Preventative Measures for Incivek Rash

[skiyaltr]

Thought I read a recent post where vertex was putting out recommendations for preventative measures for potential rash.  I can't find the post.  Did it really happen or was I dreaming.

[hrsepwrguy]

This is from the original Incivek Treatment reference Guide, I was also told to use free of every thing laundry soap and absolutely no dryer sheets as well

What are some healthy skin tips?
It is important to keep your skin healthy during treatment. Here are
some tips that others have found helpful in keeping their skin in
good shape:
• Apply moisturizers at least twice a day, including after bathing
when your skin is moist
• Avoid alcohol-based lotions because they can dry out your skin
• Avoid perfumes and other scented skincare products
• Drink plenty of water to help keep your skin moist
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to help keep your skin cool
• Keep rooms humidified and at a moderate temperature
Don’t forget to talk to your healthcare provider before trying any of
these things. They may have additional tips for you. Remind him or her
about any allergies you have.

How can I relieve itching without scratching?

If your skin feels itchy and you want to scratch it, instead try to:
• Pat the itchy area with the flat of your hand
• Pinch the itchy area with your fingertips (not too hard)
• Put something cold on the itchy area (like ice cubes or
frozen peas, wrapped in a towel or cloth)

If you have other questions about ways to help keep your
skin healthy, call the 24/7 Nurse Support Line toll-free at
1-855-5-INCIVEK (1-855-546-2483) for tips.

http://www.incivek.com/sites/incivek.com/files/documents/TreatRefGuide_Web_Version.pdf

[Dee1956]

Hey there, I agree with you, if I knew then what I know now perhaps I could have changed things.  My doc acted as if he knew all about it, then when the sides started he was stumped.  As you say we had to be our own advocates and depend on each others experiences to help us as the doctors did not have a clue.  I think it should be a little better now.  Thank God for all the people who called Vertex desperate for help.  At least now they now that some of the patients are on their own, up a creek, no boat no paddle, lol
The best to every one
Dee

[pooh55811]

The Vertex recommendations may help; I hope they do.

I would add, if a rash appears (more than a red bump here or there), get on it immediately with prescription meds (fluocinonide oint. or triamcinolone cream and Hydroxyzine oral). (The over the counter drugs do little or nothing for a true systemic drug reaction. They just are not strong enough.) Rashes due to the drugs seem to snowball rapidly. The treating doctors and the case managers seem unable or unwilling to recognize the insidious nature of the rash and its seriousness and to treat the rash with prescription drugs as soon as they should (right away). I would also recommend seeing a dermatologist as soon as any significant rash appears (more than a few bumps). The derm docs seem to have a much better handle on recognizing the severity of a rash and treating the rash.

All I can say is that I wish I had known at the start of treatment everything I have learned since starting treatment (through painful and unpleasant experiences). We simply cannot rely on the treating docs to get on top of side effects fast enough.  We have to be our own advocates, which is sometimes difficult when we feel like crap.

[LookingForward12]

I have a friend who is starting triple treatment this Friday. He has treated twice before and has been a partial responder.
He was told that Vertex now recommends starting a week or longer before treatment and applying a combination of eucerin and hydrocortisone cream.....every day, head to toe.  Supposedly this is to reduce the inflammation of the skin ahead of time, I asked if he had to continue through treatment, but he said no, only before he started.
The doctors and nurses were told this at a seminar put on by Vertex about four weeks ago.

[Dee1956]

Hi I went back and got the site, hope I did this right,  good luck

http://www.incivek.com/hcp/assess-and-manage-rash

[hrsepwrguy]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Rash---New-Vertex-Recommendations/show/1711242

[Dee1956]

Hello, I just did a search based on your question and I found that Incivek now has information re the rash and pictures to show what is mild, moderate and severe.  I have read on here that if you can get it under control early it can help it though I do not know that first hand.  The pictures are very helpful
Did the search
Vertex recommends preventative measures for Incivek Rash

Good luck