Hey Jimmy,

I guess I did read something else into that. Glad to hear you're covered. They used to only provide the meds month to month and we had times when the drug pipeline was squeezed a little tight, requiring the greasing of some wheels to finish.

Even though Harvoni seems like the better option, you are taking one of the best as well. Some people experience none, some or all of the listed side effects of these new drugs, so you never know where you're going to land with these treatments. We do expect that they're going to be easier than those before them. Hopefully anyway. Try and forget the differences if possible and strive to succeed by keeping positive. I know you are, so hang in there buddy. Your wife should do very well on Harvoni. It won't be long and you'll both be celebrating SVR!

Hi Jimmy,

wanted to share I just finished Harvoni and I have CVS/Caremark. They have been terrific to work worth. (the specialty pharmacy)  I am sure other folks may have horror stories, but they have been helpful and supportive and it was the least painful part of the process for me I hope your wife has a similar experience. 

wendy

Hiya Tig,

I may have been less than clear (no pun intended LOL)

They can't cut me off I have all of my meds with 3.5 weeks remaining. It does leave me feeling had I waited until Jan 2016 instead of Oct 2015 I might have had an easier protocol.

So long as Harvoni is as good as VPAK as a treatment protocol (start to finish) then this may be good news for her.

I have not ridden my Bike since Oct 14, 2015 and she sees that and knows that I am not feeling "normal" and it worries her a bit.

Thanks!

Jimmy

Hi Jimmy,

Insurance companies are a necessary evil and have caused considerable grief around here. Sorry to hear you're having to deal with this now. I have trouble understanding how they could cut you off mid treatment. I wouldn't stand still for that, they agreed to a course of treatment and then pull it after you started? That's not right. You might call the Abbvie patient representative and see if they might have a program to prevent you from running out of medication. They want success stories and they will often provide financial assistance or medication to people losing access to their medication. You can find a number of organizations via the link in my signature, including Abbvie's number.

If your wife hasn't started, switching from one protocol to the other isn't a problem. They are both quite effective. So providing everything is equal and indicated, there isn't much difference in the two treatments. Pill burden, if you can call it that, is one of the big differences. If Ribavirin is required in one and not the other, then there will be some additional sfx from that.

Let us know about the test when you hear something. If I can help you find anything, let me know.

Greetings Y'all!

For all of 2015, the Company I work for offered Express Scripts / Accredo. That is going away and being replaced by CVS / Caremark.

So I get a letter today informing me that Viekira Pak, which I have taken "within the last few months" will not be covered and to see the "enclosed alternatives".

At first thought I said "so what I already have and am currently taking the last 3.5 weeks of the treatment. VPAK/Ribo."

Then an immediate "Oh oh what about my wife?"

Kept reading and their alternative which they do fully cover is Harvoni.

I would have loved to been offered Harvoini (I think) but Accredo said no.

I take my wife tomorrow and I will take this new information to the Doc but just to be sure, is Harvoni and VPAK/RibaMonster interchangeable? If so she may have really lucked out from what I have been reading regarding side affects. If that is the case maybe I did not get as lucky LOL.

Like to hear from the knowledge base here.

PS took my 9 week Blood Draw this morning and hope to get past the 112 last read.

Thanks!

JimmyK