Pain killers for side affects of interferon/ribaviron?

Posted by John on June 09, 1999 at 01:30:04
Tylenol only tackles headaches for me, and ibuprofen isn't working.  I have I'm not sure if it is a nerve pain that is close to the bone, but not in the joints?
I am in stage 1 per liver biopsy of hepatitis C and started this combo treatment a couple weeks ago.  Can I ask my doctor for  vicodin to take for the side affects?  Do doctors still prescribe codeine?  Is it more dangerous?  Thank you for your help.  John

Posted by HFHSM.D.-D.M. on June 17, 1999 at 09:57:47

Dear John:
I appreciate your questions and I do appreciate how difficult headaches and generalized pain can be with interferon or with combination therapy.  We do use both vicodin and tylenol with codeine in our patients with hepatitis C on treatment.  Doctors vary in their willingness to use narcotics and obviously each patient has to be assessed individually.  These drugs are typically safe.  The main concern is the potential for long term addiction.  But, yes we do use these drugs.  
I hope this information is helpful to you. Good luck with your treatment.  If you have additional questions or concerns, I invite you to contact us at Henry Ford.  The direct phone number to our Liver Clinic at Henry Ford is  [phone]. We have an active group of liver specialists and we have an interest in the care and research of hepatitis C.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.  Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.