Treatment Side Effects

 

There are many different side effects that come with Interferon treatments. At this point, none of them seem to be life-long and go away within 6 months of stopping treatment. Keep in mind that everyone does NOT have all of these side effects. Most people will experience several during the first month or two of treatment, then may settle into a pattern of only a few. Be sure to discuss any and all side effects you may experience with your Dr.  The side effects listed below are only a few. Read your package insert that comes with your meds to see what else the drugs may do to you.


 
 
Fatigue
Joint Pain
Memory Loss
Mental Confusion
Skin Problems
Depression
Irritability  Anxiety
Nausea
Sleep Disturbances
Chills
Fever
Eyesight Changes
Flu-Like Symptoms
Headaches
Weight Loss
Loss of Appetite
Hemolytic Anemia
Hair Loss
Dental Problems
Diarrhea
Hearing Problems
Mouth Sores
Excessive Bleeding
Heat/Cold Sensitivity
Shortness of Breath
Thoughts of Suicide
Withdrawal from Family
Liver Pain

If you find yourself having suicidal thoughts or ideas, contact your Dr. IMMEDIATELY. If you have heart problems, you should NOT be taking REBETRON. You may suffer one or all of these side effects but none of them have been proven to be long lasting.

Try to rest during the day, even if it is only a short nap. Drink water instead of caffeine or soda. The water will help keep your kidneys flushed and seems to really help ease the side effects. Eat healthy, and stay away from red meat. It is the most difficult for your liver to process, and you don't want to over-work your liver. Exercise is a great way to keep down the sides. Even if you can only walk around the block, do it.

Do not take ANY over-the-counter meds without your liver Dr's permission. Ibuprofin has been proven to be very dangerous to the liver. Tylenol is about the only thing you can take. If you keep your intake down to 2 pills a day, you should have no troubles. Vitamin E is very good for your liver and should be taken daily. Vitamin B12 will help with your fatigue and energy levels.

Keep in mind that taking herbs does NOTHING for the virus itself, nor do they help reverse liver damage. If you choose to take herbs while on treatment, let your Dr. know what you are taking. Some herbs are VERY DANGEROUS to your liver and can contraindicate the Interferon, making it worthless in your system.

Interferon and Ribavirin are not fun treatments, and can make you feel worse than the Hepatitis does, but it CAN erradicate the virus in your system, as well as help reverse liver damage. The goals should be to improve your liver status, and to get rid of the virus. Even if you still have viral load at the end of the treatment regime, you will have improved your liver status. This will help your liver stay healthy longer, and that is the most important thing.

Learn to cope with treatment if you can. It is not easy, but if you have a positive attitude, make life style changes, and take it easy, you can get through the treatment. Rest when you feel the need. Slow down. Take a couple of Tylenol about an hour before doing your shot. Try to give your injection in the evening so you can sleep through the worst of the side effects. Many people are able to work while on treatment, but if you can't you need to talk to your Dr. about getting on State Disability. It is short term and will help you get through the treatment easier.
 

 Home Page

1