does ibuprofen interfere with interferon and riba?

[pocomilk]

Hi,
A friend is suffering from fever probably from anemia and probably dehydration. I told him he needs to be treated for the anemia.  There is some delays in seeing his docs. In the meantime, he wants to take ibuprofen.  Does ibuprofen interfere with interferon and riba? Thanks

[newleaf09]

It does not interfere with the treatment drugs but some of us have proven to be sensitive to the NSAIDs and with much liver damage, ibuprofin has some potential to thin the blood more - not good if you are already having clotting problems from liver damage.

Most doctors recommend Tylenol,used in moderation.  4 extra strength tylenols (2 twice a day) is the limit.  It's a better fever reducer than the ibuprofin, anyway.  Fever is usually in responce to the interferon shot but should be watched for signs of infection related to low neutrophils.

[lalapple]

it doesn't interfere persay, you can take it, but if you have low platelets then i would be very careful since ibuprofen causes even lower platelets which is very dangerous.  if you're not allergic to tylenol, then you should take tylenol, my liver doc recommends this for pain.

[Rain6866]

My doc told me Ibuprofen only but my liver is a stage 0 which means little to no damage.

[pocomilk]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

[Magnum]

According to my Gastro, the problem with Ibuprofen (which I take a couple of days a week), is that if you take it on a very regular basis and at the prescribed three 800mg pills a day over a prolonged period of time, it can damage your kidneys and cause stomach ulcers.

There is Tylenol as a substitute, and one Tylenol especially formulated for Arthritis, but again too much of that can cause problems. I was told by my Hepatologist that I can safely take three fast-acting Tylenols per day, but they will not give you as much relief as Ibuprofen. Ask your doctor...

Magnum

[Toby G]

I was instructed to take 2 Ibuprofen 1 hour before shot by the doctor my first treatment (Cleared in 12 weeks but came back 3 monrhs after treatment), and now starting treatment again (different doctor ) and he said same thing.

[pocomilk]

Thanks for your comments.  The support here is amazing. I wish all people with Hep C knows about this.