Hi if you go to Vertex's web site you can compare your rash to the pictures to see where you are in comparison i.e. mild, moderate, severe
You have been given good advice. It will get better. I went through the itching as well, it was a nightmare. I would freeze wet wash clothes and use to numb the nerve ending or sometimes I would scratch with them Drink more water, take you medications, etc
Good luck
Hi Mark, I saw your other posts and I am sorry your rash is progressing.
I am gathering you are at week 10, is that right? The Incivek portion is 12 weeks rather than 13 so if you discontinued the Incivek it would be around two weeks early......right?
Have you treated before or is this your first time?
What stage of Fibrosis are you?
Sorry for all the nosy questions but the reason I am asking is that There are people on here who were UND and continued treating after stopping the Incivek early. There is a possibility you could continue forward with the Peg/Riba so **be sure** to ask your doctor.
I can imagine how completely miserable you must be. The Incivek rash in this Texas heat must simply be unbearable. You have really come a long way and it would be a shame to have hung in there so long and then stop.
As Pooh says even with cessation of the Incivek the rash still needs to be addressed. So either way you might want to ask about a potent topical steroid. Maybe Clobetasol or something. One person one here had a Kenalog shot. Many of us obtained a prescription for Hydroxizine. These are examples of what others in your situation have done; these particular meds may or may not apply to you and your particular medical history. Some steroids are contraindicated with Incivek. That still leaves to a host of pharmaceutical interventions.
I am sorry this is happening. I suspect you will feel much better and encouraged to keep treating once you get the Incivek out of your system. I know it might not feel like that now but if you are UND and can keep treating I seriously encourage you to try♫
I am very sorry to hear that your rash is getting worse. I know this does happen with some people.
We have had people on the forum who had the Incivek discontinued but continued with the Peg and Riba. I know one or two needed steroid injections.
Perhaps your doctor may take you off Incivek, but you may be able to stay on the Peg and Riba and still finish treatment.
Here are the guidelines for managing a severe Incivek rash:
"Assessment"
Generalized rash with or without pruritus
OR
Rash with vesicles, bullae, or ulcerations (other than SJS)
"Management"
Discontinue INCIVEK
May continue pegIFN-RBV
*Closely monitor for signs of progression
*If rash does not improve within 7 days of INCIVEK discontinuation (or earlier if worsening rash), consider interruption or discontinuation of RBV and/or pegIFN
*Earlier interruption or discontinuation of RBV and/or pegIFN-RBV may be needed if medically indicated
*Consider utility of good skin care practices
*Consider oral antihistamines (sedating and/or non-sedatingc)
*Consider topical corticosteroids (systemic corticosteroids are not recommended)
*INCIVEK must not be restarted after discontinuation
*Consider dermatology consult
If systemic symptoms develop, see below for serious skin reaction management."
There is more about managing Incivek rash at this site:
http://www.incivek.com/hcp/assess-and-manage-rash
Hopefully you can stay on treatment even if you have to stop the Incivek. Others have had to stop Inc. at about 10-11 weeks (but continued Peg and Riba) and they have done pretty well. If I recall correctly, at least one of them has now attained SVR.
Keep us posted. Wishing you the very best.