Aa
Rash
I have had a terrible rash on my neck and chest. Could never fall asleep last night the pain was so intense. Sharp, shooting, searing pain. Called the office this morning and they made an appt. to look at this rash tomorrow afternoon. I asked her if she could order an analgesic script for me until then and she said no, because the incivek rash does'nt have pain associated with it. She said it may be shingles because this tx lowers the resistance. She did agree, finally, to order hydroxyzine for the itching. She said the incivek rash only itches, it doesn't hurt. Is this true? Please give my some feedback on this. Another sleepless night ahead of me.
you have got replies from some of the best people on here, Pooh,Eric, Idyllic, have all helped me numerous times on this site, I so hope that it is not anything more then just the rash, even though the rash stinks, but I would take it over the other, you have been through tx once before, this is my first and hopefully only time, and even though I have this bad rash, and I feel like life is bad right now, someone else, lets me no that it could be so much worse and I should be thankful that I am able to do this very expensive treatment, I am so sorry that it is you that had to be the one to make me feel better about myself, but thank you for posting, I do wish the best for you and I so much hope that this works out for the best.
GOOD LUCK.
Trolleater
GOOD LUCK.
Trolleater
My rash started about week 10 and stayed (still have it at week 49). It itches severely if I don't take the Hydroxyzine. The only rash associated pain was if I scratched it too much and it got raw.
The meds can cause neurological problems. Many of us have bizarre pains like a bug biting us. Some people feel like they are sleeping on steel wool. Sort of a burning, picky sensation.
It could be shingles. Shingles are extremely painful and it is very severe and distinct. When I had shingles while on steroids for systemic vasculitis, the pain was searing and deep. The area was hypersensitive. I could not stand anything touching it.
All shingles outbreaks do not necessarily cover a large area. Mine started with a few small red painful bumps on my mid back at the spinal column. Then more small clusters of these bumps appeared in a track from my mid back to my groin (a nerve line). The bumps started to develop into small vesicles. My doctor placed me on Valtrex (an anti viral) for 7 days. That cleared it up.
I noticed the following article talked about using over the counter pain meds. Whoever wrote that article has never had shingles, LOL. Over the counter pain meds for shingles would be like taking a placebo.
I am perplexed by your doctor's response to your request for pain medication:
"I asked her if she could order an analgesic script for me until then and she said no, because the incivek rash doesn't have pain associated with it."
That is not logical thinking. Whether an Incivek rash produces pain or not has nothing to do with whether you should receive pain medication for your pain. The rash you have is producing pain. I do not see why your doctor is opposed to treating the pain you have regardless of what is causing it.
"Symptoms of a Typical Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Attack
Shingles ... develops on one side of the body. Usually two, and sometimes three, identifiable symptom stages occur:
The first is known as the prodrome, a cluster of warning symptoms that appear before the outbreak of the infection.
The second stage comprises the symptoms of the active infection itself.
In many patients, a third syndrome known as postherpetic neuralgia later develops.
Pain is so common to all stages of herpes zoster that doctors often refer to all syndromes with a single term: Zoster-Associated Pain (ZAP).
Prodrome (Pain).
Pain is the primary early symptom for shingles, and it occurs in all patients. The pain most often occurs in the skin at the site of the re-activated virus. The pain may be experienced as sharp, aching, piercing, tearing, or similar to an electric shock.
The affected skin may itch, feel numb, and be unbearably sensitive to touch. Often the patient experiences a combination of these sensations along with pain. ...
The prodrome stage lasts 1 - 5 days before the infection becomes active and the skin rash erupts. Occasionally, the pain can last weeks or even months before the rash erupts.
Active Shingles.
The rash that marks the active infection follows the same track of inflamed nerves as the prodrome pain. Between 50 - 60% of cases occur on the trunk. The second most common site is the head, particularly on one side of the face. It may also erupt on the neck or lower back. If the face is affected, there is a danger that the infection can spread to the eye or mouth. A rash that follows the side of the nose is a warning that the cornea of the eye is in danger.
Outbreaks of shingles often follow the distribution of nerves in the skin. .....
The active infection is typically marked by the following sequence:
A rash appears, starting as well-defined, small, red, clear spots.
