Incivek Skin Reaction

[mellie25]

I have been on triple therapy for 8weeks. At week 4 the virus was undetectable. In the past 3 weeks I developed as rash. It gradually got worse and was accompanied by intense itching, rash, and stinging. i can not take anymore of this. I am miserable. My entire body is affected. I quit the Incivek today, which is exactly 8weeks.I will continue Ribovirin and Interferon.Will the virus stay undetectable?

[mremeet]

I got the bad rash on Incivek too (it was called VX-950 when I was taking it). The rash started coming on strong by about week 5, same as you. It really turned into a debacle for me and I had to discontinue by week 6 or thereabouts. I went on to SVR fine after 40 weeks of treatment, much of it with substantially reduced ribavirin dose too. And not only that, but I also took a lot of immunosuppressants (prednisone and solumedrol) to control the rash while I still had it, whcih serves to weaken the effect of the aitniviral drugs.

Yet I STILL SVR'ed.

Incevik does most of what it's going to do within the first 4 weeks. After that, the IFN and riba go in for the sustained deep cleansing. If you continue to take the Incivek, your rash could explode into a serious health condition that may result in the early termination of your treatment. It almost happened to me and several other study participants during our PROVE 1 drug trial (before it was FDA approved).

If I were you, I'd have no problem stopping the Incivek after 8 good weeks of it. Especially if you're maintaining full dosages of IFN and riba. In my opinion you're doing fine and should have a great chance of going on to SVR later without the Incivek from this point on.

Best of luck.

[Dee1956]

So sorry to hear of your pain.  Have you tried a prescription for the rash and itching.  I had horrible itching attacks, I can imagine how you feel.  I tried everything over the counter, finally got some relief from a prescription called atarax which helped a bit.
Once I was finished with the Incivek the itching went away within the week.  Not to say I didn't have other problems however I was able to get through.  Please talk to your doctor to see what he would suggest
Good luck to you
Dee

[pooh55811]

I know you are miserable, but I think if I was you, I would keep taking the Incivek at least until I talked with the doctor, which seems like will be tomorrow. The reason I say this is twofold: first, once you stop Incivek, you cannot restart it; second, if you get the correct meds, maybe they will control the rash and itching. I have had a very itchy generalized rash and was taking over the counter stuff (benadryl, hydrocortizone cream). The rash got so bad those meds were doing nothing. I had to get some prescription meds (fluocinonide ointment to apply, hydroxyzine tabs. for the itching (bedtime), clobetesol liquid for my scalp itching, and Zyrtec for am (zyrtec is over the counter, or I could use claritin for am).  The prescription meds are working whereas the over the counter meds had stopped being effective. I had a derm consult too and she prexcribed the hydroxyzine, the clobetesol, and more of the fluocinonide cream.

Of course, I don't know exactly how severe your rash is. If it is extremely severe and blistering or all over the place, or in the mucosa, then you need urgent care. If it is a moderate rash that is driving you crazy itching and all you are taking is the over the counter meds you mentioned, then your doctor needs to address the rash and itching with prescription meds, which are stronger and he needs to do it tomorrow. He should see you to evaluate it and maybe send you to a dermatologist.

Only you know how severe your rash is, but it would be a shame if you stopped Incivek prematurely when you could continue the meds if prescribed the correct rash and itch meds. Plus, it could be a Riba rash, not an Incivek rash.

I hope everything works out for you.

[willbb]

Possibly if the doctor canRx. something for the rash and deems it ok to move forward with the Inci, this could be something to think about.

However good idea in that case to take the Inci. tonight and then let" him "make the call tommorow rather than self administering dosing.
..Just a thought  ...

Will

[willbb]

Will the virus stay undetectable?
-------------------------------------------------
Hard to ever predict ..however if you are tx. naive with  St 2 damage and  had an RVR (Und. at week4)you still have a good chance of success,given the info. from the "Tela Aadvance" trial on patients that did Inci. for 8 weeks.
These rashes(from Riba also as cando says) that cover the whole body in rare instances can turn nasty so good you are seeing the doctor tommorow.

Good luck and welcome..
Will.
Will

[working dog]

thats right...i had the rash all through tx...when i stopped the incivek...the rash stayed.....also...mellie no hot showers.....billy

[can-do-man]

You do realize the Riba causes a nasty rash in a lot of people also? Before incivek came along many people had the nasty riba rash.

Best to you
cando

[working dog]

and your doing great....the incivek does work....keep it up

[working dog]

kinda like laying down on a batt of fiberglass insulation...or going out nude through a swarm off no see ums.....a lot of us get this.....drink lots of water....wash cloths in water or rinse them well...also bedding....feather pillows are gone.....man did i itch...good luck....billy

[mellie25]

There is mild liver damage. genotype 1a.stage 2

[mellie25]

my doctor will be there tomorrow. His RN called me in some valium for the anxiety. I am taking benedryl and using everything for sale over the counter. I have fought this for 3 weeks. I told her i refuse to take anymore. I fought it as long as I could. I still take the ribovirin and interferon. I just hope all the incivek wasn't for nothing. As of this minute i am clear of the HCV.

[1oftheclub222]

I also don't see any of your info on your profile, what does your liver look like, what stage/grade?  

[1oftheclub222]

did you discuss this with your doctor?  did he agree?  Did he ever offer you anything for the rash?