Lam described it well and I would like to add links to some additional explanations on genotypes in general. Our Knowledge and Info section also has several discussions on it. Use the search function above and try a few different key words.You’ll find plenty of info there.
You will notice many articles still refer to Peg Interferon and Ribavirin. It’s rarely used now, but they haven’t updated or submitted current articles without it. Seems many authors just add DAA data instead. The articles still help us understand prior and current treatment. Check your dates and follow the recommended links. If you need additional help on something specific, please ask.
Mainly resistance to treatment and chances of developing cancer of the liver or cirrhosis. Genotype 1 patients have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis earlier while both 1 and 3 have a higher risk of liver cancer. Genotype 2 has always been the easiest to treat with highest success rates while Genotype 3 is traditionally the most difficult to treat. However with the newest DAAs like Mavyret and Epclusa the differences in success rate between genotypes is much less and for those few patients who relapse after treatment there is Vosevi now. Vosevi is not used as first line treatment but only for patients who have failed to clear the virus on other DAAs.
tanner you note you are Genotype 2 and success rate for Epclusa for GT2 is 99-100%.
-- Edited by lamassu on Friday 5th of April 2019 11:44:33 AM
tanner said
Apr 5, 2019
Can anyone tell me what "difference" it makes to have one genotype or another?
Iris Dragonfly said
Apr 5, 2019
Hey! Welcome.
These guys are great, come on in and get comfy.
Bb, Iris
Tig said
Apr 4, 2019
Welcome from me, too! You’re going to do splendidly. The new drugs are light years ahead of the old stuff. The side effect profile is small and proper hydration tends to reduce even that. You will notice some changes over the first week or two. Your body has to adjust to the new medication, but it should be totally manageable. Don’t forget, you’re still on a powerful treatment, so it doesn’t hurt to spend time treating yourself well. The course of care goes by quickly, you’ll see!
I look forward to hearing your progress report. Get ready to slay your Dragon!
5-1-18 said
Apr 4, 2019
welcome cazza , we will be with you on your journey.
it's exciting that you are starting tx. i too took the olden days meds for awhile, it was def awful.
the newer daa's are much better and they work too
keep us posted
Canuck said
Apr 4, 2019
Hi Cazza,
Welcome here.
I am a fellow GT3 and i too was easily cured on Gileads drugs, my Vosevi treatment was similar to your Epclusa, in that Vosevi contains your Epclusa plus an additional drug.
I am sorry you had a rough treatment and failure 5 years ago, but you will do well this time with Epclusa.
If you are starting your Eclusa treatment right away, i am sure you have been well counselled by your doc, and know to drink LOTS of water throughout the day and to take the pill at the same time everyday, preferable with at least a small moderate fat content meal. You CAN take Epclusa with or without food, but I would, for a couple good reasons, take it with a small moderate fat content meal if i had a choice.
I do not know what treatment drugs you were on 5 years ago, but many here can commiserate with you about the side effects one can experience from some of the the older drug treatments. I hope you will find taking Epclusa a breeze in comparison. Everyone is different as far as discerning feeling sides, many here have had very few or very mild sides with the new DAA's (such as Epclusa).
Please, if you would, could you provide us some background info ... what treatment drugs you had 5 years ago (I would only be guessing but it almost sounds as though you might have had sofa/riba back then). When you were first diagnosed, how long you may have had hepc. What your past and current LFT's are. What your Fscore is, whether you have had a fibroscan, an ultrasound? How has your liver been fairing?
I am glad you have come here. We will be glad to hear more from you. Drink LOTS of water! : ) C.
Cazza22 said
Apr 3, 2019
Hi Im just about to start Epclusa today is there side effects as 5 years ago I had the old meds was worst 12 weeks of my life! Am worried as still got to go work as normal and see family etc..can cope with bit a sickness tiredness it last time was horrific no sleep weight gain and hair loss.. thabks guys xxx
Thanks, Lam and thanks for the links, Tig.
Lam described it well and I would like to add links to some additional explanations on genotypes in general. Our Knowledge and Info section also has several discussions on it. Use the search function above and try a few different key words.You’ll find plenty of info there.
You will notice many articles still refer to Peg Interferon and Ribavirin. It’s rarely used now, but they haven’t updated or submitted current articles without it. Seems many authors just add DAA data instead. The articles still help us understand prior and current treatment. Check your dates and follow the recommended links. If you need additional help on something specific, please ask.
Genotypes Explained
Genotypes
Mainly resistance to treatment and chances of developing cancer of the liver or cirrhosis. Genotype 1 patients have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis earlier while both 1 and 3 have a higher risk of liver cancer. Genotype 2 has always been the easiest to treat with highest success rates while Genotype 3 is traditionally the most difficult to treat. However with the newest DAAs like Mavyret and Epclusa the differences in success rate between genotypes is much less and for those few patients who relapse after treatment there is Vosevi now. Vosevi is not used as first line treatment but only for patients who have failed to clear the virus on other DAAs.
tanner you note you are Genotype 2 and success rate for Epclusa for GT2 is 99-100%.
-- Edited by lamassu on Friday 5th of April 2019 11:44:33 AM
Hey! Welcome.
These guys are great, come on in and get comfy.
Bb, Iris
Welcome from me, too! You’re going to do splendidly. The new drugs are light years ahead of the old stuff. The side effect profile is small and proper hydration tends to reduce even that. You will notice some changes over the first week or two. Your body has to adjust to the new medication, but it should be totally manageable. Don’t forget, you’re still on a powerful treatment, so it doesn’t hurt to spend time treating yourself well. The course of care goes by quickly, you’ll see!
I look forward to hearing your progress report. Get ready to slay your Dragon!
welcome cazza , we will be with you on your journey.
it's exciting that you are starting tx. i too took the olden days meds for awhile, it was def awful.
the newer daa's are much better and they work too
keep us posted
Hi Cazza,
Welcome here.
I am a fellow GT3 and i too was easily cured on Gileads drugs, my Vosevi treatment was similar to your Epclusa, in that Vosevi contains your Epclusa plus an additional drug.
I am sorry you had a rough treatment and failure 5 years ago, but you will do well this time with Epclusa.
If you are starting your Eclusa treatment right away, i am sure you have been well counselled by your doc, and know to drink LOTS of water throughout the day and to take the pill at the same time everyday, preferable with at least a small moderate fat content meal. You CAN take Epclusa with or without food, but I would, for a couple good reasons, take it with a small moderate fat content meal if i had a choice.
I do not know what treatment drugs you were on 5 years ago, but many here can commiserate with you about the side effects one can experience from some of the the older drug treatments. I hope you will find taking Epclusa a breeze in comparison. Everyone is different as far as discerning feeling sides, many here have had very few or very mild sides with the new DAA's (such as Epclusa).
Please, if you would, could you provide us some background info ... what treatment drugs you had 5 years ago (I would only be guessing but it almost sounds as though you might have had sofa/riba back then). When you were first diagnosed, how long you may have had hepc. What your past and current LFT's are. What your Fscore is, whether you have had a fibroscan, an ultrasound? How has your liver been fairing?
I am glad you have come here. We will be glad to hear more from you. Drink LOTS of water! : ) C.