Within 12 - 24 hours, these pimples develop into small fluid-filled blisters.
The blisters grow, merge, and become pus-filled.
Pain is common during the active infection.
Within about 7 - 10 days, the blisters form crusts and heal. In some cases it may take as long as a month before the skin clears completely. Healing takes even longer in patients who have impaired immune systems, and, in such cases, the blisters may last for months."
Risk Factors for Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
"About 500,000 cases of shingles occur each year in the U.S. Anyone who has had chickenpox has risk for shingles later in life, which means that 90% of adults in the U.S. are at risk for shingles. ...
The Aging Process. The risk for herpes zoster increases as people age...
Immunosuppression. People whose immune systems are impaired ... have a risk for herpes zoster that is much higher than those with healthy immune systems. ..."
Treatment:
"Nucleoside Analogues. The best class of drugs developed against varicella-zoster are those known as nucleoside, or guanosine, analogues. These medicines block viral reproduction. None of these drugs can actually destroy the virus and cure the disease, but they can significantly reduce the severity of the attack, hasten healing, and reduce the duration. They may also reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
These anti-viral drugs are usually taken for 7 days. Ideally they should be started within 72 hours of the onset of infection. The earlier they are given the more effective these drugs are, but they can be helpful even if treatment is started after 3 days. ...
Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are approved for shingles. Acyclovir is the oldest, most studied of these drugs, but either famciclovir (Famvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), which are both metabolized into acyclovir, are now preferred to treat herpes zoster in most patients because they require fewer daily doses than the five doses needed with acyclovir.
Because herpes zoster tends to resolve fairly quickly in young adults, these drugs are more important for patients at greatest risk for complications or persistent pain. They include:
Elderly people
Those with infections that threaten the eye
Patients who are HIV positive or immunocompromised in other ways
Patients whose infection covers a larger-than-average surface area of the skin
Those with very severe pain"
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_serious_chickenpox_shingles_000082_4.htm
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_symptoms_of_chickenpox_shingles_000082_2.htm#ixzz24y2rqBQa
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_treatments_used_an_acute_shingles_attack_000082_8.htm#ixzz24y3eEk4n
Here is a drug interactions checker from drugs.com
Drug interactions for the following 4 drug(s):
ribavirin
Incivek (telaprevir)
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
Valtrex (valacyclovir)
Interactions between your selected drugs
No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=2009-0,3328-15346,1806-1159,2282-1514
The meds can cause neurological problems. Many of us have bizarre pains like a bug biting us. Some people feel like they are sleeping on steel wool. Sort of a burning, picky sensation.
It could be shingles. Shingles are extremely painful and it is very severe and distinct. When I had shingles while on steroids for systemic vasculitis, the pain was searing and deep. The area was hypersensitive. I could not stand anything touching it.
All shingles outbreaks do not necessarily cover a large area. Mine started with a few small red painful bumps on my mid back at the spinal column. Then more small clusters of these bumps appeared in a track from my mid back to my groin (a nerve line). The bumps started to develop into small vesicles. My doctor placed me on Valtrex (an anti viral) for 7 days. That cleared it up.
I noticed the following article talked about using over the counter pain meds. Whoever wrote that article has never had shingles, LOL. Over the counter pain meds for shingles would be like taking a placebo.
I am perplexed by your doctor's response to your request for pain medication:
"I asked her if she could order an analgesic script for me until then and she said no, because the incivek rash doesn't have pain associated with it."
That is not logical thinking. Whether an Incivek rash produces pain or not has nothing to do with whether you should receive pain medication for your pain. The rash you have is producing pain. I do not see why your doctor is opposed to treating the pain you have regardless of what is causing it.
"Symptoms of a Typical Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Attack
Shingles ... develops on one side of the body. Usually two, and sometimes three, identifiable symptom stages occur:
The first is known as the prodrome, a cluster of warning symptoms that appear before the outbreak of the infection.
The second stage comprises the symptoms of the active infection itself.
In many patients, a third syndrome known as postherpetic neuralgia later develops.
Pain is so common to all stages of herpes zoster that doctors often refer to all syndromes with a single term: Zoster-Associated Pain (ZAP).
Prodrome (Pain).
