Hepatitis C Support Group

I've been on the GS-7977 + Ribavirin trial for 3 weeks now. At the end of Week 1, I was undetectable <25. I have a question about Ribavirin. Does everyone start w/1000mg. and tries to stay with that? And then they reduce it if there's low rbc? or is it based on your weight from the start, so you might get just 800mg from beginning?

Thanks for any info.

From what I undestand it is based on weight. I have heard of reduced dosage but most gastro are out for the kill and dont like to stray from the SOC. I am happy for you that you have made it this far and are undectable.

I am very interested in this 7977 med so are you not taking the interferion? How do you feel? what are the sides like? If I want in on the trail I would have to go to St Louis which is about 3 1/2 hrs away and then my gastro in Louisville who is 2 hr away would monitor me. Please share more when you feel like it. Have you kept an online diary? Anyway have a great day you Dragon Slayer you!!!!

There are rescue meds to help with the low counts if your gastro will do it. Mine wouldnt he just pulled me from tx now this was back in 09. so if they try to pull you tell him you know there are rescue meds available and is it an opition. Do you work? Do you have folks to help? Me I am my only sorce of income and dont want to be a burden to anyone with the way the economy is everyone is struggling so I have to work to take care of myself.

Hi Beth.. and thanks for your well wishes. Yes, it's an interferon-free trial 12 weeks and then you can elect to go for 12 more to make 24 weeks. I have no bad sides to speak of. Some pre-existing stuff like R.A. is still around.

On the other hand, I am full of energy. From the time I get up at 5AM all the way through to about 1PM. Then I kind of poop out and the RA back pain kicks in and I take a big break. I'm doing things I haven't been able to do in years. So much brain fog has lifted and I see things so clearly that it's kind of overwhelming. I start doing a lot of things but I don't know how to divide the new energy up. So that's why I say SOME of the brain fog has lifted. I'm sure it would be like this with any other treatment too, you have to get used to having clearer thinking when the brain fog lifts or it all just comes rushing in.

I take 1,000mg of Riba, and I weigh 120 lbs. As long as I tolerate it, it will just continue like that, more kick-arse! Yeah, they don't want to reduce it, but they will if hemoglobin falls too low b/c the study does not allow rescue drugs. That would mess up the study.

So far so good. 30 days still und. Will finish June 12th.

Also, I'm waiting for results from the EASL 2012 Barcelona conference April 18-22. They will reveal the results of GT1's doing this exact same study that are four weeks post tx. It will be on the net. Fingers crossed on that one!

I will inform you along the way, but the truth be known Gilead Sciences is working on a backup drug for the 7977 so I don't think Ribavirin will be used in the future for them unless something amazing happens with the Riba combo stats in the coming weeks. I just wanted to stay on the 7977 path until they come up with that special backup drug, or until others like Abbott comes out. I'm a big fan of the 77.

I also wish you the best. It's good to recharge your battery (ticker) and give it a good rest. Energy will return slowly, as it should. I agree with you, your stress level sounded the alarm. Walk away from the stress and take good care of YOU, then you'll be back in fighting shape to take care of this dragon!

All the best to everyone here! And to those who aren't sharing yet, come on in. The water is fine. There's lots of hope.

THank you so much for the info, and I am so happy for you. I know this is the drug for me. so have you worked the whole way thru? I just think this is such awesome news!!