calendar.  I know it sounds a bit like elementary school, but it worked for me.

[Trinity4]

By the time we get to to the end of treatment I think SVR is predetermined.  The meds have done all they can do and either they've effectively suppressed the virus enough that relapse doesn't occur or they haven't.  

I'll use myself as an example. Given my late response to SOC and even though I did 72 weeks of treatment I could of have gone on and done 102 weeks and in all probability still not achieved SVR.  However, in your case you responded very well to SOC, even with the setbacks, got an EVR and have been UND ever since so it's very likely you will achieve SVR despite having missed the ribavirin doses.

Trinity  

[hcvJames]

Already predetermined? I'm UND as recently as 10/24/10 but SVR isn't predetermined, relapses happen. Bill said once, to the effect, tx became a security blanket. Our situations are different but as my tx comes to an end this may be the second tinge of separation anxiety.

Thanks

[orphanedhawk]

I set the alarm on my cell phone to remind me to take my pills and I use one of those daily pill organizers.
Now, I usually remember without the alarm however it stops those, oops moments.

[Trinity4]

You started treatment in 12/09 and went down a bumpy road with some starts and stops if I recall.  Now that it's 11/10 I would think the outcome of your treatment has already been pre determined anyway so in my opinion, fretting about it would be a waste of time.  Just try not to forget anymore doses.

Trinity

[babs824]

i do not know the answer but i forgot riba one morn and just took half extra in the next 2 doses. i was not using my pill box at the time and now i check off a calendar each time i take the meds. i cant think of any more ways to assure compliance but i feel that it is very important and must be taken seriously. i have always been very lax about taking my  meds as none are critical but this is a different story. good luck.