Hi Donna and glad you found our forum. You have a great attitude and I'm confident you'll tough it out for the remainder of Tx. Tig's advice is spot on. As a Riba veteran, you've been down this road, but the duration will be shorter and you know you will make it. Your odds of beating HCV are significantly better than your past Tx experience, which makes all this worthwhile.
Good luck and hopefully see you on the Viekira Pak Treatment Train!
john
Tig said
Mar 18, 2015
Hello again Donna,
Since you're on VP w/Riba, the incidence of rashes have been as high as 24% of the trial participants (Turquoise). Most of us that took that drug had issues with it in one or more ways, so it's not uncommon at all. The rash and itching can be helped by the hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines, like Benadryl or Zyrtec, but check with your doctor first. Don't take hot showers, luke warm if possible and consider every other day if you're accustomed to daily baths/showers. I have emphasize one thing, DON'T SCRATCH! It will make it far worse and stay out of the direct sun if possible. If you weren't aware, Ribavirin causes sun sensitivity, which will cause rashes and severe sunburn. You should cover up and use a minimum SPF15 when you go out. You should also consider a hat and always wear UV blocking sunglasses. It sounds like a lot to consider but it becomes much easier in short order. Hopefully your experiences will be far easier, but it's good to know and understand the possibilities. It gets easier! Good luck...
Tig
"Skin Reactions
In PEARL-II, -III and -IV, 7% of subjects receiving VIEKIRA PAK alone and 10% of subjects receiving VIEKIRA PAK with ribavirin reported rash-related events. In SAPPHIRE-I and -II 16% of subjects receiving VIEKIRA PAK with ribavirin and 9% of subjects receiving placebo reported skin reactions. In TURQUOISE-II, 18% and 24% of subjects receiving VIEKIRA PAK with ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks reported skin reactions. The majority of events were graded as mild in severity. There were no serious events or severe cutaneous reactions, such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), erythema multiforme (EM) or drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)"
Thanks for the welcome. Glad to know the Viekira Pak + Riba is worst the first couple of weeks. Yesterday was a bear and I was not real upbeat about the next 11 weeks. Today is a better day so far (rash still here but not as bad and headache is also better). I will hang tough!
Donna
Cinnamon Girl said
Mar 18, 2015
Just want to say welcome to the forum Jill and Donna! I`m glad you`ve joined us, you`re in good friendly company here so feel free to join in and ask any questions you may have.
Best of luck to you both and to you too, Kerry!
lilbit said
Mar 18, 2015
Hang tight on the Viekira Pak Donna. My first couple weeks took me by surprise but it got better very quick. It works, just keep that in mind.
Tig said
Mar 17, 2015
Hi Donna,
Welcome! I'm glad you're here and are getting the chance to start the new Viekira Pak protocol. It's very effective but like most protocols, that first week can be a bear. It has gotten easier for others and I hope it does the same for you. Whatever happens, we're always here to discuss ant questions or problems.
Good luck! Others will be along soon to welcome you to the forum. Be well!
Tig
Triple said
Mar 17, 2015
Hi, another newbie here. I was diagnosed with Hep C in 2000 probably got it in the early 70's. Anyway, I've been pretty healthy - but I figure the older I get the likiehood of staying heathly with this virus will be harder. I treated unsuccessfully with Interferon and riba in 2005. I've been waiting for new drugs to come along with less side effects to treat again. I started with Viekira Pak and the hated "riba" on March 12 (my insurance is with Express Scripts). First 3 days was a breeze and then came the riba rash and headache. I will tough this out -- anything should be doable for 12 weeks.
Donna
Gator Man said
Mar 17, 2015
Welcome Kerry and Jill. You've arrived at a good place with lots of support and information to assist with your treatment (Tx) and beyond. I suggest that both of you board the Harvoni Treatment Train thread to see how others are coping with Harvoni. Your input and feedback from treatment will be greatly appreciated.
