Aa
News Stories
<a href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/newsRev/2005/NewsRev-88.html#10">Bioenvision Evaluates New Agent in Fight against Hepatitis C; Patient Enrollment Begins in Multi-Center, International Phase II Clinical Trial</a>
<a href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/newsRev/2005/NewsRev-88.html#11">Human Genome Sciences Completes Enrollment in a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Albuferon(TM) in Treatment-Naive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C</a>
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/022205_05.htm">How Hepatitis C Short-Circuits the Immune System</a>
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/022205_03.htm">Medicaid Utilization of IFN/RBV for HCV Therapy</a>
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/022205_02.htm">
CD8/CTLs Predict Response to IFN/RBV Therapy</a>
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/021805_01.htm">The Spectrum of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Virginia Correctional System: Development of a Strategy for the Evaluation and Treatment of Inmates with HCV</a>
<a href="http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2005/021805_a.html">Predicting Progressive Hepatic Fibrosis Stage on Subsequent Liver Biopsy</a>
<a href="http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2005/021805_b.html">Persistence of HCV After Successful Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C: Is HCV Infection for Life?</a>
<a href="http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/109930117/ABSTRACT">Patients with cirrhosis and bare-stent TIPS may have increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma</a>
<a href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/newsRev/2005/NewsRev-88.html#11">Human Genome Sciences Completes Enrollment in a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Albuferon(TM) in Treatment-Naive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C</a>
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/022205_05.htm">How Hepatitis C Short-Circuits the Immune System</a>
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/022205_03.htm">Medicaid Utilization of IFN/RBV for HCV Therapy</a>
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/022205_02.htm">
CD8/CTLs Predict Response to IFN/RBV Therapy</a>
<a href="http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/021805_01.htm">The Spectrum of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Virginia Correctional System: Development of a Strategy for the Evaluation and Treatment of Inmates with HCV</a>
<a href="http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2005/021805_a.html">Predicting Progressive Hepatic Fibrosis Stage on Subsequent Liver Biopsy</a>
<a href="http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2005/021805_b.html">Persistence of HCV After Successful Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C: Is HCV Infection for Life?</a>
<a href="http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/109930117/ABSTRACT">Patients with cirrhosis and bare-stent TIPS may have increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma</a>
Thank you very much for all of your kind words and thoughts - they go a very long way in making this Hep C and tx journey much easier.
Tx is a very long process. And one that would have been extremely difficult for me without this forum, those who own and run it and the good people here within.
Thank you all.
Tx is a very long process. And one that would have been extremely difficult for me without this forum, those who own and run it and the good people here within.
Thank you all.
The antibiotic shouldn't interfere with or lessen the impact of the interferon. The main concern comes (as with any drug) it's effects on the liver (i.e. - does it clear through the liver quickly or does it have longer acting and/or more concentrated effects, which could possibly be harmful to the liver?).
If you have a concern, check with your dentist, Hep C doctor and/or pharmacist - and have them look up the sx information on the drug.
TnHepGuy
If you have a concern, check with your dentist, Hep C doctor and/or pharmacist - and have them look up the sx information on the drug.
TnHepGuy
No, there is no reason to take Neupogen for low white counts (or Neulasta - the pegylated/long-lasting version) or Procrit for low red counts until your blood testing results dictate so. The problem comes in when doctors (or their assistants) wait until those numbers become too low for their perceived tolerance level, and then summarily decide that cutting dosage is the only solution. And cutting dosage happens to be murder on SVR odds. All of this is easily avoidable if it is known ahead of time at which blood result levels the doctor will intervene with these drugs, should that point ever be reached. That's where asking questions before tx and getting on the same page becomes so vitally important. If you are a geno 1, your generalized odds going into tx are in the 50-60% range. There is absolutely no reason to hurt (and thereby lower) those chances via things that are fully avoidable.
We, as patients - as well as doctors - only have very limited tools to work with in treating Hep C. To have any of these tools taken away completely, or replaced with less able ones, will hurt your chances of eliminating of the virus.
