Question about triple therapy

[abdelghany]

"(in regards to tx naive and prior relapsers) an additional 36 weeks (after 4 and 12 weeks UND) may benefit."

This is my first time treating.  I am geno 1a, stage 2.   I am on the triple therapy with incivek.  I was undetected at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks.  I am on week 18 now.  I was told by my doctor that I will go to 36 weeks and I could go 48 if I like.    In light of my situation should I try to make it to 48 weeks   TIA

[Asuncion]

Hi, you are supposed to take therapy for only 24 weeks.
Information from Vertex:
Treatment-naïve patients with cirrhosis who have undetectable HCV RNA (Target Not Detected) at weeks 4 and 12 of INCIVEK combination treatment may benefit from an additional 36 weeks of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (48 weeks total).

You don´t have cirrhosis, so you don´t need it.
Researchers found that the SVR was very similar in cases like yours no matter if they did 24 or 48 weeks.
So, you will be going to therapy for nothing 24 weeks.
Read the Trial 111 (ILLUMINATE):
http://pi.vrtx.com/files/uspi_telaprevir.pdf
Best of luck

[Asuncion]

Ask your Doctor why he thinks you need more time, there may be something he knows that made him take the decision of increasing your treatment duration. Maybe you should ask for a second opinion. Is your doctor an hepatologist?

Wait for HectorSF to answer, he knows a lot!

Best regards.

[abdelghany]

Thanks so much for your reply Asuncion.  I am heading to the website you posted now.  

[abdelghany]

Asuncion, my doctor is a Hepatologist.

[slideman]

You have achieved ERVR, thats is as good as it gets and should qualify you for a 24 wk tx unless there are other circumstances you have not posted. Congratulations!! Sounds like you are on your way to SVR!!