Incivek and sunlight

[nzkiwilife]

how long can I be exposed to sunlight for and what happens if I stay out too long?
Its a beautiful sunny fine day today and I miss being outside.
(Day 3 and already hate how I'm feeling - if only I could eat more so I don't feel like vomitting at the thought of fatty food, arghhh!)

[Idyllic]

photosensitivity is not limited solely to natural sunlight, it can occur when using tanning beds, which produce ultraviolet A and B rays. I would not recommend a tanning bed but truly only you can determine what works and what does not.

[brendad72]

So is laying in the tanning bed out too then?

[nzkiwilife]

The swollen eyes seem ok this morning. The tx sx are so weird. They just come and go, come and go like waves. The feeling of my face last night was of burning. Must've been from the sun.  

[working dog]

its common for people to sleep with their eye or eyes open a little bit.....sometimes this can cause a dry spot on your eye....when you you wake up and open and shut your eyes it can feel like something is in your eye... really its a dry spot....often the very top layer of your eye covering can rip off a little as your eye lid can stick to this dry spot.....most times this will clear up on its own...just be real careful with your eyes...stay hydrated...on tx many times in the shower my eyes would burn so bad....during tx i even needed to wear a baseball hat inside the house....your eyes are most likely fine...some folks get lots symptoms while on tx......your doing good asking questions...the goal is svr! ...we aren't doctors here but may be able to help with some insights...stay with the program and you'll learn to deal with the symptoms....hang in there.........billy

[nzkiwilife]

Its not major swollen. I just noticed in the mirror as the skin felt a bit tight. It's been coming and going the last hour or so. The main thing is the dry eyes. Not sure who to contact as there appears to be no medical support after hours. Should I go to the hospital accident&emergency or ring my gp practice afterhours line?

[Idyllic]

I would contact your doctor immediately (as soon as possible) as there is no telling what the exact cause of this swelling is. The timing may coincide with outdoor work but Incivek comes with its own share of dermal side effects that cannot be ignored.


I was able to work outdoors with no problem while taking HCV meds including Incivek. Being able to work outdoors was my salvation while I was treating. Be sure to dress properly as others suggested and stay hydrated and take care of your skin.  I was going to say take it slow to see how your skin responds but at this point as I said I would contact your doctor ASAP.

I am really sorry you did not know this in advance walking in to treatment. It can be hard to work day in and day out at 100% on Incivek and it helps to have alternative plans or support given the potential to have 'off days.'

I hope this all works out :)