Developed Nasty Cough After 9 months

[oreogreta]

I am now 9 months into my 12 month treatment and about 2 months ago I've developed this really nasty chest cough that happens Only when I start talking: meetings, etc.  Dr believes it is related to ribavarin and/or neulasta meds.  Anyone experience anything like this or hear anything?

[trevorsgirl2011]

How long is your treament for? During my first 2 months of treatment I also had skin rashes that kinda looked like ezcema/psoarisis. My mother being a nurse suggested to use an anti fungal cream (for athletes foot) and it worked. It sounds werid but I would try it. I hope this helps.

[angelogirl]

I still have a very bad rash that looks like measles and chickenpox. It is covering my legs, arms, back, and stomach. It has cleared up some on my chest. I have been on steroids, used RX steroid cream, benadryl, you name it. I quit taking Telaprevir on April 1st. I am starting to think it is the Riba causing the rash. I live in a very warm place and it is hard to stay completely covered up and out of the sun. Today is my 14th week and I am getting tired of scratching. They reduced the does of ribavirin to 1 tablet in the morning instead of 2, and 2 tablets in the evening instead of 3. Any suggestions? I want to quit, but don't want to quit.

[TnHepGuy_]

<u>oreogreta</a> - I had a dry, persistant non-productive cough nearly the whole time of tx. It continued to worsen and become more chronic as time went on. Some of that in the last few months may be partly attributed to the fact that winter has arrived and it is much dryer and less humid where I am now. I hope your sx's can improve soon.

<u>califia</u> - my existing knuckleheadedness was only heightened and magnified by the interferon. Now that my tx has ended, I'm hoping for a return to mere stupidity.


TnHepGuy

[Soleus]

I had a bad cough at the beginning of treatment. It was caused by the interferon drying out my upper respiratory system. A humidifier took care of it for me.

[oreogreta]

Apologize for my lack of detail, this is my first posting on a support site.  Yes, went through full med checks, x-rays, breath test, currently doing TB cultures (due to places I travel), 3-4 antibiotic treatments in 3 months, steroid inhalers, etc., etc.  I have 2 different docs, general & treatment, and they are both stumped, except to determine it is related to treatment.

Appreciate the feedback on staying the course, past couple of weeks has been rough, 1st time I wanted to quit since starting.  Considering the success to now (no viral load anymore), would seem a shame to dump out and miss the long term benefits.  Also apologize for not knowing the acronyms.  Thanks

[BethUK]

Yes I had that terrible cough thing once at the beginning and again near the end of my 48 wks treatment.  It went on for weeks and I couldn't speak without having a breathless coughing fit.  However, like most of the annoying side effects it went away.  You're on the last stretch now, which can really drag because you get so weakened by it all.  It worked for me, so all the side effects were definitely worth it.  Its been 2 years since I finished, and somehow it feels just a blur, like it never happened!

[Califia]

Oreogreta:  Glad to hear that you're receiving the full diagnostic treatment.   I, too, have gotten more than a little phlegmatic on tx, though my cough is nothing by comparison to yours.  I wish you well and applaud your perseverance.

TheHepGuy:   Duh, yeah!   And congratulations on being med-free at last.

[TnHepGuy_]

As is evidenced above by my lack-of-posting-correctly skills, my return seems right about on track.

[Califia]

Apologies -- you _have_ spoken with your doctor already.  How did I  manage to miss that?   Just another  interferon-laced knucklehead here.  (Your lungs and my mind.)  And s/he suggested that you do what?

[self-description stolen from The Hep Guy, in the spirit of 'if it fits, wear it']

[Califia]

Has anyone listened to your lungs?  I mean, someone medically trained?    I would not hesitate to go ASAP to my doctor's office.  All the better if it turns out to be nothing at all, but please err on the side of caution and have it checked out.   Interferon has been known to cause or aggravate pneumonia and other pulmonary problems.