Hi Mac,

The blood level of Harvoni is reached rapidly and it will have perfused all tissue within the first day. The most important thing to know is Harvoni has a short half life and will clear your system in a matter of days. So it's very important to stay compliant, don't miss any doses and try to take them at the same times each day. Don't take it at the same time with antacids, ie aluminum/magnesium based products like Tums, etc. They recommend at least 4 hours between medication administration. Always talk to your doctor about the use of any other medication or supplement while on treatment. That's very important!

You should do fine on the 8 week protocol. You have mild to moderate fibrosis F2-3, are treatment naive and have GT 1a. Harvoni should work well, you fall right into the 8 week guidelines. In the off chance that you don't respond and that is rare, there are several other options available and in final trial phases that will be available. But that's not something you should be worrying about. We've seen high rates of success and right now, I can tell you your chances to beat this have never been better. Be confident and stay determined. 

One bit of advice is to concentrate on good hydration. You should be drinking at least a gallon of water per day, every day. That alone will help eliminate or minimize any side effects. Remember to stay rested and eat a healthy diet. There is a rumor going around the forum that Harvoni gives you a vicious sweet tooth, lol! Watch out for the ice cream and cookies! Stay in touch and good luck!

Well I started my 8 week Harvoni treatment today,

I have a couple of questions,

does it take a while for the meds to build up in my system ??

what if the 8 weeks treat plan does not work??

Hi Mike,

Thanks for posting your results. Genotype 1A is most common in the US and your viral load isn't that high, but honestly the viral count doesn't impact your ability or likelihood of achieving SVR. Since you haven't treated before and your viral count is low enough, you may be offered the 8 week course of Harvoni. That's up to your doctor and insurance provider. There are some very good options available to you that offer very high rates of success.

I'm not a big believer in the Fibrosure test. They can be helpful sometimes, but they rely on so many variables, if one is off, it can change the algorithm and alter the results. That test can be inaccurate at both the high and low end of the test range. I would trust the Fibroscan over the Fibrosure. One thing of note though, the higher your fibrosis score, the easier it is to obtain approval by the insurance provider. So the F3 score may get you approved right away, where the F2 won't. The higher score may work in your favor. Your doctor is more than likely aware of that though.

Keep us informed when you hear something. Good luck!

wife's test came back negative, as far as the back pain it comes and goes like all the other joint pain , but I have bad deep abdominal pains, they get so bad at times that it puts me down for a hour or so ,but my gastro specialist is going to check it out

Thanks for the replies, I got my blood work results in the mail today

Viral load is 436,000

Geno type is 1A

Fibro sure blood test says it predicts that my fibrosis is a F3, but my fibro scan says I was a F2 so I am a little confused on that ????

HCV FIBROSURE-blood test

Fibrosis score 0.64

NECROINFLAMMAT activity score 0.67

NECROINFLAMMAT activity grade A3-severe activity

ALPHA 2-MACROGLOBULINS QN 378mg/dl

not for sure what all that means but I was a F-2 now they are saying I am a F3???

all of my other results are normal except for the elevated Liver enzymes are high (same as original test a few months ago. I am waiting for the pre approval for Harvoni from  my insurance company so right now I am in  a holding pattern

Hi Mike.

 I missed your introductory post in the New Members Area back in Aug so I'd like to say welcome to you a couple of months late.

I'm glad you are getting all the testing done, just be sure to let us know what the results are. That way we will know which treatment train to save a seat for you on. Wishing you the best with getting treatment started.

Hey Mike,

I'm glad you checked back in. It appears as though you're getting all of the proper tests checked off the list. I hope you let us know the results of the viral load and genotype. They will give us (and you) a better idea of what lays ahead. Your fibrosis level is elevated but not advanced to cirrhosis and that's good news.

Last time we spoke, you mentioned that your wife was having some testing done too. I hope those tests went well. I'm wondering how your back pain is coming along? Let us know how you're both doing when you get a chance. We're hoping you get all of this resolved soon. Life will be back on track before you know it!

Hi there, Mike, sorry we haven`t replied to you before now, your post was overlooked.

Your fibroscan score is very good and indicates that although you do have a certain amount of fibrosis, it is not at an advanced stage.

Do you know which genotype you have yet, or is that one of the results you`re waiting for?

You must be relieved to be getting more information now, do let us know when you have more of your lab results through.  It will all become a lot clearer once you have more details and can then talk about what treatment you`ll do doing.

Good luck with it all!

I got my Fibroscan results in the mail today , kind of a generic letter from my doc's office they have me as a F2 , I am still waiting on the results for my blood work , to see what kind of treatment I am eligible for