Thanks Alison! It's good to be here and finally getting treatment. I hope you and Tig are right and the 8 weeks will fly by, so far so good!
Observer said
Aug 5, 2017
Welcome saludahiker,
so glad you're starting treatment and glad you found this forum too.
Its great that you eat healthfully, make sure to keep that up and also make sure you drink lots and lots of water while on treatment.
As Tig said...8 weeks will fly by.
Yay
Alison
Tig said
Aug 4, 2017
The use of these medications together should be used with caution. They certainly can be used though, and your doctor is correct, take it simultaneously or 12 hours apart. The improper use of them can lead to a decreased absorption of the Ledipasvir component. You want to avoid that at all costs. What you do, is really going to be dependant on how well it works. If you're going to have problems taking the Zantac on a schedule that provides less relief, you may want to change the schedule accordingly. Here's the manufacturers recommendation on it, and it mirrors your doctor's.
ranitidine ↔ ledipasvir
Applies to:ranitidine and Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
Depending on the dose, raNITIdine may interfere with the absorption of ledipasvir and reduce its effectiveness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. You may need a dose adjustment of ranitidine to safely use both medications. You should take ranitidine simultaneously with or 12 hours apart from the dose of ledipasvir. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
saludahiker said
Aug 4, 2017
Thank you Tig. I do have a question. I take Zantac for acid reflux. My doctor told me to take the Zantac either with the Harvoni or 12 hours after taking Harvoni. I decided to take my Harvoni at 7:00 am and the Zantac at 7:00 pm. What has been people's experience with Harvoni and Zantac? Would it be better to take them together? The acid reflux is worse at night, so if it is better to take them together, I would have to move the time I take the Harvoni to the evening.
Tig said
Aug 4, 2017
Welcome to the forum! You were fortunate to have avoided the old treatments, trust me on that. Harvoni is an excellent medication and will do the trick. Just remember to drink a gallon of water daily and you'll avoid the most common side effect, headaches.
Keep up the good diet, stay rested and don't miss any doses. Set an alarm so you stay on track, that's very important! Same time, everyday!! 8 weeks will fly by, good luck
saludahiker said
Aug 4, 2017
I was diagnosed with Hep-C in 2006 and have traced my contraction of the disease back to 1977. I have type 1A and was initially told I had a high viral count, but I don't remember the number. After a liver biopsy I was told I had F0 to F1 fibrosis. My doctor advised me against treatment, as at that time the treatment could be worse than the disease and that I had a very slowly progressing disease. After my diagnosis I quit drinking any alcohol, started eating healthily and began taking a good quality Milk Thistle. I saw a few doctors after that who said there were new treatments on the horizon that I should wait for.
Fast forward to this year, my new doctor reran several tests and ordered an ultrasound. I now have F1 to F2 fibrosis and a fairly low viral count. My doctor recommended treatment and my insurance BCBS through the Marketplace approved an 8 week treatment with Harvoni, which I started this past Tue 8/1.
I am very grateful to finally be getting treatment and as a self employed contractor I am thankful for Obamacare and BCBS. I am also happy to have re found this forum.
Thanks Alison! It's good to be here and finally getting treatment. I hope you and Tig are right and the 8 weeks will fly by, so far so good!
Welcome saludahiker,
so glad you're starting treatment and glad you found this forum too.
Its great that you eat healthfully, make sure to keep that up and also make sure you drink lots and lots of water while on treatment.
As Tig said...8 weeks will fly by.
Yay
Alison
The use of these medications together should be used with caution. They certainly can be used though, and your doctor is correct, take it simultaneously or 12 hours apart. The improper use of them can lead to a decreased absorption of the Ledipasvir component. You want to avoid that at all costs. What you do, is really going to be dependant on how well it works. If you're going to have problems taking the Zantac on a schedule that provides less relief, you may want to change the schedule accordingly. Here's the manufacturers recommendation on it, and it mirrors your doctor's.
ranitidine ↔ ledipasvir
Applies to:ranitidine and Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
Depending on the dose, raNITIdine may interfere with the absorption of ledipasvir and reduce its effectiveness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. You may need a dose adjustment of ranitidine to safely use both medications. You should take ranitidine simultaneously with or 12 hours apart from the dose of ledipasvir. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Welcome to the forum! You were fortunate to have avoided the old treatments, trust me on that. Harvoni is an excellent medication and will do the trick. Just remember to drink a gallon of water daily and you'll avoid the most common side effect, headaches.
Keep up the good diet, stay rested and don't miss any doses. Set an alarm so you stay on track, that's very important! Same time, everyday!! 8 weeks will fly by, good luck
I was diagnosed with Hep-C in 2006 and have traced my contraction of the disease back to 1977. I have type 1A and was initially told I had a high viral count, but I don't remember the number. After a liver biopsy I was told I had F0 to F1 fibrosis. My doctor advised me against treatment, as at that time the treatment could be worse than the disease and that I had a very slowly progressing disease. After my diagnosis I quit drinking any alcohol, started eating healthily and began taking a good quality Milk Thistle. I saw a few doctors after that who said there were new treatments on the horizon that I should wait for.
Fast forward to this year, my new doctor reran several tests and ordered an ultrasound. I now have F1 to F2 fibrosis and a fairly low viral count. My doctor recommended treatment and my insurance BCBS through the Marketplace approved an 8 week treatment with Harvoni, which I started this past Tue 8/1.
I am very grateful to finally be getting treatment and as a self employed contractor I am thankful for Obamacare and BCBS. I am also happy to have re found this forum.