Pegylated Interferon

Why do the "fact sheets" for pegylated Interferon warn:   DO NOT STOP THIS MEDICINE WITHOUT CONTACTING YOUR DOCTOR?  Whaat will happen?

[zazza]

I figure: The virus will be back!

[meki]

zazza pretty much hit it on the head.

The repercussions are that you won't clear the virus. That it will continue to damage your liver.

That is not a good thing.

However - side effects are bad - so some people get off of it at the first side effect.

Think of it like chemotherapy of the traditional sense (it is chemo - but just not radiation ---- but it is just as bad.)

[oklajess]

Thanks for responding to my question back in July about stopping HCV treatment.  Things got pretty complicated and I am just now responding to you.   I posted another question today which gives a little more detail as to why I asked in the first place.  

[momnboyz]

I  just wanted to give a little hope out to you all.  My mom had Hep C 1a and indured the tx for one year, what a trooper.  She just had her 1 year check up and it still is clear.  I myself am a 34 year old single mom with a 3 year old and a 9 year old.  I also have hep C and am in stage 2.  My doc. wants me to go on Tx.  I have been trying to do a vit. regimun and have doing so for a little over a month.  I just had my blood taken so I will see if my levels have gone down any. Thanks for listening

momnboyz

[meki]

You're very welcome.

Momnboyz - well - good luck - and since you know what your mother went through - you have a glimmering idea of what could possibly be your side effects.

Hopefully - you'll do just fine.

Much luck to you.

Meki

[hepc66]

  what does tx mean ?