Pain is the primary early symptom for shingles, and it occurs in all patients. The pain most often occurs in the skin at the site of the re-activated virus. The pain may be experienced as sharp, aching, piercing, tearing, or similar to an electric shock.
The affected skin may itch, feel numb, and be unbearably sensitive to touch. Often the patient experiences a combination of these sensations along with pain. ...
The prodrome stage lasts 1 - 5 days before the infection becomes active and the skin rash erupts. Occasionally, the pain can last weeks or even months before the rash erupts.
Active Shingles.
The rash that marks the active infection follows the same track of inflamed nerves as the prodrome pain. Between 50 - 60% of cases occur on the trunk. The second most common site is the head, particularly on one side of the face. It may also erupt on the neck or lower back. If the face is affected, there is a danger that the infection can spread to the eye or mouth. A rash that follows the side of the nose is a warning that the cornea of the eye is in danger.
Outbreaks of shingles often follow the distribution of nerves in the skin. .....
The active infection is typically marked by the following sequence:
A rash appears, starting as well-defined, small, red, clear spots.
Within 12 - 24 hours, these pimples develop into small fluid-filled blisters.
The blisters grow, merge, and become pus-filled.
Pain is common during the active infection.
Within about 7 - 10 days, the blisters form crusts and heal. In some cases it may take as long as a month before the skin clears completely. Healing takes even longer in patients who have impaired immune systems, and, in such cases, the blisters may last for months."
Risk Factors for Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
"About 500,000 cases of shingles occur each year in the U.S. Anyone who has had chickenpox has risk for shingles later in life, which means that 90% of adults in the U.S. are at risk for shingles. ...
The Aging Process. The risk for herpes zoster increases as people age...
Immunosuppression. People whose immune systems are impaired ... have a risk for herpes zoster that is much higher than those with healthy immune systems. ..."
Treatment:
"Nucleoside Analogues. The best class of drugs developed against varicella-zoster are those known as nucleoside, or guanosine, analogues. These medicines block viral reproduction. None of these drugs can actually destroy the virus and cure the disease, but they can significantly reduce the severity of the attack, hasten healing, and reduce the duration. They may also reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
These anti-viral drugs are usually taken for 7 days. Ideally they should be started within 72 hours of the onset of infection. The earlier they are given the more effective these drugs are, but they can be helpful even if treatment is started after 3 days. ...
Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are approved for shingles. Acyclovir is the oldest, most studied of these drugs, but either famciclovir (Famvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), which are both metabolized into acyclovir, are now preferred to treat herpes zoster in most patients because they require fewer daily doses than the five doses needed with acyclovir.
Because herpes zoster tends to resolve fairly quickly in young adults, these drugs are more important for patients at greatest risk for complications or persistent pain. They include:
Elderly people
Those with infections that threaten the eye
Patients who are HIV positive or immunocompromised in other ways
Patients whose infection covers a larger-than-average surface area of the skin
Those with very severe pain"
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_serious_chickenpox_shingles_000082_4.htm
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_symptoms_of_chickenpox_shingles_000082_2.htm#ixzz24y2rqBQa
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_treatments_used_an_acute_shingles_attack_000082_8.htm#ixzz24y3eEk4n
Here is a drug interactions checker from drugs.com
Drug interactions for the following 4 drug(s):
ribavirin
Incivek (telaprevir)
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
Valtrex (valacyclovir)
Interactions between your selected drugs
No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=2009-0,3328-15346,1806-1159,2282-1514
Sharp and shooting does sound like Shingles. Have you had the Chicken Pox before? Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and is a reactivation of the dormant virus. I had the Chicken Pox when I was little and it is no where nearly as painful in children as it is in adults. I have seen it on/off over the years. The look is distinct:
Cut & paste this link:
http://tinyurl.com/9ke8je5
____________
I have not heard mention of sharp, searing & shooting pain when it comes to the Incivek rash. Plus I think it usually surfaces before week 7. But you never know. Others who have had it are sure to offer their insight on what it feels like so be sure to check back.
Riba comes with its share of irritations. A Dermatologist can determine the origin of a skin irritation with greater facility than a regular doctor. I developed a rash when I treated last time that escalated into non-healing wounds. The itch was unreal. I remember standing in the shower and letting hot water pelt against my skin. The relief was incredible.
