Interferon Side Effects & remedies?

[billstrong1969]

I have never been through interferon treatment and from what I read it sounds just aweful!  I'm a ***** when it comes to feeling crappy and I can't imagine what it's going to be like for me when my time comes.  I've heard about the body aches and the bone pain as side effects.  Does anyone ever take prescription pain killers to get you through this treatment phase or is that just not an option.  I know they often will prescribe anti-depressants and I've been taking my Effexor for so long I question whether or not it's still working or is effective.  Any thoughts?

billstrong1969

[debnevada]

There was a guy on here when i first started coming on, it would be back in Feb or March.

Took one shot and couldn't deal. Poor guy. He immediately stopped treatment and didn't come around any more.  I felt horrible for him.

He's the only one I remember who had that kind of trouble with the first shot.
It makes me wonder if he didn't pre-medicate.

[Sunny37]

Hi Bill,

I am on week 19 and have been on pain meds for about 2-3 weeks now......they never hesitated so it must be alright......but it does seem like everyone is different......I never had any side effects for the first 10 weeks.

[susan400]

IF you are going to get side effects (not everybody does), it will probably be the most intense on the first shot anywhere from about 4-18 hrs. afterwards through the next day, depending on how it hits you.  You should take a couple of Tylenol or Advil (which ever one your Dr. wants), when you take your shot.  Don't wait until you're already getting the fever and chills, you need to take it when you take your shot.  You might feel a little queasy, so have some foods around like jello, pudding, ice cream, soup, 7-up/Sprite and crackers, just in case.  Don't plan any big events on the day after your shot.  It is entirely doable for MOST people.  It's like having the flu or a hangover, I'm sure that you've probably experienced that at least once, so maybe that will give you an idea of what to expect.  There are the rare individual who have a bad reaction on the very first shot, but I personally, have never met one of them.  I wish you the best of luck and prayers and you can always come on here at Medhelp to get support.  There's a lot of good people here.

Susan

[sfwandwow]

everyone is different with sx..May GOD BLESS YOU...