I have 4 weeks to go on the Sovaldi treatment. The virus is undetectable now and the doctors think it will stay that way. I have taken the standard treatment twice before and as soon as the treatment stopped the virus returned.
I was close to needing a transplant. My liver enzyme numbers are now in the low normal range and my platelets are higher than they have been for 15 years.
This drug is fantastic. There are few if any side effects unlike the other treatment that requires excessive monitoring which runs the costs up with the Sovaldi program. Plus, many folks feel suicidal when taking the interferon, so much so, all of the manufacturers have a corporate nurse call you weekly while taking the interferon.
This cost equation being offered isn’t examining all the factors.
This will pass...Gilead has another drug that is expected to clear the FDA in October that has a 100% cure rate and within 2 years or so there will be a vaccine released that will end the death and suffering from this insidious disease.
I caught the virus 35 years ago from a tainted blood transfusion related to a surgical procedure. I’ve never been a drinker, yet I have non-alcoholic cirrhosis in the 4/5 range. Hopefully killing the virus will help my liver rejuvenate enough the canalization of my Aorta will cease and the fibrosis will decrease thus reducing the cancer threat.
Right now in America 16,000 people die annually from this disease...what is the cost of that, both financially and emotionally?
Awesome you!!!
My friend started Sovaldi witin a week of approval(Nov/Dec).
Like you, she experienced less complications compared with the other treatments.
So glad for you and hope you stay well.
Very good to hear :) (but the cost is a bit insane :/)
He is on the liver transplant list but very far down the line.
About 10 years ago the doctors tried another cure (can't remember what it was) but he was as sick as a dog. Told me about a month ago, that the thought of killing himself entered into his mind, but for the sake of his wife and sons he could not do it.