Would appreciate your help

[Sheri42665]

Hi I am a RN that works for a pharmacy.  My job is to go into pt homes and teach them how to self-inject Pegasys and review side effects of the Hep C meds they will be taking.  Most of my patients are on triple therapy. My job is supposed to end there, but I just can't do that. I would like to know from the people that are on therapy some info you wish you would have known prior to starting therapy and how you deal with your side effects. I want to provide my patients with as much information as I possibly can and I figure the real experts are current or past patients. I know how difficult it is to get through to a Dr's office to ask simple questions so I give all of my patients my home and cell numbers to reach me 24/7. I started this job in January and I follow-up every two weeks with all of my patients. The majority do not have internet access so I was wanting to put together something like a pamphlet with helpful information, especially for the few that are too afraid to ask or think that their question is "stupid". I would truly appreciate any information you provide.  

[cieritaqt]

Also, it was hard since my doctor advised me not to take any vitamins or supplements while on treatment, as she says they can interact with the drugs.

[crigger]

Thanks for all you do as as nurse.    

[leebambee]

I would stress to prep your body by drinking lots of water. my side effects were so much worse when I didn't.

[rivll]

Thank you for being so conscientious. Your idea and commitment are awesome and I really loved the way many of the replies just put out all that terrific practical information. It is true-you can learn so much from the people who are going or have been through it.
Bless you for taking your job to the highest standard and level of care.
Your more challenged patients actually have a shot at getting through this thanks to you!

[belle19]

when you start getting chapped lips with little cuts, i use tinactin and aquaphor.  my study nurse said it's a fungus so treat it with tinactin.  it really works.  also try to at least walk, it helps with sx.  if you lay around you'll get achy.  believe me it works.  it's really kind of you to do what you're doing for the patients. bless you.  belle

[JasmineT]

Would definitely provide this site, for those with Internet access
Stock up if you can and be prepared, when a symptom like nausea or insomnia hits, its hard to get to the store at odd hours
As permitted by your doctor Benedryl, Hydrocortisone cream, Tylenol, Imodium, Melatonin to help with sleep if it becomes a problem, makes you really tired the next day though, also hear it's better to take the RIBA earlier as it impairs sleep ( I take at 5am and 5pm)
Omega 3 supplements, helps with brain fog, Vitamin D
WATER
Ginger ale or better, ginger chews which are easier to carry with you, help with the nausea, used the ginger chews often the first few weeks and occasionally throughout, easy to carry some in your purse
Genteel eye drops, mild to moderate, my eyes dried up so fast, get 2, I was so glad I had this the first weekend
Some vitamin water or Gateraide to upt some electrolytes back in now and then

Nioxin shampoo and conditioner and biotin supplements for hair, not sure any of these work but they didn't hurt
tp, paper towels, green cleaning supplies (fumes too much for me), non perishable food or other staples so you dont need to run to the store often
Pill cases if they don't come with the meds from the pharmacy, morning, afternoon, and evening or whatever fits your pill schedule, it's hard to remember if you took your pills without this

If you are on incivek, you need fats with the pills and you must take the pills on time so:
Individual packs of nuts you can carry with you.  South beach diet NUT-rition by planters are sold in boxes at the grocery store.  Good for a quick snack when you need your meds and easy to carry some with you.  22 grams of fat.
Almond or peanut butter
Bagel and cream cheese
Cheese, hard salami, and multigrain bread make a good fat lunch
Ice cream bars, the rich stuff has more fat
It's hard to eat 20 grams of fat so suggest looking for what works for you at the grocery.  Your tastes will change on tx.  Go to the grocery store before you start, don't plan on going anywhere for a couple days if possible.  At least avoid unnecessary trips.
Gold bond, i used ultimate soothing but i hear others swear by the green medicated, started slapping this on a month before tx and during, twice a day, in hopes to avoid rash, did well
I saw someone posted on this site that vertex has a new recommendation for lotion pre tx, you should look for it
Tucks, you know it when you need it, sold by the hemorrhoid section
All free and clear laundry detergent, dove soap,
Coconut oil for scalp if you start itching there, olive oil for dry hair
Set timers for the pill feedings
Stress that the virus can adapt if you do not take the incivek on time and there is no do over

Think it's great you are trying to help.  Wishing you the best.