Hello!
I had interferon induced thyroiditis (caused hyperthyroidism temporarily) which took several months for everything to return to normal. My Dr wanted me to stop txing because the effects of the thyroiditis was rapidly worsening my anemia. I was treated with Inderal, a beta-blocker, that slows the heatrate and brings down the blood pressure until the thyroiditis "flipped" to hypothyroid. I was able to complete treatment because, with the heartrate being slowed, the anemia was more controlled as well...it took several months after EOT for my thyroid to find it's "happy place", -But it did! I am still SVR and am 8 months post txing! :) ~Melinda
With HCV, your thyroid can go south at anytime with treatment or not...not sure if it is a reason to stop treatment but may be because of other factors...
My thyroid went south about halfway through my 48 wk and never came back. Levothyroxine is what I'll take for the rest of my life. One of those things that happens. I hope my thyroid is enjoying himself where ever he is.
Teuf
Yes, I've had thyroid issues ever since starting my Hep C tx. I started to go hypothyroid just before I started treatment so my GI doc sent me to an Endocrinologist (a specialist for the thyroid) and she started me on Levothyroxine (Synthroid generic) at about week 4 of my treatment.
I'm currently at week 31 of my treatment and the thyroid med has been doing the trick just fine.
I tend to think that thyroid issues are no reason (by itself) to have to stop treatment since there are meds -- but it depends on what your thyroid problem is and how bad it is. If you haven't seen an Endocrinologist for your thyroid, do so -- they may be able to manage your thyroid issue and keep you on Hep C treatment.
Hi and Welcome back,
I had thyroid problems at about week 30 and was given synthroid to get it back in balance. Experienced some effects of the thyroid problem but after taking the meds was able to continue to treat to the end of treatment. There are others who will chime I'm sure but mine did go back to normal after treatment. I guess you'll know what needs to be done when you see the doctor, hang in there.
jasper
I personally did not have treatment bring on a thyroid problem but have read about others that did. If I remember correctly they treated the thyroid problem with drugs and continued treatment. If you are not having any other problems then I would ask doc to treat thyroid with meds and continue HCV tx. Best of luck