I did 12 weeks of Harvoni but probably would have qualified for 8 weeks. If I had been prescribed 8-weeks, I would have pushed for 12. 8 weeks works in most cases, but there is a slightly better chance of success with 12 weeks. Personally I would want the longer treatment, especially if the side effects aren't bad and the cost is reasonable. Your chances of clearing the virus are huge either way! Best wishes! - Tess
wmlj1960 said
Nov 17, 2015
Hi Chili.
I can only say what I would do about extending treatment to 12 weeks and that is yes I would. But that is me and my situation is different. #1 is that I have failed treatment before. But IMO, I believe it would probably be a wise move in any case, especially since your side effects are minimal. I'm like Tig - I'm curious to know what your doctors reason is for offering you the extension, and how is it going to be approved by your insurance.
Whatever you decide please let us know and keep us up to date on your progress. I'd like to welcome you to the forum and there will be other members along to welcome you and give you their suggestions as well.
Stormy said
Nov 17, 2015
I was on the 8 week regimen, viral load was 3 million and treatment naïve. I was concerned about only 8 weeks. But I am now SVR24. It works. Just my two cents.
Stormy
Tig said
Nov 17, 2015
Hi Chili,
Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you're here and see my message was helpful in getting you to this section! The chatbox doesn't leave much space for people to reply, so it's always easier to respond like we are now.
You do qualify for the 8 week protocol, if you haven't treated before and have a starting viral load of less than 6 million. Your current numbers are very good, and indicate that you're responding well. If your viral load was 16 at week 4, I would be more than surprised if it wasn't undetectable by now. The only way to be sure is to repeat the viral load test. Is your doctor planning on doing another at the end of treatment? Some wait until 12 weeks after the end of treatment, which can lead to a lot of anxiety.
I'm curious, why is your doctor giving you the option of extending treatment to 12 weeks now? There may be no reason for you to do so, but the offer to do another 4 weeks might be an invitation I would consider. Of course I failed one of the older treatments once, and those of us that have, often lean toward hitting things as heavy as possible! Will there be any additional cost involved? If there will be no unreasonable out of pocket costs involved, I would consider it. But that's my opinion. Since you fall into the criteria that warrants the 8 week protocol, it may be all you need. I know the guidelines state that the doctor "MAY" decide on 8 versus 12 weeks if everything meets those requirements. I'm curious what your doctor has told you. If you're not having any problems and your out of pocket expenses for another 4 weeks aren't prohibitive, I would consider it. What do you want to do?
sandi49 said
Nov 17, 2015
I started Harvoni 6 weeks ago. I had a RNA Viral load of Just over 1 million my SGOT was 33 and SGPT 35. After week 4 weeks on Harvoni my Hep C virus RNA is now 16 and SGOT 17 and SGPT 12, I am a Genotype 1a never had any other treatment I've had HepC since 1987 after a transfusion. I've had two liver biopsy's I was told they were within normal limits. My Dr. feels 8 weeks will be enough but is willing to treat me for 12 weeks. Is 8 weeks enough? I have very minimal symptoms, fatigue some slight headaches.
Hey Chili,
I did 12 weeks of Harvoni but probably would have qualified for 8 weeks. If I had been prescribed 8-weeks, I would have pushed for 12. 8 weeks works in most cases, but there is a slightly better chance of success with 12 weeks. Personally I would want the longer treatment, especially if the side effects aren't bad and the cost is reasonable. Your chances of clearing the virus are huge either way! Best wishes! - Tess
Hi Chili.
I can only say what I would do about extending treatment to 12 weeks and that is yes I would. But that is me and my situation is different. #1 is that I have failed treatment before. But IMO, I believe it would probably be a wise move in any case, especially since your side effects are minimal. I'm like Tig - I'm curious to know what your doctors reason is for offering you the extension, and how is it going to be approved by your insurance.
Whatever you decide please let us know and keep us up to date on your progress. I'd like to welcome you to the forum and there will be other members along to welcome you and give you their suggestions as well.
I was on the 8 week regimen, viral load was 3 million and treatment naïve. I was concerned about only 8 weeks. But I am now SVR24. It works. Just my two cents.
Stormy
Hi Chili,
Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you're here and see my message was helpful in getting you to this section! The chatbox doesn't leave much space for people to reply, so it's always easier to respond like we are now.
You do qualify for the 8 week protocol, if you haven't treated before and have a starting viral load of less than 6 million. Your current numbers are very good, and indicate that you're responding well. If your viral load was 16 at week 4, I would be more than surprised if it wasn't undetectable by now. The only way to be sure is to repeat the viral load test. Is your doctor planning on doing another at the end of treatment? Some wait until 12 weeks after the end of treatment, which can lead to a lot of anxiety.
I'm curious, why is your doctor giving you the option of extending treatment to 12 weeks now? There may be no reason for you to do so, but the offer to do another 4 weeks might be an invitation I would consider. Of course I failed one of the older treatments once, and those of us that have, often lean toward hitting things as heavy as possible! Will there be any additional cost involved? If there will be no unreasonable out of pocket costs involved, I would consider it. But that's my opinion. Since you fall into the criteria that warrants the 8 week protocol, it may be all you need. I know the guidelines state that the doctor "MAY" decide on 8 versus 12 weeks if everything meets those requirements. I'm curious what your doctor has told you. If you're not having any problems and your out of pocket expenses for another 4 weeks aren't prohibitive, I would consider it. What do you want to do?
My Dr. feels 8 weeks will be enough but is willing to treat me for 12 weeks. Is 8 weeks enough? I have very minimal symptoms, fatigue some slight headaches.