Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Alcohol after treatment

Hello friends,
Tomorrow is my last day of treatment on Sol/Riba for GT2, stage F3-tx naive. I was undetected at 4 weeks. YAY!!!! so happy!

I know Riba stays in your system for 6 months after treatment and I certainly don't want to do ANYTHING that will compromise all the hard work put into this so far. My doctor said that if I remain virus free, the fibrosis scarring will go away and I will have a very healthy liver in 2 years.

I have never been a heavy drinker. I'd drink a glass of wine socially on the weekend with dinner but that is it. Of course, I had no alcohol on treatment. I am going to a wedding in 2 weeks and would like to know if it is safe to have a (1) glass of wine. Is it too soon especially if the RIBA is in my system still? I just don't know what to do. The PA said it was OK but I'm not so sure of that. I haven't asked my doctor. Any suggestions???
22 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1583549 tn?1308749462
I did 12 wks of Harvoni, I have tested undetected twice now, EOT at 4 wks and at 8 wks.   I do have my wine after treatment.  I enjoy it.  Doctor told me that will not bring the virus back.  I did not drink during the treatment.
Enjoy.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Wow, PJ this is a really nice biblio - thanks for doing the research.
Helpful - 0
6708370 tn?1471490210
Jut an observation about Pat's party comment -

When I quit drinking altogether a few years ago, I thought it might be strange that I was the only one not drinking at an event or celebration and that I would have to say something each time to not offend my host but the reality is - No one even notices that you are not drinking!

They just go on with their drinking and conversation and it's not a big deal. Just go for the bubbly water with a little lemon and have fun!

I also began to notice how many others also did not drink - something that I had never noticed before

Sobriety - it's the new black!

You are going to feel so great after your cleanse to get rid of all those harsh, wonderful chemicals in your body. Spend more time with Matt, family and friends!

Wishing you SVR and a fun wedding celebration

~ Linda
Helpful - 0
10175413 tn?1427170251

So happy you decided to abstain from alcohol!  I think that it was thr right decision to make, but that's my opinion of course.
Happy to ur Tx is done, time to enjoy life

Peace
Deb
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sweet
Great reply and smart move
We all DO care, you know
.....Kim
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear mattsmom , just read your reply and i have a big smile on my face , thanks to you .

Well thought and a great decision made :)

hold off on that one glass of wine till all clear and Svr ,once u get your svr i am sure then u will enjoy that wine even more ( thats if you still want to have it )
I wish you alllllll good luck and good things to come .
and a healthy and happy you :)

God bless and warm regards .
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Way to go!  Your liver will thnak you!! : -)

Pat
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well good for you! I love your plan and your attitude. Enjoy your new healthy life.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you ALL for your opinions and recommendations. I have decided to not take that glass of wine, its not worth it and give my liver a rest for the next 6 months and allow it to really heal after putting all these toxic chemicals in my system. Today, is one day post tx and I have started a really good vitamin regimine which includes a good multivitamin, CoQ10 and probiotic. I will continue to drink 80 oz of water everyday because my body is now used it and it helps to flush everything out. I will turn 50 in February and I told my husband I want to be in the best, healthy shape of my life. I'm starting back on my tennis team in a few months once my energy level is back and just excited about getting healthy. God Bless you all!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
"I was told by more than one liver specialist.. cirrhosis does not reverse after tx" Unfortunately those liver specialists must not be up on the latest developments in hepatology.

Early cirrhosis, compensated, class A, cirrhosis is reversible in many people. That is why people with compensated cirrhosis on transplant waiting lists are now being safely treated for their hepatitis C in hopes that they will not go on to need liver transplants. Many papers (AASLD papers, Hepatology Magazine articles, etc.) have been written on this subject disproving the older theory that cirrhosis was irreversible.

Pol S, Carnot F, Nalpas B, et al. Reversibility of hepatitis C virus related cirrhosis. Hum Pathol 2004; 35: 107–12.

George SL, Bacon BR, Brunt EM, Mihindukulasuriya KL, Hoffmann J, Di Bisceglie AM. Clinical, virologic, histologic, and biochemical outcomes after successful HCV therapy: a 5- year follow-up of 150 patients. Hepatology 2009; 49: 729–38.

Shiratori Y, Imazeki F, Moriyama M, et al. Histologic improvement of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C who have sustained response to interferon therapy. Ann Intern Med 2000; 132: 517–24.

Mallet V, Gilgenkrantz H, Serpaggi J, et al. Brief communication: the relationship of regression of cirrhosis to outcome in chronic hepatitis C. Ann Intern Med 2008; 149: 399–403.

