Waiting for sovaldi and olysio

[tired2013]

Hi,

I was told at my appt. in the middle of Feb. that I would be starting this combo with ribavirin. I was also told it would take 4-6 weeks before I heard anything from my specialty pharmacy. It's been 5 weeks and I still have not heard from them. I called my nurse and she said that they pharmacies are very busy because so may people are treating. Has anyone else had to wait this long?

[hepcat1954]

The squeaky wheel gets the oil.  You can always try to gently nudge them.

Good luck,
HC

[Groupergetter]

If you know the name/number of your specialty pharmacy call them and ask the status of your prescription.  Make sure they have the prescription. My doc initially sent the script to the wrong pharmacy.  Because of the cost of these meds I had to sign for them.  The pharmacy wouldn't have shipped if I didn't call them back.  Good luck, hope this works out well for you.  Take care.

[tired2013]

Thanks everyone, this makes me feel a little better. In situations like this you can't help but wonder if you have just been forgotten about!  I hope everyone else gets their approval soon and can begin treatment!

[heart_in_the_keyes]

It does take longer than expected...but stay on top of communicating with your nurse and doctor.....I was told in December that I was to start right away...just starting next week....hold-up was insurance....new drugs are not on their formularies so sometimes the doctor or drug company have to keep reapplying to denials before they actually get it through.  Have you been to a class yet?    I was at a class yesterday and there were people there from 3 different states....class was packed...so they are overwhelmed... I am stage 4 ESLD w/decomped liver and on pre transplant list....with a HCV load over the top...really want to attack this beast before I get the transplant.    Good luck....be patient but stay on top of your nurse coordinator and doctor....get email addresses and contact info and keep emailing them and calling them....the amount of people they are having to take care of on this is over the top..... Good luck.  

[JimmyMose]

I really hope you get to start treatment ASAP. Best of luck.

[JimmyMose]

Yes, the pharmacies and the health plan decision makers are very busy because so many people wanting treatment plus the millions on newly insured because of ACA and medicaid.

My VA doctor prescribed me SOV/RBV on Feb 5 and said I probably would start treatment within 2 or 3 weeks. Was then told a few days later that it might be up to 60 days or more.  On March 5 the treatment NP & pharmacist were hoping I could start at my next appointment April 2. So do I.

They said I should qualify because
Although no prior Child class B or C qualifying events or a transient elastography (FibroScan)score. My Fib-4 > 3.25, APRI > 2.0 scores are well above and Platelets are below 100 kmm3

My last biopsy June 2012 was Batts-Ludwig STAGE: 2  GRADE: 2 and FiberTest July 2013 FS-FIBROSIS STAGE* (V2) F3 - Bridging fibrosis many septa FS-ACTIVITY GRADE* (V2) A3 - Severe activity

The VA interim guide for Solvadi priority includes
Biopsy proven cirrhosis or Clinical diagnosis based on defined events (i.e.,prior Child class B or C qualifying events) , Fib-4 > 3.25, APRI > 2.0
Platelet count less than 100,000 mm3 or Fibroscan score >12.5 kPa

Unfortunately for some without more advanced fibrosis or other related serious conditions soon may have to wait longer to treat.

Treatment decisions for the new drugs are in fluctuation.

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