Riba side effects

[indyjo]

Help! Ok, I remember Rev making a comment about the side effects of ribaviron kicking in around week 7/8. I am in week 8 and this morning I woke up with this horrible rash on my left forearm and hand. It is bizarre looking and doesn't hurt, itch... nothing but ugly. I had this metallic taste in my mouth like I had sucked on iron all night It is still with me and I can't stomach the thought of food. My mouth is irritated, but I can't see anything wrong. And to top it off, I went into a rage this AM because my 10 y/o wouldn't eat his rice krispies. I mean I was a raving lunatic for a few minutes there and I had to apologize for my insanity. I had been sailing along there thinking this isn't too awful. The shot leaves me exhausted for a day or two, but the majority of side effects resolved after the first couple of weeks. So what is up? Anyone have any thoughts re these sides? I would really love some advice on that rage thing. I can't provide any more memories like the one my son will have from this morning. Thanks !!!!

[honey1616]

I know exactly what you mean as I have never really dealt with depression and so felt on tx at times,,,,that I was being weak. But these meds do make us anxious, depressed, and very emotional at times. I hate at times that I have no control over it but have to keep telling myself that it is the meds and will get better after. The rash also started for me about 2nd month and I have started using humidifier and that seems to help also plus,,,,You can't ever use enough lotion for the dryness of skin. Its nice to come here though and know that everything you are going through,,,,we all understand totally because most either are going through it or finished up.

[indyjo]

Thanks to all re remarks and advice. I am on my way to accepting that I am depressed. I am tearful at times for no reason and angry at other times for no good reason. It is kind of ironic as I work in mental health and I understand the medical piece of depression yet I still feel like I am weak in some way by not being able to fight this off. i have a script for prozac and will fill it tomorrow. I needed the push. Thanks also to those who commented re the kids. I needed (and still need) the support! Thanks to ALL!!

[snook_man]

Thanks my man, thanks. Yesterday was a little rough for me, but one day outta the week isn't bad. Hold the ship, I'm on my way. I get some blood labs next week, and see if CBCs are still good. Hope all is well with you in your parts of the country, and again thanks.

[cuteus]

anemia is probably setting in, which can cause depression and other aches, and that will not make for a happy camper, make sure you get treated for it if it's affecting your quality of life. ADs aid with depression but they are not a cure all for all our personality problems. Keep an eye on your counts and symptoms, insist on intervention and if your moods become extreme, consider medications. many times awareness of the mood changes can assist in keeping some control or developing a technique to handle them without meds.

[DRAGON SLAYER]

I'm glad you're doing much better on Pegasys/Copeg in comparison to PEG/Riba combo. Stay well & join us on the SVR ship known as USS FREEDOM.....ASASP.

Happy HOLIDAYS to each one of the fighters on this FORUM...

Ben

[rsterling]

Talk to your kids a lot to remind them that you're on treatment.  I'm on 27/48 with a 9 year old and 16 year old at home.  I do a lot of apologizing and keep reminding them that this is only temporary.  It seems to me that because I'm not actually laid up on a sick bed, it's hard for them and other family and friends to remember just what I'm going through and how hard it is.  I always try to keep a stiff upper lip for the little one.  And although if you ask the nine year old about Mom's brain fog (which they think is pretty funny), it's not that he'll refer to, it's how Mom sometimes looses her temper over nothing, or how I don't play with him as much.  Just lots of love and reminders.

[Ambush]

What your son will remember is that you apologized.  Kids are very forgiving if you are honest with them.  Sounds like you've reached that saturation point.  Make sure you drink lots of water ~ that helps with many sides. Be aware of the rage and ask the doc for help if need be.  I tip my hat to those of you raising kids while on tx.  Must throw quite a wrench into the works.
ambush

[oldhippiechick67]

Sorry to hear you have had your first episode of riba rage! Yes, the AD's help, but sometimes you need to catch yourself and leave the room, cuz it can get outta control and make yourself and your family miserable.  Talk to your dr about it, I had to go back a couple times and stress to him how bad it is/was, and he gave me Xanax, and that helped.  I was already on Zoloft. Tx is a big pain, with lots of nasty sides, and I was unlucky to have most of them.  The rash may get worse, with me it itched, and I took benadryl (dipheneramine/generic), or Zyrtec (very expensive), and assorted gels, creams, and lotions. Try over the counter ones or get your Dr to Rx something like Kenalog cream or similar.  Aveeno lotion is good stuff, (especially the one with no additives like perfume or coloring) Best to ya!
OHC

[genedog]

hey i hope your sx go away real soon #11 fri

[snook_man]

I'm on week 7/48 right now, and friday will be shot 8 for me. Seems like we are right along the same lines as far as sx's. First couple weeks where awkward to say the least. The body takes a little time to get use to the poison we inject in ourself. I luckily haven't gotten the rash yet, and pray it stays the hell away. What I was told by my Dr, was to take Zyrtec. It is Rx, so they would have to get it for you. It gets rid of the itch. As far as Rash, try Calamine or something like that.
As far as shots, I haven't felt anything in the past 2 or 3 weeks at all. Little spells of headache, or acheyness, but that is it. Saturday and Sunday have been pretty good for me so far. Hope all is going well, and don't worry about the rage. We all get rage, some more than others. Me, I get it while driving of course, and boy you better get the hell outta my way!!! I'm like a loonatic at rush hour, with a big SUV and 33" tires. I feel like pushing cars out of the way, but restrain at all times, (see the lingering HALO)..
Keep up the fight..

[BNR]

Are you taking an antidepressant?  Anger is a symptom of depression and these meds do make you depressed.