I was never put on Procrit. My red counts stayed relatively well, that is until my last test at week #48 - when my hemoglobin dropped to 9.8. As far as my Neupogen dosage goes, I was given 300 ug vials to use. At first I took it somewhat erratically (week #5, week # 18, week #22) as my blood levels fluctuated. Then, around week #28 my ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count - it is one part of the overall WBC - White Blood Count) went and stayed low for good, and I was put on Neupogen twice per week - eventually cutting back to one per week after a few weeks. I took my last shot of it during my 48th (and final) week of tx. I ended up going through a total of 29 vials.
Since Neupogen is relatively short lasting (2-3 days), my doctor didn't want to continue me on it once the interferon (the cause of the low white counts) had ended. Instead, I was told to let the body do it's slow rebound on it's own. As of last week, my hemoglobin had risen to 11.7 and my WBC had come up to 3.2.
TnHepGuy
We, as patients - as well as doctors - only have very limited tools to work with in treating Hep C. To have any of these tools taken away completely, or replaced with less able ones, will hurt your chances of eliminating of the virus.
I was never put on Procrit. My red counts stayed relatively well, that is until my last test at week #48 - when my hemoglobin dropped to 9.8. As far as my Neupogen dosage goes, I was given 300 ug vials to use. At first I took it somewhat erratically (week #5, week # 18, week #22) as my blood levels fluctuated. Then, around week #28 my ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count - it is one part of the overall WBC - White Blood Count) went and stayed low for good, and I was put on Neupogen twice per week - eventually cutting back to one per week after a few weeks. I took my last shot of it during my 48th (and final) week of tx. I ended up going through a total of 29 vials.
Since Neupogen is relatively short lasting (2-3 days), my doctor didn't want to continue me on it once the interferon (the cause of the low white counts) had ended. Instead, I was told to let the body do it's slow rebound on it's own. As of last week, my hemoglobin had risen to 11.7 and my WBC had come up to 3.2.
TnHepGuy
Thanks for the input...lots of good solid info. I have several more ?'s;
1. Would u advise taking Neupogen & Procrit when one commences the tx to stay ahead of the game?
2. What was your doseage for each?
3. Lastly, what was your routine and are you're still taking them?
1. Would u advise taking Neupogen & Procrit when one commences the tx to stay ahead of the game?
2. What was your doseage for each?
3. Lastly, what was your routine and are you're still taking them?
Very glad to hear your news. It sounds like you're on your way. Thanks for all your info and insights.
Lauren
Lauren
Your news is a great start to my day:)
Many congratulations, your numbers look really, really good!
Many congratulations, your numbers look really, really good!
Hey David,
Those numbers are looking great! Dang near 7 weeks post tx! WOW! In the words of my man's doc, "Are 'you' starting to come back yet?"
My man is 8 weeks post tx today and he feels better everyday. He still has some of that riba snarley attitude pop back up at times but nothing serious. He is almost back to his "real" self again.
David, you have always been the calm during the storm here and you have no idea how much that means to the old timers and newbies alike.
Gods speed and SVR to you!
tina-b
Those numbers are looking great! Dang near 7 weeks post tx! WOW! In the words of my man's doc, "Are 'you' starting to come back yet?"
My man is 8 weeks post tx today and he feels better everyday. He still has some of that riba snarley attitude pop back up at times but nothing serious. He is almost back to his "real" self again.
David, you have always been the calm during the storm here and you have no idea how much that means to the old timers and newbies alike.
Gods speed and SVR to you!
tina-b
Hey Tn guy, it is looking mighty good, I can't wait 2 more months! can't you speed it up? ;>]
stc; antibiotics can not kill interferon since it is not a bacteria, the target of those meds. the penicillins are the most beneficial of the antibiotics because they do not damage too many of the beneficial bacteria in our body.
stc; antibiotics can not kill interferon since it is not a bacteria, the target of those meds. the penicillins are the most beneficial of the antibiotics because they do not damage too many of the beneficial bacteria in our body.
