I treated for shingles in 2008 with Valtrex and treated with Sovaldi/Olysio in 2014 succesfully, I'm SVR and 16 months past the end of treatment. So I hope that helps to put your mind at ease.
Steve76 said
Oct 30, 2015
Okay, thanks for the help, I need to settle down. I got the flu shot already, just worried about getting the second hep b shot right before treatment. I am the ultimate worrier. I have OCD (I really do... diagnosed years ago)I look for anything! I need to back off online med stuff for a bit. Thanks for your help!
-- Edited by Steve76 on Friday 30th of October 2015 03:56:46 PM
wmlj1960 said
Oct 30, 2015
Hi Steve.
I haven't found any evidence related to valacyclovir and HCV viral mutations. In the past I was taking 500mg per day Valtrex (valacyclovir) but the dose was reduced to 250mg per day this past spring due to interaction with one of my HIV medications. It had nothing to do with HCV or my HCV treatment medication Harvoni. I would be interested in reading more about this subject if you have a link to the information source?
What is your concern with the HBV vaccine? I had mine done for HAV and HBV with no problem.
I understand you not wanting to set your expectations high - so failure won't seem so catastrophic if it happens. But don't let your worry defeat you either. Last year, when I was treated with Sov/Ribavirin for 24 months, I worried about a lot of stuff that only added to the depression caused by the Ribavirin. This time I am doing what I can do which is, take my medicine on schedule, eat healthy, get adequate exercise and stay adequately hydrated. If I fail this time, it won't be because of anything I did or did not do, so why worry. Life will go on and I'll take the next step toward the solution.
Try to calm down and take one step at a time Steve. This is Friday - there will be a Saturday.
Tig said
Oct 30, 2015
Hi Steve,
I have done some reading on your questions and don't think you have anything to worry about. It's always recommended to have an annual flu shot and during treatment it's very important. These medications can run you down and that flu shot will help prevent you from contracting it when you might be most susceptible. I checked some online drug interaction information and can find no mention at all that would indicate a problem with Harvoni and Valtrex. You can contact Gilead at the patient assistance line and discuss it with one of their representatives, but there is no warning provided in the Harvoni patient literature either. Your Hepatologist should be able to calm your concern as well. As far as the Hep B vaccine, that is definitely not a problem. The HBV vaccination is highly recommended.
Do your best to relax and try to not worry about treatment failing. This is one of the best protocols available and your chances for success are extremely high. Good luck!
Steve76 said
Oct 30, 2015
I am a serious worrier and now I am worried that my treatment for Shingles with Valtrex( Valaciclovir )caused the virus to mutate. Anyone else here clear the virus after being treated for Shingles before treatment(for me 4 years)?
I am also scheduled to receive my second shot for the Hep B vaccine worried about that as well. I start the Harvoni treatment mid November.
I guess I am preparing myself for failure so the blow of it not working is lessened, it seems to be my default mode.
Okay, thanks for the help, I need to settle down. I got the flu shot already, just worried about getting the second hep b shot right before treatment. I am the ultimate worrier. I have OCD (I really do... diagnosed years ago)I look for anything! I need to back off online med stuff for a bit. Thanks for your help!
-- Edited by Steve76 on Friday 30th of October 2015 03:56:46 PM
Hi Steve.
I haven't found any evidence related to valacyclovir and HCV viral mutations. In the past I was taking 500mg per day Valtrex (valacyclovir) but the dose was reduced to 250mg per day this past spring due to interaction with one of my HIV medications. It had nothing to do with HCV or my HCV treatment medication Harvoni. I would be interested in reading more about this subject if you have a link to the information source?
What is your concern with the HBV vaccine? I had mine done for HAV and HBV with no problem.
I understand you not wanting to set your expectations high - so failure won't seem so catastrophic if it happens. But don't let your worry defeat you either. Last year, when I was treated with Sov/Ribavirin for 24 months, I worried about a lot of stuff that only added to the depression caused by the Ribavirin. This time I am doing what I can do which is, take my medicine on schedule, eat healthy, get adequate exercise and stay adequately hydrated. If I fail this time, it won't be because of anything I did or did not do, so why worry. Life will go on and I'll take the next step toward the solution.
Try to calm down and take one step at a time Steve. This is Friday - there will be a Saturday.
Hi Steve,
I have done some reading on your questions and don't think you have anything to worry about. It's always recommended to have an annual flu shot and during treatment it's very important. These medications can run you down and that flu shot will help prevent you from contracting it when you might be most susceptible. I checked some online drug interaction information and can find no mention at all that would indicate a problem with Harvoni and Valtrex. You can contact Gilead at the patient assistance line and discuss it with one of their representatives, but there is no warning provided in the Harvoni patient literature either. Your Hepatologist should be able to calm your concern as well. As far as the Hep B vaccine, that is definitely not a problem. The HBV vaccination is highly recommended.
Do your best to relax and try to not worry about treatment failing. This is one of the best protocols available and your chances for success are extremely high. Good luck!
I am a serious worrier and now I am worried that my treatment for Shingles with Valtrex( Valaciclovir )caused the virus to mutate. Anyone else here clear the virus after being treated for Shingles before treatment(for me 4 years)?
I am also scheduled to receive my second shot for the Hep B vaccine worried about that as well. I start the Harvoni treatment mid November.
I guess I am preparing myself for failure so the blow of it not working is lessened, it seems to be my default mode.
Any help would be appreciated