Whatever the cause of the irritation be sure to keep your hands clean and try not to touch it. If it is Shingles it could spread.
Until then products high in zinc oxide might ease some of the discomfort. Dr. Smiths cream has a 10% concentration:
http://www.drugstore.com/dr-smiths-premium-blend-diaper-ointment-3-oz-tube/qxp314173
The medicated Gold Bond (with the red cap) has a minor anti-itch/pain compound called Pramoxine:
http://www.drugstore.com/gold-bond-anti-itch-lotion/qxp206669
To tell you the truth the product that prevented me from aggravating my rash had a high concentration of Lidocaine. Hopefully tomorrow your doctor will be able to prescribe the right meds and topical that will help you heal.
Feel better
Here are some old threads on Shingles:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Shingles-it-is/show/89592
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Shingles/show/98134
Cut & paste this link:
http://tinyurl.com/9ke8je5
____________
I have not heard mention of sharp, searing & shooting pain when it comes to the Incivek rash. Plus I think it usually surfaces before week 7. But you never know. Others who have had it are sure to offer their insight on what it feels like so be sure to check back.
Riba comes with its share of irritations. A Dermatologist can determine the origin of a skin irritation with greater facility than a regular doctor. I developed a rash when I treated last time that escalated into non-healing wounds. The itch was unreal. I remember standing in the shower and letting hot water pelt against my skin. The relief was incredible.
Whatever the cause of the irritation be sure to keep your hands clean and try not to touch it. If it is Shingles it could spread.
Until then products high in zinc oxide might ease some of the discomfort. Dr. Smiths cream has a 10% concentration:
http://www.drugstore.com/dr-smiths-premium-blend-diaper-ointment-3-oz-tube/qxp314173
The medicated Gold Bond (with the red cap) has a minor anti-itch/pain compound called Pramoxine:
http://www.drugstore.com/gold-bond-anti-itch-lotion/qxp206669
To tell you the truth the product that prevented me from aggravating my rash had a high concentration of Lidocaine. Hopefully tomorrow your doctor will be able to prescribe the right meds and topical that will help you heal.
Feel better
Here are some old threads on Shingles:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Shingles-it-is/show/89592
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Shingles/show/98134
i posted some photos of the rash on my profile. the clinicians at the transplant clinic say that this was one of the worst incevik rashes that they have seen. i remember the crazy itching and the hydroxyzine provide some relief but i experienced only mild pain. the only thing that really helped was to discontinue the incevik and start prednisone. the most powerful steroid cream, chlobetasol, helped some and got me to 10 weeks before discontinuing the incevik. it may be the that you are experiencing shingle, which i understand is very painful.
eric
eric
Started tx on July 15th. In 7th week. Genetype 1a. I think I am stage 2. I do have some portal to portal bridging. Diagnosed in 2004. Second time to tx. Last tx in 2005. Taken off tx in 6th month due to viral breakthrough from ribavirin dose reduction . Ribaviran reduced because of severe anemia. Have had early VR with both treatment times- at week 4. Already in hospital for transfusion due to anemia this time also. I have not been itching this rash. I hope I don't have shingles because they may pull my off the tx and I want to be rid of this awful disease.
I am going through the rash right as we speak, and I will agree it didnt hurt at first, but 5000 scratches and itches later the skin did become tender and hurt. Have you been scratching at night while sleeping ? If so that could have something to do with it, I did, I would scratch and itch so bad, actually I am in week 8 and the itching is the hardest thing about this treatment, not that the rest is easy, I did find some relief with hdrocortisone 2.5 per cent lotion (dr. has to order), and if indeed that is what the problem is hopefully that will help you to. As far as sleep goes, what is it ? I dont get much because I itch all the time, I am hoping it is the Incivek, because I drop it in 4 more wks(seems like a lifetime), but I did put up a thread for the group and some replies said the riba causes a rash also just not as bad as with the Incivek,
Please let me know what you find out from the doctor, I would be curious to know what they say, and good luck. Although I do have a ? for you, how far along are you ?
Please let me know what you find out from the doctor, I would be curious to know what they say, and good luck. Although I do have a ? for you, how far along are you ?
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