Bruno S, Crosignani A, Facciotto C, et al. Sustained virologic response prevents the development of esophageal varices in compensated, Child-Pugh class A hepatitis C virus-induced cirrhosis. A 12-year prospective follow-up study. Hepatology 2010; 51: 2069–76.

Further studies are now being done by Gilead to see if decompensated, Class B and End-Stage Liver Disease patients, Class C patients, can be also be cured using Sovaldi treatments. Since these patients couldn't be treated before safely with previous treatment we will have to see how curing their hepatitis C (if possible) will affect their advanced liver disease and liver disease prognosis. While some cirrhosis is reversible the chance for reversibility declines as the liver goes through more advanced disease.

Review Article: The Reversibility of Cirrhosis
A. A. Sohrabpour, M. Mohamadnejad, R. Malekzadeh
Disclosures

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36(9):824-832.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/772507_1

Methods:  A PubMed search was performed and the evidence for histopathological regression of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis following drug therapy was reviewed as of the end of February 2012.

Results: There is abundant clinical evidence in support of the idea of the reversibility of cirrhosis in patients with different aetiologies of advanced hepatic disease including viral, autoimmune and metabolic/infiltrative liver disease.

Conclusions: The concept of cirrhosis has changed from being a form of static and irreversible entity to a dynamic and reversible diseases stage. Novel therapeutic strategies are under investigation to target specific steps in the process of fibrogenesis with the aim of reversing advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.healio.com/hepatology/hepatitis-c/news/print/hcv-next/%7B5d67c14e-d5f3-4e2b-9cc0-c2e235920ca3%7D/svr-after-therapy-reduced-inflammation-fibrosis-in-hcv-patients

“In patients with chronic HCV, a strong relationship exists between hepatic inflammation and fibrosis,” the researchers wrote. “In patients with ongoing chronic disease, increases in inflammation are associated with fibrosis progression. In contrast, achieving SVR and eradicating HCV, not just receiving interferon therapy, is associated with a marked reduction in inflammation and fibrosis regression.”

Of the patients who achieved SVR, 40% were clear of any fibrosis and 50% were clear of cirrhosis.

“The future of HCV treatment is to suppress HCV with multiple oral antiviral agents without interferon and/or ribavirin,” the researchers wrote. “The observations of the present study strongly suggest that fibrosis regression, including resolution of cirrhosis, will occur in the vast majority of patients who will achieve SVR with these future therapies.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HCVguideslines.org

Patients who are cured of their HCV infection experience numerous health benefits, including a decrease in liver inflammation as reflected by improved aminotransferase (ie, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase[AST]) levels and a reduction in the rate of progression of liver fibrosis. (Poynard, 2002b) Of 3010 treatment-naive HCV-infected patients with pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies from 4 randomized trials of 10 different IFN-based regimens (biopsies separated by a mean of 20 months), 39% to 73% of patients achieving an SVR had improvement in liver fibrosis and necrosis (Poynard, 2002b) and cirrhosis resolved in half of the cases. Portal hypertension, splenomegaly, and other clinical manifestations of advanced liver disease also improved. Among HCV-infected persons, SVR is associated with a more than 70% reduction in the risk of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and a 90% reduction in the risk of liver-related mortality and liver transplantation. (Morgan, 2013); (van der Meer, 2012); (Veldt, 2007)

----------------------------

http://www.annalsofhepatology.com/revista/numeros/2014/HP144-03-Long%20(changes)%20(F_060614V)_PROTEGIDO.pdf

"....achieving a SVR is associated with eradication of HCV, a reduction in hepatic fibrosis and a reduced risk for developing he- patic decompensation and hepatocellular carcino- ma.14,16,19,21-24 In a recent study which monitored patients by fibroscan and serum fibrosis markers over 10 years 49% of patients had fibrosis regression and 56% resolved cirrhosis.25 "
Helpful - 0
4896357 tn?1360670904
And now you have an extra t in "tthat". lol We knew what you meant! No edit function means typos are here forever. :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oops, that was supposed to read "....the LIVER...". I can't even blame tthat on spellcheck. even the other spelling errors ; -). P
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My take is like Lynns.  Why take the chance?  I don't need alcohol to survive.  I DO need my liver to survive so I want to keep it in the best shape I can.  

Having said that, Understand that it is not the wine that is important when toasting something -- it is the actual act -- the gesture, if you will, of all there publically recognizing the official status of the newly married couple (or christening or naming or brissing [Did i say/spell that correctly] of the new baby, or whatever the occasion is).  That could be done ith anything.

