Anyone try the 12 week Sovaldi treatment?

[andyhawaii123]

Has anyone had experience with the new 12 week drugs? Specifically  Sovaldi and Olysio? I saw my Hepatologist at the UCSD Liver Center today and he stated since my liver is now under control and compensating he wants to address my Hep C 1a.  Somehow when I went through 7 months in hospital and Skilled nursing facility from major Cirrhosis problems cause by Portal Hypertension, my Hep C never attacked.  My viral load is extremely low at 15,283. I have never had treatment for it and my liver seems to be fighting it, the Dr. says.  Of course it could pop it's nasty face at me at any given moment, so I am definitely interested in treatment.  Apparently UCSD School of Microbiological Medicine  had some tie to the testing of the new drugs and my Doctor wants to start me on a treatment plan starting in Dec. or Jan.  I know the Zovaldi costs $1,000. per pill ($84,000 for the 12 weeks), but it's a lot cheaper than a transplant.  He said if my insurance companies gripe too much the UCSD Medical School may be able to kick in some funds.  I just wondered if anyone out there has done it, and What I could expect...Cure, Side-Affects, Insurance issues etc.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  As always I wish everyone the Best.
Andy

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Just back from docs and labs. Got word about some success numbers with S/O. Can't say the amount though it's big. My calculations have it at a 98% success rate from their office. That's heartening. Not everyone fails to reach SVR with S/O. I got the number and not from some article on the web. Prior mitigating factors for UD and SVR are key. Just sayin'

[Dbzc2]

I forgot to mention side effects. Eat when you take the pills an you'll avoid nausea. The worst of any od the potential side effects peak at week 6 and then it is what it is.  Fatigue and a wired tired feeling were the other two. I did feel a bit spacey, but that might have been HE? I'm not sure. After I stopped the meds I felt much more active and since have been trying to get used to the cirrhosis meds.  So no virus and hopefully normal once I get my diet and meds re the cirrhosis settled down.

Best wishes, Debe

[Dbzc2]

I did S&O for 12 weeks and I no longer have the virus. I do have cirrhosis issues that came on fast and hard about six months prior to doing this treatment. My only wish is that I had not put my doc off for three months because I was so mad about the cost. In the end, it only cost me $90!

However, damages prior to, I guess priceless. Really. If I were you I would do it before your cirrhosis symptoms get worse.

Sincerely,
Debe

[Ranmann]

I am in week 6 of S&O and on 11/7/14 my tests showed target not
detected. In 4 weeks my enzyme levels dropped from 150 to 30.
I believe I've had Hep C for 30 years and have cirrohosis, I had a
yearly physical and found out I am positive. I had all the tests and then my
GI sent me to what he said was the best hospital in the state. It took me 2 months to get in but they had me on the meds in 2 weeks. 12 weeks free
meds thru the manufacturer. I went from very low to UDT.Plus all my labs are normal, I could not believe it. If insurance won't cover the meds find
a doctor or clinic that will, the worst side effect for me has been being
tired all the time, but its worth it. Good Luck, Randy

[aritzr]

my lady just finished her treatment of Sovaldi and ribivrin for 12 weeks and did not miss 1 day of work she said she felt like she had the flew a couple of times but was not really bad. she has some chirossis and it worked for her so far she has one more apt in dec and if all go's well she is cured.she was not even grumpy (er than other days). although its expencive it seems worth it .

[andyhawaii123]

Thanks Sarah, I understand their are evaluations and hoops, but you're right, my doctor has an NP and 2 RNs in his office, and one of the RNs does nothing but insurnce and benefits management to make sure everything from transplants to medications is handled properly. The problem with MediCal is they have a new review system for all prescriptions over a certain threshold, and I unfortunately don't think the state employees overseeing it have a clue. My fear was they would pay for interferon and not the new ones. I am lucky and still have the old Medicare A B & D, and they pay their share for anything without question.  When I posted the question I honestly thought I would hear nothing but coverage nightmares. It seems to be the exact opposite, with companies deeming it a preventive and necessary cost. That is such a relief to me. You have no idea how scared I was they would have a cure right in front of me and I was unable to buy it.Thanks everyone.. I will sleep easier (even though in a reversed pattern...lol..) - I wish everyone the best. Andy