David, those numbers look real good to me. CONGRATULATIONS. We will both be getting tests done in April. It seems so far from now but each day is getting better. Hope you are doing good.
I am so happy for you that things are looking good for you on your "first hurdle". With all the support you give to people, no one could deserve it more than you.
Hey INFO MAN,
Your scores look real good.....100/100. Where I come from that means graduating with honors.
Good luck on your PCR.
Ben
That is wonderful to hear! You have fought so hard and been through some rough times and all along through this whole ordeal,,,,continued to help so many! Very encouraging news!!
Welcome to the forum. Lots of good folks here - with lots of good help, support and information.
I am a geno 1a who aquired HCV through self-infliction in 1984 or 1985. First diagnosed in 1992. I tried the existing tx back then of 3 million IU of Intron-A. My WBC dropped dramatically after a few months and my dosage was lowered to 2 million. My LFT's normalized while on the 3 million, but soon they began to go up once the doasge was lowered. After 7 months total my tx was over, and my LFT's have been elevated ever since.
Fast forward to 2003. For the first time ever my AFP tested above normal, eventually peaking out at about 20. Since at an elevated level up to 50 it can be an indicator of increased inflamitory activity in the liver, the decision was made to do a bx and to go ahead and treat. My bx results were very similar to my only previous one done in 1992, showing Stage 1 damage and Grade 1 inflamation. In February of 2004 I began 48 weeks of 180 mcg of Pegasys and 1,200 mg of ribavirin. My routine for the interferon was to take my shot at 7 PM on each Sunday evening, never varying by more than 10 minutes. My routine for the ribavirin was to take it at 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM, never varying by more than 45 minutes. I did this routine to help keep my focus on compliance, which is the one area of tx odds that I would have complete control over. I ended up taking Neupogen for my low WBC this time, for approximately half of my tx. My LFT's normalized by week #2 and my blood showed no sign of the virus by week #12 - and again at week #48. I am now 6 1/2 weeks post-tx and in the recovery phase.
My advice for anyone going into tx is be sure that you and your doctor are on the same page. This includes making certain that you will be prescribed Neupogen and Procrit pro-actively (i.e. - BEFORE you reach the point where dosage reduction is called for). Make sure that your pharmacy can get each of those drugs (and any others you may need - including the interferon and the riba). And make sure that your insurance will cover all of them. As much of this foot-work you take care of ahead of time will end up making life easier for you should a crisis in any of those areas arise. Also, try and find out how flexible your doctor is about length of tx (eg - if you don't clear the virus by week #12, will your tx be extended?). And find out how frequently you will be tested for viral levels - the more early on in tx, the better. And find out frequently 'regular' blood work will be done. Ask how often you will be seeing your doctor in person. And find out who will be your contact during the course of your tx (eg - nurse, nurse practitioner, etc.). Find out who will be your emergency contact. Ask how and when you will be receiving your test results.
Your doctor and everyone in their office works for you. You have to be sure they are a correct fit for your needs before ever beginning tx. Stay on top of them the whole way. Never be afraid to ask questions or to be a pain-in-the-ass - perceived or otherwise. Your goal is to get rid of this virus for good and to have to treat only once. Doctors see many, many patients every week. You are but a blip on their radar and can easily get lost-in-the-sauce. Learn as much as you can about the things you need to know and always be a self-advocate.
TnHepGuy
I am a geno 1a who aquired HCV through self-infliction in 1984 or 1985. First diagnosed in 1992. I tried the existing tx back then of 3 million IU of Intron-A. My WBC dropped dramatically after a few months and my dosage was lowered to 2 million. My LFT's normalized while on the 3 million, but soon they began to go up once the doasge was lowered. After 7 months total my tx was over, and my LFT's have been elevated ever since.
