when do veterans hosp.start new meds?

[jamila336]

Hi am new to this forum. I would like to know if there's any info on the new meds to b given to veterans at v.a. Hospitals. I am geno-type 1a did treatment for 7months  and was a non-responder. My virus mutated it is in the high millions. I have fatty liver and many side effects from the treatment. Any info would b realy appreciated as I am getting very anxious about my condition. The only thing that keeps me going is my faith in God Almighty. Am happy to b here with of u. U certainly r a special bunch of people. I'll keep u in my prayers. God bless all of you and thanks. Jamila336 NY

[jamila336]

Have u heard any info on the new meds and when they might be out for vets. No one seems too be giving me a straight answer. Any info u might have is much apprecitated.   Jamila336   New york

[jamila336]

I pray that your husband gets the help that he deserves after serving his country. I myself know how hard and difficult the v.a. can be especially when u have too wait on something from them. It's like the army hurry up and wait. Just keep bugging them like I do it'll do wonders believe me. I myself have'nt gotton concrete answers as too when the new meds will be distrubuted just waiting and getting anxious. I pray for everyone on this forum I know how difficult life is when having hep.c. take care and God bless, Lots of luck.    Jamila 336 New York

[4chihuahuas]

My husband is supposed to start the new med  protease inhibitor at the Danville IL VA very soon.  They are prepping him for it now and last month they said they expected to have it in any day so according to that I assume they must have it by now. They have a web site so maybe you could see about contacting them. My husband is in stage 4 cirrhosis with hep/c and they are putting him thrugh a bunch of tests next month in order to make sure he is ok for the treatment.

[domusic]

I discussed this issue with my infectious disease doc at the Cleveland VA. He's also head of infectious diseases at University Hospital here. His comments were the drug companies are already producing the drugs waiting for FDA approval and most likely already taking orders. He also said the VA should have the drugs within 3 to 4 weeks of approval. The VA is probably their biggest customer so I imagine they'll go to great lengths to fill their orders. He said I would probably treat 1 to 2 months after that. I hope he's right and I don't have to wait a year . . .

Good luck to all of you.

Domusic

[jamila336]

Thanks for the info I truly appreciate it. I had my liver biopsy in 2006. The v.a. Only did my treatment. I never realy have any idea about whats going on. Each doctors visit is always with a different doctor so I never know what's realy going on. If I ask to many questions they immediately label me anxious. I find they don't give appropriate care for veterans. I was never monitored while on interfuron and ribavaron.  I was suppose to take 1200 mg. Ribavaron but, they reduced it to riv. 600mg so my virus realy mutated into the millions. I ended up with very low blood plateles and anemia. Any how my liver is'nt in great shape but, am employed. My ankles get swollen. Awaiting new meds. I have faith in God. Take it a day at a time. We shall beat this. Thank God for this web site and thank God for u guys. Stay well I have an appt. At the v.a. I'll what info I can gathes. U stay well. Nice meeting u. Jamila336

[fretboard]

Welcome!  Hopefully someone on this forum can help you with your questions.  If not find the best VA hospital that specializes in liver disease and get in touch with someone there who can answer your questions.  Since many military personnel were infected in the service maybe the military will have access to the triple therapy drugs (telaprevir and boceprevir) sooner than us civilians, you never know.  good luck to you and thank you for your service!!!    

[hcvJames]

Welcome to the forum. No one seems to know the answer. The VA may be the only place to find the answer. You would think it would be less than, say, 6 months. What stage did your biopsy put you at? What kind of treatment did you take? The standard Interferon and Ribaviron OR one of the new drugs? The "virus mutated" has me wondering if you meant something else. Did your doc say anything about how deal with the fatty liver? I have a fatty liver also (plus 1b). I don't know anything about it other than the vague idea to cut out a lot of fatty food.

Google "when will the VA get new hep c drugs" and it comes up with 2.9 million results. Of course 2.5 million plus aren't really an answer but just contain some of the search words ... but since the results are prioritized there has be some info in the first few results pages.

Please stay with us, lots of good people here with experience, knowledge, and support.

All the very best.