side effects pegsys/interferon

Hi, Im on week 2/28 of treatment (Genotype 3 and cirrosis (cirrhosis)). Actually havent felt that bad apart from feeling mega tired and not got much appetite.  Have read so much stuff bout side effects.  My doc said hair loss was rare????  I hve added complications cos have Crohns too so have had to stop taking ssome of my meds for this.  The doc said cure rate is high and I know I have to go throu with it but I just wish I knew more bout what to expect. Is hair loss a realistic possibility, it would appear so reading alot of these posts.  Weight loss? Aches and pains?  Have I go it all still t come cos only had two interferon injections (1000mg of Ribravin daily).  Just want to be able to chat with oter like minded people really as I dont feel its something I can freely discuss with friends

[1oftheclub222]

I am on week three, take my fourth shot tomorrow (type 2, Peg/Rib dual treatment).  

Not many bad sides yet either, except being tired, like my body is tired, muscles are tired, I did have sleep apnea and high blood pressure prior to treatment, so I am kind of use to being tired anyway!...my HGB is holding steady at 13.4ish I think so no enemia sides to speak of yet, but my white blood cells and neutrophils kind of took a beating, but still not in danger range...No hair loss as of yet, I read more then once, if people do lose their hair (doesn't always happen), they seem to start noticing it more a few months into the treatment.  My appetite hasn't been that bad, sometimes I don't feel like eating, but just cause I'm kind of tired... but my partner always make sure I have pleanty to eat, he makes me lots of little snacks so I have things to eat every few hours...I just may gain weight by the time it is all said and done,ha... also a little itchy, no rash i can see, just sometimes gets kind of red on my back and itchy, but benadryl and lotion seems to fix that right up

overall this hasn't been nearly as bad as i thought it might be, it is different for everyone though and people get side effects at different points of treatment as well..

if you do start getting some side effects, the people here have lots of very good suggestions to help put the sides in their place and there are lots of rescue drugs these days as well too...

Best of luck!

[orphanedhawk]

Genotype 3 has a high cure rate.
Side effects not only differ from person to person but they differ over time.

Sure, its likely you'll lose some hair, but it grows back after treatment.
I've lost a bunch but more people can't tell.

The most important thing to do is drink lots and lots of water. Then drink more.

Eat well, if you're thin, eat more, now. I have 6 weeks to go and the last couple of weeks my appetite is decreasing.

Try to do some exercise every day that you can.
Often I have to drag myself out of the house but my walks always help make me feel better physically and mentally.

Good luck,
OH

[Snape45]

Thanks  I hope things continue to go well for us both!!!  x

[Snape45]

Trying really hard with the water and just dont feel I have the energy for exercise but have taken all comments on board.  Thank you.  

[pooh55811]

Side effects vary from person to person. Some people experience few side effects and/or minimal side effects and others have either more side effects or more problematic side effects. In addition, many of the side effects are not constant. They tend to wax and wane, worse some days and minimal other days.

Some side effects are more common than others and appear in varying degrees in many people taking the drugs. Hair loss is not uncommon according to the statistics. Hair loss among people taking Pegasys 180 mcg. for 48 weeks is 22%. However, one has to keep in mind that hair loss does not necessarily equate to going bald. Hair loss can mean minimal hair loss, moderate hair loss, or a lot of hair loss. The other thing to keep in mind is that it is temporary.

I am in my 20th week of triple med treatment. I have not lost any or much hair, possibly a couple hairs more than usual per day. However, I figure even if I do lose my hair it is better than keeping the Hep C virus. It's a choice one has to make. If I have to, I will wear a scarf or get a wig.

Here is a link to information about Interferon and includes the side effects and the percentage of people who got each side effect. Scroll down quite a ways until you get to the box that lists the side effects and the percentage of people who got each side effect.

http://www.drugs.com/pro/pegasys.html

Congratulations on starting treatment and best of luck.

[nygirl7]

Snape, try not to worry about the hair stuff -every time one falls out think, take that you virus :)

I lost a lot of hair but...it grew back fast and healthy and I have been cured for years.  Treatment isn't supposed to be fun, easy or enjoyable...but just remember - you aren't alone.  And you are in a good place, both the forum and the geno 3 status :)