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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Side Effects of Interferon
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Side Effects of Interferon
by akram, Feb 24, 2007 12:00AM
I contracted Hepatitis C 25 years ago (unbeknown to me until 5 months ago when I went for my Exec. Check Up. I am now being medicated with Interferon for the past 3 and half months and I still have another 2 and half months to go. I am now experiencing the following side effects: chronic coughing for the last 2 months, general weakness, lack of appetite and severe headaches at night. A local specialist advised me to stop taking Interferon for 2 weeks in order to stop the coughing which he thinks could lead to other complications and side effects. What is your advice?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 26, 2007 12:00AM
, Feb 26, 2007 12:00AM
Coughing is not a common side reaction to interferon. Appetite changes and weakness can be due to the interferon.
Workup of the cough is recommended. This would include holding ace-inhibitor antihypertensives and obtaining a chest x-ray. If negative, you can consider evaluation for chronic sinusitis, post-nasal drip, GERD, or asthma - all of which can cause a chronic cough. A referral to a pulmonologist can be considered.
If GERD is suspected, an upper GI series or 24-hr pH study can be considered as well.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Workup of the cough is recommended. This would include holding ace-inhibitor antihypertensives and obtaining a chest x-ray. If negative, you can consider evaluation for chronic sinusitis, post-nasal drip, GERD, or asthma - all of which can cause a chronic cough. A referral to a pulmonologist can be considered.
If GERD is suspected, an upper GI series or 24-hr pH study can be considered as well.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
