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!)

[nzkiwilife]

Ok. Thanks so much for the replies. I need to know as I have outside chores that must be done and no one else can do them for me. Yesterday I went out at 7:30pm when the sun intensity had lessened. I wore an old sheet with a hole cut out of it for my head (like a poncho, haha), akruba hat and sunglasses.Neighbours must've wondered what was going on as I'm normally out in singlet and t-shirt. Its a hassle but its the only thing I  can think of to protect myself from the sun.
Doing these chores is also therapeutic and gives me exercise.
I wore the sheet in the car this morning also, to go to the supermarket.
The sun in NZ is super harsh.
Maybe I should've started the triple therapy in winter!

[nzkiwilife]

I feel like a vampire. Its very disheartening as I love being outside and feeling the sun on my skin.
But I will protect it at all costs after reading your replies!

[Advocate1955]

Just wear a hat with good shade, cover your skin with light clothes, and wear sunscreen.  Drink lots of water.  Trolleater had a lot of difficulty with sun and rashes, so you might send him a message or a note.
If you can, try to set up a shade umbrella or something if you have to work outside.
It's tough for sure, but it will improve after the 12 weeks on Incivek.
Take care,
Advocate1955

[BoceprevirGal]

  The Ribaviran causes photosensitivity.  I was okay, during my first two months, which were winter months. Then spring came, and I went on a short hike, at a higher than usual altitude. I had a light blue tank top on, and I got a rash on my stomach and back, that looked like red welts. When it dyed down (I had to take a prescription itch pill called Atarax (hydroxizine) I was left with a sun-burn in those places. I had gotten a sun burn right thru the light colored cotton fabric. So I switched to wearing darker colors, a the largest sun-hat I could find, and sun-screen for my neck and chest.
   My arms and legs werent as affected, as they always have a tan on them (I'm in California)  Also, when I drove my car in the hot sun, I would get itchy,or a hot bath.
   Incivek causes an even more serious rash, and once it covers most of the body (blisters, etc) then the Treatment Docotr may make the decision to take you off of the treament Meds, for good.
   You only have one shot at it, with Incivek (tolerance issues prevent re-treatment) so I would avoid sunlight and heat.

[willbb]

Be careful in the sun while on HCV treatmeant,,especially with Riba:

Best ..
Will


http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2009/04/do_sunlight_and.html

Do Sunlight and Hepatitis C Meds Mix?


Sun exposure has health benefits specific to those with Hepatitis C, yet it may be cautioned for those on combination treatment. Knowing about photosensitivity can help you overcome this Catch-22.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

As one of the many amazing functions we are capable of, the human body can produce Vitamin D simply from its exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Since researchers have recognized that most people with chronic liver disease have a Vitamin D deficiency, it seems logical that those with chronic Hepatitis C seek opportunities where they can enjoy the sunshine. However, those undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C are at an increased risk of burning from the sun’s rays. Known as photosensitivity, one of the medications used in Hepatitis C combination therapy has been identified as having the potential to heighten sunburn vulnerability.



Photosensitivity
Dozens of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can increase a person’s sensitivity to sunlight. Photosensitivity is a well-known side effect that causes some people to:

· burn more easily
· burn more quickly
· get hives or rashes
· have other skin eruptions

Ribavirin
Although it is not categorized as a common medication, the antiviral drug ribavirin may cause or enhance photosensitivity. As an integral part of the prescribed treatment for Hepatitis C, some individuals develop a rash from ribavirin – and this side effect can be exacerbated by exposure to intense sunlight or other UV light, such as tanning beds. In addition, consumers are urged to be aware of the greater potential for a photosensitive reaction when combining ribavirin with one of the above listed drugs known for increasing sensitivity to the sun. For those especially sensitive, a photosensitive reaction may also be triggered by indirect sun exposure, such as light reflected off pavement.

[heart_in_the_keyes]

Taken off tx because liver so decompensated but had 3 other trials which included Interefon and Ribaviran.  The Ribaviran because it does cause photosensitivity played havoc on my skin & eyes. Former sun bunny & life guard..lived on the beach in the keyes..my conch house was 50 feet from the ocean. a bikini w/skirt or daisy dukes were my only daywear....now if I go out in sun I am covered from head to toe...large billed hat or baseball cap with really good sunglasses...it is slowly getting better...last time I took Riba was 8 years ago...it caused rashes and dry skin...even some indoor lighting affected me... this was my biggest fear of going on tx...have just been able to go out in shorts and t's with large hat or baseball cap, good sunglasses and excessive amounts of prescribed sun block.  Actually had a tanning bed that I ended up selling because I couldn't use anymore.  Love the sun...but the sun is also different now then it was 20 years ago...it is more dangerous for everyone & everyone should use sunblock.