Jill, you are on a good path to get through treatment with a low fat diet and exercise. I suggest that if you haven't already, make hydration a priority, particularly before and after exercise. This has been beneficial with other members while on Tx to minimize side effects (Sx). Overall, your experience should be much better than your six months on Interferon and Riba.
Kerry, the same advice applies when you start Harvoni, hopefully on Friday.
Good luck to both of you, and keep us posted!
john, a.k.a. Gator Man.
Jilzyk10 said
Mar 17, 2015
Hello...I'm a newbie to the group. Wish I could say the same for Hep. C
I found out over 30 years ago that I had the virus however back then it did not have a name!! It was referred to as Non A NonB hepatitis.
About 8 years ago I was in the 11 month trial for Interferon & Ribavirin but only made it through 6 months. I was very sick and working 2 jobs. Had to end it the treatment early. Relapsed and now years later I'm 4 weeks in on the Harvoni treatment. I feel yucky but push through working out, power walking, and playing a round of golf 3 times a week.
Luckily after all these years I have not shown symptoms of Hep. C and work hard at living a healthy lifestyle. Exercise & a low fat diet have been my saviors.
Now 8 weeks left to go on Harvoni and I am wondering how long after treatment does the fatigue, head aches and other side effects last.
Tig said
Mar 1, 2015
Hi Kerry,
Welcome to the forum! While there have been several issues with approvals of the Harvoni protocol, there have been some improvements in the process of late. So I wouldn't worry about it at this point, because you may be pleasantly surprised. Whatever happens, we're here to help you any way we can. There are many here that have been where you're currently at, so don't hesitate to ask questions. You'll find the appropriate subjects via the home page or the search function. You can add to an existing thread or start your own. I'm including a link to some helpful information here on the forum. We use several abbreviations and many of us place our history down in our signature line. One of our members (Mike) was kind enough to put together some instructions that will help you with that if you're interested. So welcome again, I'm glad you're here! Good luck...
Hi Donna and glad you found our forum. You have a great attitude and I'm confident you'll tough it out for the remainder of Tx. Tig's advice is spot on. As a Riba veteran, you've been down this road, but the duration will be shorter and you know you will make it. Your odds of beating HCV are significantly better than your past Tx experience, which makes all this worthwhile.
Good luck and hopefully see you on the Viekira Pak Treatment Train!
john
Hello again Donna,
Since you're on VP w/Riba, the incidence of rashes have been as high as 24% of the trial participants (Turquoise). Most of us that took that drug had issues with it in one or more ways, so it's not uncommon at all. The rash and itching can be helped by the hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines, like Benadryl or Zyrtec, but check with your doctor first. Don't take hot showers, luke warm if possible and consider every other day if you're accustomed to daily baths/showers. I have emphasize one thing, DON'T SCRATCH! It will make it far worse and stay out of the direct sun if possible. If you weren't aware, Ribavirin causes sun sensitivity, which will cause rashes and severe sunburn. You should cover up and use a minimum SPF15 when you go out. You should also consider a hat and always wear UV blocking sunglasses. It sounds like a lot to consider but it becomes much easier in short order. Hopefully your experiences will be far easier, but it's good to know and understand the possibilities. It gets easier! Good luck...
Tig
"Skin Reactions
In PEARL-II, -III and -IV, 7% of subjects receiving VIEKIRA PAK alone and 10% of subjects receiving VIEKIRA PAK with ribavirin reported rash-related events. In SAPPHIRE-I and -II 16% of subjects receiving VIEKIRA PAK with ribavirin and 9% of subjects receiving placebo reported skin reactions. In TURQUOISE-II, 18% and 24% of subjects receiving VIEKIRA PAK with ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks reported skin reactions. The majority of events were graded as mild in severity. There were no serious events or severe cutaneous reactions, such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), erythema multiforme (EM) or drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)"
http://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/viekirapak_pi.pdf
Thanks for the welcome. Glad to know the Viekira Pak + Riba is worst the first couple of weeks. Yesterday was a bear and I was not real upbeat about the next 11 weeks. Today is a better day so far (rash still here but not as bad and headache is also better). I will hang tough!
