Aa
When will I feel better? Done with Incivek
Hey guys, I'm currently in triple treatment for hep C (Interferon, Ribavirin, and Incivek). It's been 5 days since I finished Incivek but certain side effects are getting worse :/ I now have a throat infection and my body itchiness is uncontrollable, I get these awful itching attacks and I'm not getting any sleep. I put lotion all the time, drink water, and i'm taking hydroxyzine every 8 hours as needed but I am going insane. Any advice?
I responded to you in the other thread but I will also post it hear in case you look here instead of in the other thread.
The itching may be from the Incivek but the Ribavirin can also cause itching. If it was from the Incivek, it will gradually decrease. However, if it is from the Ribavirin, and it continues, ask your doctor for a stronger antihistamine, such as prescription Hydroxyzine, for the itching. I was on Hydroxyzine 50 mg every 6 hours as needed for the itching. If you have a rash, ask your doctor for a stronger Hydrocortisone preparation, a prescription Hydrocortisone cream or ointment. I used Fluocinomide ointment and Hydrosone Valerate cream for the rash. The itching can be treated and controlled with prescription medications so there is no need for you to be suffering from the itching.
Also, use a very good body cream such as Eucerine cream which will help with the dry skin. Other tips would be to keep your home cool (68 degrees or less, wear loose light weight cotton clothing, avoid the sun and the heat, sleep with light covers and sleep in soft cotton sheets, avoid all picky fabric and cut out all neck tags. Avoid anything that makes you hot or itchy. Sleep with fans on to cool you at night. There are lots more suggestions but the main thing is to avoid getting hot and to avoid irritating the skin.
Hang in there. Treatment is not easy but it is worth it to attain SVR.
Best of luck.
The itching may be from the Incivek but the Ribavirin can also cause itching. If it was from the Incivek, it will gradually decrease. However, if it is from the Ribavirin, and it continues, ask your doctor for a stronger antihistamine, such as prescription Hydroxyzine, for the itching. I was on Hydroxyzine 50 mg every 6 hours as needed for the itching. If you have a rash, ask your doctor for a stronger Hydrocortisone preparation, a prescription Hydrocortisone cream or ointment. I used Fluocinomide ointment and Hydrosone Valerate cream for the rash. The itching can be treated and controlled with prescription medications so there is no need for you to be suffering from the itching.
Also, use a very good body cream such as Eucerine cream which will help with the dry skin. Other tips would be to keep your home cool (68 degrees or less, wear loose light weight cotton clothing, avoid the sun and the heat, sleep with light covers and sleep in soft cotton sheets, avoid all picky fabric and cut out all neck tags. Avoid anything that makes you hot or itchy. Sleep with fans on to cool you at night. There are lots more suggestions but the main thing is to avoid getting hot and to avoid irritating the skin.
Hang in there. Treatment is not easy but it is worth it to attain SVR.
Best of luck.
im having the same problem with the inching...and ive been off of the incvick for 8 days now...cant handle the intching...cant sleep ..
wow you should really re-post your question .
This thread a almost a year old and you deserve responses of your own addressed to your individual situation.
Honestly sleep is the least of your worries at this particular moment. The Incivek is the rash is medication induced and can be systemic and as such tends not to respond to OTC products.
Do not let this snowball.
Here, re-post like this
http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/292342?personal_page_id=414409
This thread a almost a year old and you deserve responses of your own addressed to your individual situation.
Honestly sleep is the least of your worries at this particular moment. The Incivek is the rash is medication induced and can be systemic and as such tends not to respond to OTC products.
Do not let this snowball.
Here, re-post like this
http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/292342?personal_page_id=414409
If you look at this thread title you'll notice a small hourglass which indicates this is an old thread - Dec 2011. It is often better to start a new thread if you have questions or seek advice. The OP may no longer be checking in to benefit from your comments. Otherwise, hope you're doing well on tx.
I used Hydroxyzine 50 mg every 6 hours (oral prescription).
Also presrciption topicals:
Fluocinonide ointment and Clobetesol solution.
The over the counter stuff is just not strong enough. Plus, a person needs to be on a high enough dose of Hydroxyzine (and often enough) to keep the rash and itching at bay. The topicals did help some, but it was the Hydroxyzine at a high enough dose that turned then rash around and got it under control.
Also presrciption topicals:
Fluocinonide ointment and Clobetesol solution.
The over the counter stuff is just not strong enough. Plus, a person needs to be on a high enough dose of Hydroxyzine (and often enough) to keep the rash and itching at bay. The topicals did help some, but it was the Hydroxyzine at a high enough dose that turned then rash around and got it under control.
For me incivek was tough but I think I had energy to handle side effects during the first 12 weeks. I was really drained after incivek, I felt bad in weeks 13-19 having no energy. Even started eating fat food in week 14 again it did not help reduce fatigue. My lab numbers were ok (except platelets) after incivek.
