Hep C Discussion Forum

Hi Mena,

We have discussed the use of supplements during treatment many times here on the forum. Use the search function and look up "supplements". That should give you some reading material if interested. We have seen many recommendations to avoid any supplements during treatment because they can alter the results of many blood tests and their benefit during Tx has been questioned. But you should always follow the recommendations from Angelo's doctors. Good luck!

Tig

Lowrider wrote:

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So far no side effects with Harvoni. I have had fatigue, muscle and joint pain, etc. but this is "normal" over the years of Hep C and possibly aging. I do feel good mostly and re-started working out this morning without much trouble. Take the med at 9 or so in the evening. Being a light sleeper I have noticed a little trouble falling asleep but then all is fine. I was taking milk thistle capsules which tended to reduce itching and that has returned somewhat. Hoping the Harvoni will improve it. The health care insurer has restricted refills to 14 pills at a time. A little difficult to deal with but the specialty pharmacy, Diplomat in Ontario, Ca., has been excellent working with it so far. Since relapsing after treatment with PegInterferon/Riba/Victrelis the doctor has prescribed 24 weeks of Harvoni, no other drugs. No recent biopsy but the Fibrosure blood test pointed to stage 4. Ultrasound was negative for any signs of trouble, liver, bile ducts, etc. All signs normal abdominal scan. Negative for tumor markers. Liver feels normal when physically pushed around, no pain or enlargement. So the doctor is skeptical of the Fibrosure test. I am planning on having a biopsy after treatment is finished. 68 years old, Gen1A. 

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 My husband still takes the Milk Thisle with the approval of his Hepatologist and the Pharmacist from the Specialty Pharmacy that dispenses the HARVONI!  Were you told not to take the Milk Thisle?

He also takes the Pill at 9 pm and is asleep by 9:30 and as a result, our social life has been put on a hold!  LOL

All the best to you.

Mena 

Mena

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your update! It's good to hear you're not experiencing any negative SFX. It's a big advance and improvement over the old SOC's. Interesting that your Canadian suppliers are only prescribing 14 pills at a time. Seems a little silly to me but I've been hearing reports of people trying to sell these medications on Craigslist, etc. Hard to imagine anyone would go through the authorization process only to try and sell it for profit. As long as you don't experience any hardships in obtaining it on time, I guess I'll try to understand their paranoia. Don't agree with it but im pleased you're able to get it.

Fibrosure is still a question in many minds. I see many that feel it's more accurate at each end of the fibrosis scale and questionable in the mid range diagnosis. Any chance you can get a fibroscan at some point? At this time though, you've got 24 weeks of the good stuff and that's going to have your liver doing the happy dance in no time! I wish you the best of luck Mark and will look forward to your next update!!

Tig