Donna
Just want to say welcome to the forum Jill and Donna! I`m glad you`ve joined us, you`re in good friendly company here so feel free to join in and ask any questions you may have.
Best of luck to you both and to you too, Kerry!
Hi Donna,
Welcome! I'm glad you're here and are getting the chance to start the new Viekira Pak protocol. It's very effective but like most protocols, that first week can be a bear. It has gotten easier for others and I hope it does the same for you. Whatever happens, we're always here to discuss ant questions or problems.
I'd like to point out a thread we have that was established for our Viekira Pak members. http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t59659874/all-aboard-for-the-viekira-pak-treatment-train-enjoy-the-rid/ Feel free to ask any questions you like or post your own experiences with it.
Good luck! Others will be along soon to welcome you to the forum. Be well!
Tig
Hi, another newbie here. I was diagnosed with Hep C in 2000 probably got it in the early 70's. Anyway, I've been pretty healthy - but I figure the older I get the likiehood of staying heathly with this virus will be harder. I treated unsuccessfully with Interferon and riba in 2005. I've been waiting for new drugs to come along with less side effects to treat again. I started with Viekira Pak and the hated "riba" on March 12 (my insurance is with Express Scripts). First 3 days was a breeze and then came the riba rash and headache. I will tough this out -- anything should be doable for 12 weeks.
Donna
Welcome Kerry and Jill. You've arrived at a good place with lots of support and information to assist with your treatment (Tx) and beyond. I suggest that both of you board the Harvoni Treatment Train thread to see how others are coping with Harvoni. Your input and feedback from treatment will be greatly appreciated.
Jill, you are on a good path to get through treatment with a low fat diet and exercise. I suggest that if you haven't already, make hydration a priority, particularly before and after exercise. This has been beneficial with other members while on Tx to minimize side effects (Sx). Overall, your experience should be much better than your six months on Interferon and Riba.
Kerry, the same advice applies when you start Harvoni, hopefully on Friday.
Good luck to both of you, and keep us posted!
john, a.k.a. Gator Man.
I found out over 30 years ago that I had the virus however back then it did not have a name!! It was referred to as Non A NonB hepatitis.
About 8 years ago I was in the 11 month trial for Interferon & Ribavirin but only made it through 6 months. I was very sick and working 2 jobs. Had to end it the treatment early. Relapsed and now years later I'm 4 weeks in on the Harvoni treatment. I feel yucky but push through working out, power walking, and playing a round of golf 3 times a week.
Luckily after all these years I have not shown symptoms of Hep. C and work hard at living a healthy lifestyle. Exercise & a low fat diet have been my saviors.
Now 8 weeks left to go on Harvoni and I am wondering how long after treatment does the fatigue, head aches and other side effects last.
Hi Kerry,
Welcome to the forum! While there have been several issues with approvals of the Harvoni protocol, there have been some improvements in the process of late. So I wouldn't worry about it at this point, because you may be pleasantly surprised. Whatever happens, we're here to help you any way we can. There are many here that have been where you're currently at, so don't hesitate to ask questions. You'll find the appropriate subjects via the home page or the search function. You can add to an existing thread or start your own. I'm including a link to some helpful information here on the forum. We use several abbreviations and many of us place our history down in our signature line. One of our members (Mike) was kind enough to put together some instructions that will help you with that if you're interested. So welcome again, I'm glad you're here! Good luck...
Tig
Abbreviations and Signature
iwas diagnosed nearly 15 years ago and fortunately have never been too affected by the diseas so waiting for the better treatment was not an issue.
scheduled to start Harvoni this Friday. Still a bit anctious whether I'll get the prescription or not
nice to hear so many related stories and experiences
Kerry