Fast forward to 2003. For the first time ever my AFP tested above normal, eventually peaking out at about 20. Since at an elevated level up to 50 it can be an indicator of increased inflamitory activity in the liver, the decision was made to do a bx and to go ahead and treat. My bx results were very similar to my only previous one done in 1992, showing Stage 1 damage and Grade 1 inflamation. In February of 2004 I began 48 weeks of 180 mcg of Pegasys and 1,200 mg of ribavirin. My routine for the interferon was to take my shot at 7 PM on each Sunday evening, never varying by more than 10 minutes. My routine for the ribavirin was to take it at 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM, never varying by more than 45 minutes. I did this routine to help keep my focus on compliance, which is the one area of tx odds that I would have complete control over. I ended up taking Neupogen for my low WBC this time, for approximately half of my tx. My LFT's normalized by week #2 and my blood showed no sign of the virus by week #12 - and again at week #48. I am now 6 1/2 weeks post-tx and in the recovery phase.
My advice for anyone going into tx is be sure that you and your doctor are on the same page. This includes making certain that you will be prescribed Neupogen and Procrit pro-actively (i.e. - BEFORE you reach the point where dosage reduction is called for). Make sure that your pharmacy can get each of those drugs (and any others you may need - including the interferon and the riba). And make sure that your insurance will cover all of them. As much of this foot-work you take care of ahead of time will end up making life easier for you should a crisis in any of those areas arise. Also, try and find out how flexible your doctor is about length of tx (eg - if you don't clear the virus by week #12, will your tx be extended?). And find out how frequently you will be tested for viral levels - the more early on in tx, the better. And find out frequently 'regular' blood work will be done. Ask how often you will be seeing your doctor in person. And find out who will be your contact during the course of your tx (eg - nurse, nurse practitioner, etc.). Find out who will be your emergency contact. Ask how and when you will be receiving your test results.
Your doctor and everyone in their office works for you. You have to be sure they are a correct fit for your needs before ever beginning tx. Stay on top of them the whole way. Never be afraid to ask questions or to be a pain-in-the-ass - perceived or otherwise. Your goal is to get rid of this virus for good and to have to treat only once. Doctors see many, many patients every week. You are but a blip on their radar and can easily get lost-in-the-sauce. Learn as much as you can about the things you need to know and always be a self-advocate.
TnHepGuy
Looking good man! Numbers look good. You are right on about the relationship with the docs. We have to take our tx into our own hands and not be a blip on the radar screen. HAPPY FOR YOU!
I'm sorta new to this forum and am unaware of the program you followed to get to these excellent results. Its really good to read about the HCV devil being beaten down. Currently I'm not on a program but will be by May of this year. Would you be so kind to post your schedule, dose, etc for me? Also, what is your geno? Thnx much.
Hey, those numbers look very encouraging! I hope you're resting a little easier now. I know that the PCR is the final word on this, but every piece of good news along the way is welcome, right?
Take care,
Susan
Take care,
Susan
Is it okay to take ampicillin antibiotic while i'm on treatment. I told the dentist I was on treatment, I was reading the posts tonight and got to thinking what if the a.b. kills the interferon?
Monte
Monte
I received the results of the my first blood work since finishing tx. Though I didn't have a PCR drawn (I get to wait for that until the 3 month mark in April), I did get some information that is helpful - and so far it looks good:
ALT = 26 (range 0-55)
AST = 27 (range 5-34)
AFP (alpha feta protein) = 3.6 (range 0.0-8.9)
All three of these were elevated prior to tx, with the ALT and AST normalizing early on during the course of it. I wasn't tested for AFP during tx.
I'm very pleased and thankful. These results are my first hurdle. Though I realize they most certainly are by no means conclusive of anything long-term. Like everyting else associated with Hep C, there comes more waiting and wondering.
TnHepGuy
ALT = 26 (range 0-55)
AST = 27 (range 5-34)
AFP (alpha feta protein) = 3.6 (range 0.0-8.9)
All three of these were elevated prior to tx, with the ALT and AST normalizing early on during the course of it. I wasn't tested for AFP during tx.
I'm very pleased and thankful. These results are my first hurdle. Though I realize they most certainly are by no means conclusive of anything long-term. Like everyting else associated with Hep C, there comes more waiting and wondering.
TnHepGuy
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