Dental problems with pegasys treatment

[Shrimper]

I have been treated with interferon/ribavarin---non-response, pegasys---have never gone negative, currently on low dosage 90 mg pegasys longer treatment.  My question are there any known long term side effects with dental after using pegasys?  I currently had to have extractions and had a top denture and am trying to claim on medical insurance since I do not have dental insurance.  Thanks

[frijole]

There is a definite collelation but I think you will find it hard to prove it for a medical claim.  The interferon drys up the saliva and the saliva is anti bacterial.  Without that bacteria thrive and decay is rampant.  It is important to have regular checkups and cleanings throughout tx and to use mouthwashes and to keep your mouth from drying out  -- I used Tic Tacs.  

I know quite a few people on this board who incurred dental problems but none who even tried to put it on medical insurance.

frijole

[FloridaMouse]

I lost 17 teeth after doing 2 rounds of treatment.  I was told that the treatment can cause acid wearing as well as issues from dry mouth.   Every filling that I had literally popped out and those teeth broke off.  I also passed out on my face on a tile floor from low electrolytes and lost 3 teeth.   I now have an upper denture and a lower partial.

Mouse

[lapis]

Yes.  Dental problems while on tx.  I usually have teeth cleaned every 3 mos anyway because of periodontal disease, and while on tx, the hygienist noticed my gums were very inflamed.  My careful dental care usually keeps the inflammation down, but it was challenging during tx.  

In fact, I looked up all the drugs I was taking while on tx, and every one of them included "dry mouth" as a side effect!!!  Gums stayed itchy, uncomfortable, and the gum recession increased.  Thankfully I didn't lose any of my teeth!  Now, 16 wks post tx, gums are back to normal.

So that's my experience.  Best of luck to you.  Let us know how that works out.

Lapis

[epiphiny]

Same as everyone has said above.  I tried to get the clinical trial to cover the loss of one of my back teeth as I believed it was the meds the caused my dry mouth and increased clenching that cracked the tooth, which caused infection which necessitated removal but they wouldn't admit that the drugs were the cause of the problem.

[hepman]

wen i did tx in 04  most of my teeth got louse in my head the dentist sed we have to pull them i didn't listen to the dentist and all my teeth got solid again in about six months and some in a year year don't wiggle them no matter how bad thy heart and you can by teeth gards for wen you sleep

[Bulldoggergal]

There has been some success in claiming the dental issues caused by the inteferon under medical for an oral surgeon to remove teeth...like mine that mainly broke off at the gumline and the others that crumble with just a touch of a dental tool.

I'm currently only left with two whole teeth...and those are crowns...the rest are all broken off or were pulled.  I have Medicare only, no dental.  See if you can find a dentist/oral surgeon that will state the inteferon does cause these problems...or keep appealing until the insurance company gives.  

It's an uphill battle but it's not totally out of the realm of possibility to get it covered under medical...some of the expenses.  You're not alone, good luck!

[Bulldoggergal]

I forgot to say that my dental issues didn't show up until 10+ years AFTER my initial treatment (regular inteferon three times a week)...don't think the dental issues are only during treatment!  Keep up with dental visits and precautions from now on until forever if you treat with inteferon.