MM:   when rhey are pouring the glasses, have them just put a small swallow in you glass.  Then, you can feel like you have properly toasted the new bride and groom, but do not have to put a lot of wine in you system, or be seen as not joing the toast, or being different.  On ocassion, when already poured glasses are passed, take your sip, then either conveniently put youg flass down, get into conversation, and pick up your water glass, coffee cup, etc.  In my family there are many who are willing to have an extra dram, so, I have been known to just pass it on down, so to speak, so it 'doesn't go to waste' (hee hee).

Of course I am F3, so that deddinitely affects my take on things.

As for healing and how long, I believe the Drs are giving us the prognostications based on best health practices -- meaning they are thing we are going to be eating and drinking and, generally, living amhealthy lifestyle.  Some things, alone, or in great moderation, and upon ocassion, might not cause problems, but, remember, the live is affected by everything we put in our mouths. - not just by the virus, or by alcohol.  

Congrats on completing Harvoni!  Didn't that go as fast as we said?  

Now, the best part, ON TO SVR, and your new Hep.c FREE You!!!

Blessings,

Pat

Helpful - 0
4896357 tn?1360670904
I don't have any measurable liver damage and I've never been much of a drinker, which is probably why no liver damage after 35 years or so with hep c so I am going to enjoy a good DRUNK after tx and after the drugs are out of my system. In OPs case with F3 I think one drink will be no problem but I would keep drinking in moderation for a couple of years to help the liver heal.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don't know. When people say I'm only going to have one drink I always wonder why they need to say "only one". It's like the rationalization has begun. You're do what you want regardless but I feel strongly that if you have any liver damage at all you shouldn't throw the fuel on the fire. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there Mattsmom
Treatment is over and as others have said a glass of wine will not effect SVR.
At this point you will either reach SVR or you won't as now only time will tell.
I also took the Riba and it will still linger with you for a few months.  You may find that the drink may not make you feel so great since the meds remain in your system.  
With F3 you are really close to Cirrhosis.  I don't think 1 drink will hurt you but after this occasion you may want to give your liver a needed rest.  With the onslaught of Hep C and toxic meds, your body needs to regroup. You have come so far with the physical and emotional aspects of ridding yourself of this virus. With geno 2, Tx naïve, you've likely cured.  Really hope for the best for you, from one geno 2 to another.
......Kim
Helpful - 0
683231 tn?1467323017
One glass I would not worry about and I don't see how having that one glass recently post treatment could impact SVR either the virus is gone or it is not I don't see them being resurrected from the dead by any amount of alcohol.

You know you are F3 so close to cirrhosis so I probably would not suggest making this a regular thing so bear that in mind.

And while I have seen studies that say damage can improve after SVR I really think you doctor is being over optomistic about that two year and it is like it never happened.  Maybe but I would not bet the farm on that just yet. Or I would love to see what report he is getting that from since I am F4 and have been for 7 years I doubt I should ever even have one taste of wine.

So cheers
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear Mattsmom , hello , and congratulations on coming to the end of tx .

As far as my limited knowledge ,  i would say that you should wait till you are 12weeks svr post end of tx .

If god forbid for any reason ( and i hope not ) the virus pops back up , knowing the human mind , you will blame yourself for that one glass of wine that you had .

you have been through a rough time and i know Riba is not easy on the system at all .

Will the 1 glass of wine cause you more liver damage , i dont think so , but i would abstain from anything before getting a ALL clear 12 week svr , then you can enjoy a glass of wine :)

my best wishes to you .
God bless and warm regards .


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
There was quite a discussion recently on the same topic

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/alcohol-after-svr-harvoni/show/2458381
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If you can stop with one glass, that is fine, according to my doctor. While your liver will improve, the HALT C studies show a much longer time  than 2 years til the damage resolves in people with stage 3 or 4. If your doc told you that a glass was okay for you, then it likely is ok. Enjoy the wedding.
Helpful - 0
1815939 tn?1377991799
You are either cured now or you are not.

Having a glass of wine in 2 weeks is not going to change that and it is not going to compromise your treatment.  


"My doctor said that if I remain virus free, the fibrosis scarring will go away and I will have a very healthy liver in 2 years. "

You may have some improvement in your fibrosis if you attain SVR. However, there is no guarantee of that. Not everyone has fibrosis regression after attaining SVR. In addition, if you do have fibrosis regression, it is unlikely that all of the fibrosis (scarring) will go away. I am not trying to rain on your parade, but the doctors should be realistic when they talk with patients about how much improvement/regression in fibrosis a person should expect.

Here's wishing you SVR!
Helpful - 0
4896357 tn?1360670904
Good question. I've never been much of a drinker either but I have a bottle of good red wine put away to celebrate if my tx is successful. I'm gonna get smashed as soon as it is safe!! :)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.