Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
Today I went to the dr expecting to see the nurse practitioner. However, I ended up seeing the dr. He was surprised to see me. I have had three disappointing visits in a row. He has been telling me for three months they will try to get drug approval from my insurance. Today he walked in and said I was there I'm necessarily. I finally expressed my frustration. I told him that I was extremely frustrated that there has been nothing done for the past three visits. I asked him how long approval takes? Anyway, I asked for my copay for today back and told them I expected them not to bill my insurance. I left upset, but made the decision not to cry this time. I thought this is not in my hand and I know I had no control over it. GOOD NEWS... I just got a phone call from the specialty pharmacy letting me know they are trying to contact my insurance for approval and it should take about 24 to 48 hrs!!!! Yay yay yay. So I will be taking 1000 mg ribavirin and 400 sovaldi. Geno b. they said once I'm approved they will call me back w all the details. Here's my question- I haven't had any recent blood work. Can they just start me on this without a baseline for all my blood work? Or do u think they're just getting approval and I won't start til my next appt may 9? Also in very small. I only weigh 104 lbs. is 1000 mg ribavirin too much? Finally, treatment is on the horizon!
Whatever labs ins co needs were probably already submitted or you wouldn't have been approved. I don't think any are NECESSARY to stat tx but baselines are always good and that would be up to your doc.
As far as Riba dose - less is better in terms of side effects for most people. Some breeze through 1200 mgs a day. For me, that dose was a bit high and had to be reduced because of anemia. I imagine your weight is why you are starting at 100 and not 1200.
You won't know how it effects till you try. 1000 mgs does give you wiggle room to dose reduce if necessary. Talk to you doc about all sides. They can give you anti-nausea medication if necessary and something to help you sleep as that can be a problem on Riba. Also, you'll need really good sunscreen!
How long will you be in TX? 12 weeks? Your GT is 1B???
Don't know about the Riba - I weigh the same as you do though. Your doctor will closely monitor how Riba is affecting you, and of course, you'll let him know how YOU feel. So no one can say, except your doc, if 1000 mg of Riba is too much.
Once your insurance has informed the specialty pharmacy that it's approved, the specialty pharm will contact you to arrange shipment and payment. You should be able to start when the meds arrive, but ONLY after your doctor has given you the green light.
And way to go - you got DOWN on this and it worked.
FYI: Once I got the call from Specialty Pharmacy, everything went very fast. I too was seeing my Specialist since December when Sovaldi first got FDA approval the previous weekend.
I started SOV 400mg and 1200 Riba, starting weight 180. Today
Doc reduced my Riba in half due to anemia levels dropping daily, and I gained weight (didn't think was possible).
I had to have an appt with a Nurse to teach me what to do and not to do re: tx and when to take the meds.
That appt was quick and I started March 31st.
I had been to my Specialist 3x before that, also at a loss of what was going on.
you will see, it happens very quickly now!!
God Bless and good luck.
FYI: My 1st week was the hardest and it got better after that!
Call them when you get the actual meds - don't wait for them to call you.
That is what they told me....They had no idea I had the meds.
Just a heads up!
I was "monitored closely" on Riba cause it was a clinical trial. Was also VERY FORTUNATE to have a very responsive team who responded to emails in between visits if I I had a question about side effect...
On S & O tx, not as much contact was needed. Went to the local lab for blood work at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Saw doc at 3 and 13 weeks when results came in.
Just make sure you order your refills ahead of time, so you are not in a panic (I get that way).
Mine come via UPS Air Delivery and I choose the day of delivery and sign for them.
Good luck, you will do just fine!!!