greetings

Hi all! I just started the 48-week treatment for type 1a (3rd shot tomorrow).  So far I'm feeling ok - I actually felt really energetic the first week.  The only side effects so far are a weird rash on my neck/collarbones/shoulders (not itchy though - kinda pimply), serious heartburn, frequent urination (from all the water I'm sure), and dizziness.  The only one that is worrying me is the dizziness because I do not see that one listed much.  

Does anyone know if dizziness is a bad sign?  Does it mean my blood count is off or something?  I just went for my 2-week labs, but no results yet.  

Also, should I ask my doc about upping the riba (if labs ok)?  I am overweight and want the best possible chance of clearing.  I am on the 1200/day.

[kickboxingmom]

I just wanted to say, good luck with your tx.I'm not going to comment on your question.I do know that different medications can cause dizziness and I'm sure someone will chime in for you.Nice to meet you.   T.

[justme53]

Greetings!

Like kickingboxmom wrote, different meds can cause dizziness. With the treatment drugs, I started getting dizzy spells when my hemoglobin really started dropping about 8-10 weeks in, though for others it can happen earlier. Your labs will give you a better indication if the HCV drugs are causing it. Be sure to bring it up with your Dr when you review your CBC results.

I was on 1400 Riba for the first 3 months. It does take its toll sooner or later, so you need a medical team that keeps a close eye on your labs..and preferably chooses rescue drugs over dose reduction. I was warned that my main issue would be the rash/itching and was given Atarax at the start. Haven't had any problems with any rashes, but itching is increasing now at 34 weeks. If your labs are OK, I would bring it up and see if it's an option.

Best of luck!!  Pam

[PegOnPeg]

I am also a G1a...today is 42 of 48 for me. I've had an impressive check list of sides since beginning treatment. Some, like joint & musle pain, have come & gone, only to recently return again. Physically, I've tolerated tx very well.

My labs have shown that my blood work, though out of range in some areas, has remained stable for thyroid function, platelet counts, etc., Tests of my hemoglobin, a protein for assisting in the transport of oxygen to red blood cells, has always stayed at the upper ranges...11 to 12.  Reductions in hemoglobin during treatment, or anemia, have caused many who treat to go onto "rescue" drugs, like Procrit, to increase the production of red blood cells, ultimately helping to manage the anemia. Reduced hemoglobin would also cause chronic dizziness.

I started complaining of dizziness & light-headedness about 2 months ago. Again, it seemed to come & go. During my last drs. visit, she asked about the dizziness & I'd told her that it seemed to be more frequent...I told her that I had trouble getting into elevators @ work because a couple of them made me dizzy. Dr. & I agreed that I'm just the lucky girl that gets dizzy spells from the meds.  She was not concerned, since my labs say that anemia is not a problem.

Moral to the story:  your doctor should be made aware of this & they'll keep an eye on your labs, maybe run a standard CBC to check the ranges.  Sometimes, dizziness is just dizziness...

Best of luck to you.

[nygirl7]

Make sure your doctor is doing frequent CBCs on your to keep an eye on the hemoglobin.  That definitely can cause dizziness (and breahthlessness and fainting and buzzing in your head).  

Try using a really good lotion on the rash SEVERAL times a day and if it goes away don't stop or it probably will come back. Personally I found Gold Bond wonderful and not expensive.  you have to keep your skin really hydrated and stay out of the sun that won't help.

Sounds like you are doing pretty darn good though so hang in there.  It's tough but it works.  you just gotta take it one day at a time and when you have questions be sure to ask that is why we are here!

[jelise]

Thanks everyone - I'm very glad I found this place =D

[alagirl]

I'm going to echo what NYGirl said, the first thing I thought reading your post is that you need to get a cbc and check your hemoglobin.  It can crash pretty quickly after the start of tx.