Rebetol is the branded drug manufactured by Schering Plough. Ribavirin is the generic form.

Rebetol is the branded drug. Ribavirin is the generic.

Well, I wish I would have found and became a member of this site 3-4 weeks ago.  The info and encouragement has been great.  While the injector type and needle size was a bit of an issue, I think I could go with either now. 

Part of what I was originally wondering too was if anyone, familiar with both drugs, might know if side effects vary from one brand to the other or perhaps fights the disease better, etc.

I did find some info on the subject through my new friend Google (thanks Samby), but the stage has been set and it looks like my drugs are finally in.  The Pharmacy called today but because of the snow storm (which is hitting as I write this), won't be able to deliver them until Thursday or Friday.

Looks like I'll be using Pegintron and Rebetol.  Never heard of the latter until today, apparently my insurance wouldn't pay for Ribavirin and this is the generic.  So stay tuned, I'll post a thread when the fun begins and let everyone know how I'm making out. 

Oh, and ty mentions taking the ribas (my case rebes) with "fatty foods." Is this a fat soluble food then?  Like, fatty as in cheesecake or pork ribs?

Okay all - take care,
Randy

You're over-analyzing it. Google is your friend: http://www.pegasys.com/hcp/encourage-success.aspx 27 Gauge, half inch.

Randy, A good idea might be to do to the doc for your first injection. It helped me,the nurse coached me through it. It's counter intuitive to inject yourself but, the needle is so tiny and sharp it's not very intimidating. I agree with Brendan it's a comfort to watch the syringe empty. It's reassuring to see the meds go in. Good luck with that snow. James

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Yeah, BJ -basically I think it's the needle issue. I don't really have a fear of needles if someones giving me a shot, but the idea of giving myself a shot has me questioning my ability.  I seen both videos by Pegasys and Pegintron and the pen looked like a substantially shorter needle.  The Pegasys video says you have to push it all the way in, and I'm thinking it looked like about an inch (25 mm) long needle compared to say 3/8 inch (10mm) or so for the pen. 

My doc originally wrote the script for the Pegasys.  It takes like a week for my insurance to pre-approve it.  Meanwhile, I found out and inquired about the pen and they asked if I wanted to switch to that.  I said yes, not realizing it was a totally different company.  So to make a long story short, the switcheroo has caused some confusion between the insurance co, the docs office, and the pharmacy - and I'm going into the 4th week of waiting to get the drugs (Speaking of bringing up the past Killer Bee).

And all of this started going on prior to finding this site, in fact that's why I found this site.  Anyway, I began to look into the finer details of the two drugs, and am wondering if maybe I shouldn't have questioned what the doc prescribed.  I know I'm getting pretty gitty about the whole thing and am probably just letting my mind do too much thinking about insignificant stuff.  But I thought I'd throw the question out here to the forum.  What I read so far has definitely given me a better level of confidence about using either one as far as the needle is concerned.

I would have been nice if the doc would have discussed both with me too.  He's in his office like once a week and.... I don't know, I guess I'm just anxious to get this whole thing started so I can quit wondering this or that.  I really thought I was going to get to start again today, and again there was some delay because the doc didn't send something to insurance.

But hey, I live in Michigan and there's a big storm headed this way for Tues and Wed - and it must just be that the powers that be think I need to be in tip top shape to shovel this 16 inches of snow we're predicted to get.  Gotta stay positive, right?

Randy

Hi All,  I have to agree with the shots being a nonissue.  I was worried about the first one, but when it was done I realized that I couldn't feel a thing.  I think taking the ribas every twelve hours with fatty foods is actually more of a hassle.  Whichever method you're given by your Doc will work out fine.  Take care, ty

Hi
I agree with BJ, the needles are so fine you dont really feel them going in. I think they're prob similar to those used for acapuncture.
Hope this helps.

Lesleyxx

Gidday Everyone,

Having done it quite a few times I have and had no problem with the injections.  I did try out the pens and found them of little or no diference except I couldn't see what was happening.

The needles sound all scary and stuff but the needles themselves are so small and fine you barely feel anything, and I mean anything, and I've got skin like leather.  I liked the injections 'cause I could see what was happening, and I don't know how many people I've heard ask over the last few years if they did it right ?  If they use the injection you can usually always say, but it's not always such a clear issue with the pens.

What makes you think that you would find it easier using the pen, is it a fear of needles or something like that, because if it is the needles are ridiculously small and make me wish you could get hold of such fine needles in the old days, there is NO resistance at the point of it going in, they just slip into the pinch of fat you inject into, and there's NO pain.

Never had a problem. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Brendan.

Not to bring up the past, argue or get graphic, but I was well accustomed to syringes...this is how I contracted Hep C. 

The Pen...in my mind is, so simple and easy.  I would think that anybody that has not had much experience with needles...would find it much easier to do.

Regardless, neither way is easy at first.  You get into a ritual or routine and you quickly become your own nurse. 

My best wishes to everyone's journey to recovery,
Bee

hey killer  off treatment 2 years in april your  doing great as well love it.. i did one year also makes 3 wow cool

Hi Randy,

All I know is the Pen type injector kicks butt!  It makes a very awkward moment, very much easier! 

Best wishes on your treatment!!

Bee

Hi, I'm a new member about to start treatment. I am wondering if anyone in treatment knows if there is any big difference in these two drugs other than one has the syringe and the other the pen type injector?

The hep c book I have says one is basically a different consistency, but as far as the actual treatment - does one have different side affects than the other or do a better job of ridding the virus in certain situations.

I'm thinking it would be easier to do the injections with the pen for me.  Any input about either would be appreciated.

Thanks