rash from peginterferon alfa-2b 05mg once a week and ribavirine 1000 mg daily

I am in week 18/24 and have only had the rash develop within the last couple of weeks.  It cleared up on my upper chest with using HCL 1% cream for one week.  My arms and hands now have similar raised red patchy rash with major itch.  I also have non-itchy dark red patchy rash under the skin on my ankles and calves.  The hepatitis service nurse suggested I take reactine for the itch in the short term and get some atarax from my family doctor if the reactine doesn't work.  Today I have reddish colored blotches under my skin everywhere.  

I feel nervous that this rash is spiraling out of control and my treatment is going horribly wrong but the Hepititis (hepatitis) Service nurse assured me last week that this is common for this treatment.

I would like to hear about other's people's experience with rash from ribavirine.  How long did it last?  How widespread was the rash?  What worked best to deal with the itch?  Did anyone discontinue ribavirine and just continue with peginterferon for the remainder of treatment?  Did it help?

I will see my Hep C specialist on July 11 to discuss this with him.

[nygirl7]

If you use Gold Bond Triple threat anti itch medicated lotion (green bottle, red top) SEVERAL times a day it usually helps the rash significantly for most patients.

Just make sure you CONTINUE to use it after the rash starts to subside or it will come back.

It's VERY common to get the riba rash - the worse rash has to do with the Vertex trial meds...but you aren't on them so you should be ok if you keep the skin really hydrated and OUT of the sun.

Good luck.

[wyntre9]

I'm on week 28 of 72.

The first couple of months I had bad rashes, on chest, back, stomach, shins.

Now I have a new problem that developed after about week 20.

I've had a small dime-sized blotch on my right jawbone for the past few months and one below my right ear, as well.

They didn't bother me much other than cosmetically but now they're starting to itch, especially the jaw rash, AND they're getting darker.

Plus, there's a matching quarter-sized blotch on my right cheek, now.  it seems to have sprung up overnight.

NYG, Did you have this problem, or anyone else?

Does anyopne know what it is or whether it's TX-related?

wyntre

[grammajen]

I will go to the store right now !!!!!

I was in the sun yesterday for about an hour mid day but was wearing long sleeved shirt and pants thinking they would protect me from the sun.  But maybe not because today I have spots all over my upper body,  GRRRRR

[nothing but the facts]

I have some valuable help for your rash problems..I had the
same thing.  It is fairly common to get it..Of course it comes
from the pegintron or the ribavirin..  The best way to treat it
is to always keep the rash as "cool-to cold" as possible..Take
showers in as cold a water as possible..Also use some of the ice packs you get with your meds to apply to the rash areas to help with the inflammation and itch...Additionally, sleep with as little cover as possible (just a sheet if you're modest)..It is important to use a antihistamine but not benadryl,it can cause rebound itching.  Instead, get a qd dosed antihistamine like allegra..You may need a script.. One final thing you are using hydrocortisone !% cream which is ok-costco has it real cheap..Or better still, get a script for triamcinolone 1% ointment for a more effective itch protectant..Best of luck..