Edema from treatment

[mama4888]

My dad is on triple therapy and just finished incivek a few days ago. He has swelling in his legs and hands. He went to see a cardiologist yesterday and they ruled out heart problems. His kidney functions are slightly abnormal and we were told not bad enough to cause edema. He is also on procrit and I have read that edema is a possible side effect (though his hematologist says it is not). Has anyone experienced swelling and do you know the underlying cause?

Thanks, it's great to have this forum to turn to with questions about the neverending side effects.

[mama4888]

We still don't know the underlying reason for my dad's edema. it could be a number of things, including medication side effect. His albumin is low so that could cause some edema. For now, the swelling is not severe, but uncomfortable and painful at times. We have been told that a diuretic may not be the best course of action, so we are just watching and monitoring at this time.

And yes, he does have mild cirrhosis.  

[frijole]

How are things going for you?  You have had a rough time.  Do you have cirrhosis?  I do, and I think that also causes edema but my heppo was not concerned so I have tried to ignore it.  But you are right -- my face looks kind of chipmonk like too -- like I had been taking prednisone.  Mostly my problem is in the ankles and I do admit to eating salty snacks.  The edema seems to cause itching which I have scratched for 9 months now.  I can heal it up, dry it out, and then it seems to be prime fodder for scratching again - and I break skin and start the process all over.  I am so sick of this.

mama4888 - I am taking procrit too and I suppose it could cause swelling because it can make the blood thicker, but I really don't think that is the reason for me.  Edema is listed as one of the sx of Victrelis.  Is your hubbt cirrhotic?
frijole (bean)

[LookingForward12]

I have had swelling since about week four of treatment....I look like a moonpie in my face....worse after my shot. I figure it will go away after treatment (2 more weeks!).

[frijole]

I am on Victrelis but have had swelling in my ankles and feet for most of my treatment.  My hepatologist was not too worried about it so I have tried to ignore it, just hoping it will subside when I complete treatment.

See if it does get any better now that he is off the incevik.  If not, you might try to cut down on sodium (not an easy task).
frijole

[Willy50]

. He is also on procrit and I have read that edema is a possible side effect (though his hematologist says it is not).
==============================

http://www.chemocare.com/bio/procrit.asp

The above link lists edema as a possible side effect.  I would ask, why a hemotologist would say it is not?  I'm no doctor, but it has been my understanding that procrit can cause this issue.

willy