More about side effects...

[Anna_R]

I have studied a lot of sites, but can't find anyone with the same simptoms.. I startet Pegasys & Riba 5 weeks ago, and feeling fine in general. BUT I have developed mouth ulcers and my tongue bleeds after I brush my teeth. It looks like Ribavirin is causing these effects. Anyone else had those?

Anna

[Anna_R]

Thank you, everyone! I will speak to my doctor @ my next appointment, and I'll try Bio. Cheers!

[audreywald]

The swish and spit did not help as much as the biotene, or maybe it did but took a few days.  By the time I got the antiviral script, I did not need it anymore!

[kathyf]

Anna, I had the same thing and my Dr. perscribed this concoction that the pharmacist mixed up for me. There were three ingrediants, Kaopectate (beleive it or not), and two other things I can't remember - evidently it is commonly perscribed for chemo patients. You had to swish it and spit it out. I know some other people on the board used the same thing so someone else might be able to remember. It did the trick for me, so ask your Dr.

Kathy

[honey1616]

ROFL...too perfect!!  Audrey..your post got me going.  For the simple reason is as of starting my tx lately, I have a tv tray by my bed loaded with any and everything to ward off the evil doings of the "SHOT".  Anyways , my girls and I laughed and laughed after they saw all this **** in my bedroom and so now you added something for me to add.....Swish & Spit!!  Excuse me everyone while I go swish & spit! LOL

[Steve']

Hi there ..... I too am on Pegasys + Riba & I got the same mouth problems, strangely I think it was around 5 week mark like you ... I'm on week 26 now ... 1 to go for me gang ... The way I fixed it is to gargle morning & night with a non-alcohol mouth wash, it fixed it in a couple of days ... they say for Hep-c people to use non alcohol ...  Good Luck, always think of our goal & stay focused 100%  <b>...Steve...</b>

[audreywald]

I did. Not the bleeding but sores in my mouth. I called my doc and got a mouthwash called "swish and spit" and I also bought some mouth stuff called biotene (sp)

They are better now, but my doc says it is a common side effect of the riba and you may need a specific anti viral for it.

[DownThisRoad]

Call your doctor's office and make them aware of this symptom you are having. In the meantime and even after your doctor suggests something to help relieve this, you can use Biotene products.

I had problems with my mouth being so sensitive around week 12 of treatment. Others on this forum suggested Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash.  This product has always helped me relieve mouth soreness.

[Galen]

What you describe is not uncommon.  It is possible that you have a fungal infection.  If so, it is treatable with a prescription mouthwash.  In the meantime, try rinsing with saltwater, brush with a soft, baby style toothbrush taking care not to further scrape up your tender gums, and use one of the sensitive teeth toothpastes.  Oh yeah, definitely call your doctor in the morning to get that Rx.