November 2002
Dr. Chris Bowlus -- Nov 20

From UC Davis Med Center, Division of Gastroenterology and the Liver Transplant Program, Dr. Bowlus will discuss the effects of iron on hepatitis C, interferon and liver transplantation.

Upcoming Agendas:
Meeting Agenda:
6:30 p.m. (sharp) - Theme Song: I Will Survive
6:35 - 6:45 announcements
6:45 - 8:15 Dr. Chris Bowlus
8:15 - 8:45 (or earlier) questions/answers 'til we adjourn

December 18 -- Potluck Dinner
January 15 -- Evonne Faucher, Schering Oncology Biotech
February 19 -- Jennifer Sadugor from The Yoga Solution
Contact Us:

Phone number: (916) 444-699
Email: dck@innercite.com (include "I Will Survive" in subject line or your message might be delected before being read).
Our Web Site> www.sacmall.net/transplant/hepc.html
More News
Our Meetings: 3rd Wednesdays of every month; at SCC (Sutter Cancer Center) classroom 3; 2800 L St (@ 28th & L: kitty corner across from the 2-story parking & across L St. from Sutter Hospital)
Contact Us: Phone number: (916) 444-6996
Our Web Site> www.sacmall.net/transplant/hepc.html
Email: dck@innercite.com (include "I Will Survive" in subject line or your message might be delected before being read).

If you want to be included on our mailing/emailing list and you can afford to include a donation, make it to "I Will Survive, The Effort", P.O. Bx 2180, Loomis, CA 95650 for:
$24 if you want the Newsletter by U.S. mail
$15 if you get the Newsletter from the website (if you wish, each month we'll email a link to you)
$ 0 if, right now, you can't afford to pay dues. In which case "I Will Survive" will mail monthly Newsletters to you. Please contribute to the "Donations" Box at the meetings as you are able.

From the November 2002 HCVAdvocate:
...Under the subheadline "HCV Community Stunned By Roche's Pricing Decision", the HCV Advocate reported that Roche has announced FDA approval of Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) monotherapy. It is priced at $6,984 for 24 weeks and $13,968 for 48 weeks. Until approval of Roche's ribavirin (Copegus) which is expected next month, patients only have the option of Schering's Rebetol or compounded ribavirin. Schering's Rebetol is priced (depending upon the ribavirin dose) @ $7,062 (800 mg) or $10,590 (1200 mg) for 24 weeks and $14,124 (800 mg) or $21,180 (1200 mg) for 48 weeks. The implication that Pegasys is not much less expensive than Rebetol 800 mg (ribavirin) but is much less expensive than Rebetol 1200 mg (ribavirin) is perplexing. It would seem that Roche has inflated the value of Pegasys and/or Schering has inflated the value of ribavirin. At any rate, the FDA has granted Roche priority review status for Pegasys in combination with Copegus (Roche's ribavirin).
...An FDA advisory panel recommended that acetaminophen should carry a warning about the potential for liver toxicity. Most cases of liver toxicity have occured in persons who have taken at least double the recommended dose, but the recent FDA study of patients with liver damage linked to acetaminophen found that 20% had used less than the recommended dose. There is a greater liklihood of liver damage even at normal doses of acetaminophen found among people who regularly drink alcohol. N-acetylcysteine is usually administered to patients suffering from liver toxicity linked to acetaminophen use.
...During the holiday season, Americans are almost all at risk for adding a few pounds. Planning "not to gain weight during December" is recommended as a more prudent goal than "lose 20 pounds in January". Making a commitment to whatever is your goal will make all the difference. Formulate a plan to support your goal. Implement that plan and visualize success. Part of the plan should be to evaluate the process at several intermediate points and, if your goal is being met, be sure to congratulate yourself. If your goal is not being met, try to determine the obstacles without self criticism. Here are some further tips:
......Don't attend an event overly hungry
......Skip the chips and cookies. Spend your calories on the really good stuff
......Start with a large non-alcoholic, non-sugary beverage. Keep your glass and stomach full
......Minimize temptation by keeping your back to the food
......Suck on a mint which can nterfere with other tastes
......Load up on low calorie foods: vegetables, fruit, shrimp
......Keep portions small
......Nuts are healthy, but only in small quantities
......Savor one at a time rather than eating a handful
......Focus on socializing
......Seek support. Commitments are easier to keep with the aid of friends and family
......Exercise reduces stress, improves sleep, burns calories, and enhances immune system function
If you have no money or insurance call:
Sacramento Clinical Trials
Schering's Commitment to Care 1-800-521-7157
Infergen's Safety Net Program 1-888-508-8088
Roche's Patient Assistance 1-800-443-6676
Dr. Gish, et al, call: Pacific Hepatology, (916) 443-0503
Dr. Pimstone UCD Med Center, (916) 734-1557
Dr. Rossaro UCD Med Cntr, call: Katherine Suggett (916) 734-8696



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