What side effets from ribavirin> LAst night first peginterferon shot! :)

[mauka]

2 questions:

I did my first shot of peginterferon last nite
and got the chills and shaking for a bit...is it normal? A littel fever too.

Today I'm taking my first Ribavirin...should I expect to get flu like
symptoms too?

Thanks so much!

[rifleman]

I'm on Eastern Standard Time here on the northeast coast.  I hear that the drugs can cause a lowering of serotonin levels, so depression could be brought on medically.  I'll keep an eye on it.
One thing that is nice is that I was provided with phone numbers for nurses / practitioners that can be called 24/7.
DJL

[doll face]

Just a quick comment here..... I was told to stay away from grapefruit juice. I'm not sure which one but it would interact with one of my meds.Like I said not sure which one, it could have been the antidepressant or thyroid med also. I would check into it.

[doll face]

rifleman- Well it sure seems as if you are well prepared. Don't forget the water. The little pill case was a blessing for me never could remember if I took all my meds for the day or not. I did but still couldn't remember. That was one of the hardest sides was losing my short term memory. Don't forget even if you never had any signs of depression, it can be a very strong side on these meds so ask for help if you need it. I'll be thinking of you at 4 pm on Friday. what time zone are you in ? :-)

Harley- Sorry to say this but welcome to the family. You found the best bunch of people I have ever had the pleasure of "meeting" This forum is what got me through my second round of tx (72 weeks). Don't know how I did it the first time without them. I will be looking forward to Talking to you more.  It is great to hear that you have had no real side effects from these meds. Hopefully you will glide right through it.

[IwillBeatHCV]

Oops--forgot to say congrats mauka on your first shot!! Looks like you and I are on the same timetable--good luck to both of us!!

[IwillBeatHCV]

Wow!! It's been about 9 hrs since my first shot, and I am just begining to feel "normal" again. Sure enough, as advertized--about 6 hrs after taking the shot I got the chills, body aches and fever. Right now I feel kind of light headed, still have fever but no more chills or bodyaches. I drank lots of water and gateraide and took tylenol and advil--perhaps that's why no headache as of yet. I took the Ribavarin about 2 1/2 hrs ago. I would like to thank all of you for giving me support and advice. I really have to handed to all of you who have gone through 48 weeks and more--it's a real testament to your courage. Thank you again.

[snook_man]

What I was told by two different Dr's, is that the RIBA causes the skin to become photosensitive.. When I asked what they meant, they told me that I would burn extremly easy, and blister. A few weeks ago, I went out on the boat early in the afternoon. I got about two hours or so of sun, and the back of my neck got a little blister.
Other than that, I have stayed out of the sun. Heard to many stories on the net about sun blisters to play around with it. I guess if you do head out, no tanning!! Just make sure you waer sunscreen.
I live in Miami, so its hard to stay outta the sun. I'm probably the whitest person in the whole damn city right now!! LOL


Califia,
My dear, super powers? I've always considered you my Oracle, as it seems like I'm stuck in the "Matrix".. You got over the anemia, right? I had a great weekend.. My wife must have shot the meds right into a vein, talk about psychotropic!!! It was interesting to say the least.