I had no clue why, eventually I took medical leave from work for the last four weeks. I felt better when I did not work on this treatment.
I had no clue why, eventually I took medical leave from work for the last four weeks. I felt better when I did not work on this treatment.
I am 3 days off of incivik & I think I may have to go back on medical leave from work (which I can't afford!) I was back to work this past month & doing well with the side effects. Now, I'm getting no sleep because I am itchy 24/7 especially in bed at night. I can't function without sleep. I've tried benedryl, 1% perscription hydrocortisone cream, I have the RX for itching & Im doing oatmeal baths. Some of these things help in the moment but, the minute they're over I am itchy ALL over. Any advice?
Hi,
I'm finishing the Incivek tonight! I've had terrible itching spells and an aweful rash. Try Gold Bond moisturizing cream, it was the only thing beside an oatmeal bath that helped. Apply often as needed. Good luck.
Richard
I'm finishing the Incivek tonight! I've had terrible itching spells and an aweful rash. Try Gold Bond moisturizing cream, it was the only thing beside an oatmeal bath that helped. Apply often as needed. Good luck.
Richard
About 4 days after finishing Incivek I started itching, never had had any itching the first 12 weeks just after quiting the Incivek. It was for sure from the inside out. No rash,no redness. It for sure was brought on by heat. Hot bath, or laying in bed on my back would bring it on my lower back itching.I had it on the front side of my arms and legs. I kept some of the ice packs from the shipping box the Interferon injections came in refrozen to lay on,and this did the best to stop the itching. When I got out of the bathtub it started itching with in a minute, I stood in front of a box fan to chill down and it calmed down. I was given the cream, the pills and none of it worked for me. The ice works fast, I know laying on ice packs sounds bad but if your itch is as bad as mine was you can take it. When mine would come on I was afraid I would throw my back out or bite my tonge off swearing,it was hard not to scrath it. The itching feeling was like the day after a bad bad sunburn when it started to peel. You would think after what we have been through with Incivek and our butt we could take anything.I am not sure what we are being prepared for but it must be important to have us visit Hell and come back to tell of it. It will pass, mine did around week 18week it is now week 20.
Ricky
Ricky
Thank you so much to everyone giving me advice. I will definitely take it into account and speak to my doctor about it. Hope everyone is doing well :)
You can buy Aveenos pure Natural Colloidal Oatmeal bath. Its very soothing.
They make other skin care products, just make sure they contain the oatmeal, for itch relief.
You can take oatmeal, put it in the blender, and add into a running bath.
It does the same thing but is messier.
They make other skin care products, just make sure they contain the oatmeal, for itch relief.
You can take oatmeal, put it in the blender, and add into a running bath.
It does the same thing but is messier.
Sorry to hear you are having these problems.
I just finished Incivek 2 days ago. While taking the Incivek, I did have some rash and itching (still do, LOL). I take 25 mg Benadryl every night and have since the first week of treatment. I apply hydrocortisone cream to any rash that appears and everywhere I itch (because I have found that wherever I itch, there is a red bump just under the surface ready to pop out the first time I scratch it). I also apply lotion to the rest of my skin. I keep the heat low, especially in the bedroom. For some reason the minute I get in bed I start itching in places that don't itch when I am up and about. I think it is skin on skin that heats up the area and then the itching starts. So I try to sleep without too many body parts touching each other. I have a fan in the bedroom so I can turn it on if my feet and legs or any other area starts to itch. It cools the area off. I also have a gel type ice cold pack that I keep next to me and apply that to itchy areas as it cools the areas down. Above all, I try very, very hard NOT to scratch anywhere, even absent mindedly. I have found that the minute I scratch my skin red bumps appear and the itching gets a lot worse. I hope this helps some.
I never had any mouth problems so I won't go into that problem.
I hope your side effects get less over time. Good luck with your treatment.
I just finished Incivek 2 days ago. While taking the Incivek, I did have some rash and itching (still do, LOL). I take 25 mg Benadryl every night and have since the first week of treatment. I apply hydrocortisone cream to any rash that appears and everywhere I itch (because I have found that wherever I itch, there is a red bump just under the surface ready to pop out the first time I scratch it). I also apply lotion to the rest of my skin. I keep the heat low, especially in the bedroom. For some reason the minute I get in bed I start itching in places that don't itch when I am up and about. I think it is skin on skin that heats up the area and then the itching starts. So I try to sleep without too many body parts touching each other. I have a fan in the bedroom so I can turn it on if my feet and legs or any other area starts to itch. It cools the area off. I also have a gel type ice cold pack that I keep next to me and apply that to itchy areas as it cools the areas down. Above all, I try very, very hard NOT to scratch anywhere, even absent mindedly. I have found that the minute I scratch my skin red bumps appear and the itching gets a lot worse. I hope this helps some.
I never had any mouth problems so I won't go into that problem.
I hope your side effects get less over time. Good luck with your treatment.
It took me a little over a week off Inc, then one day I noticed I wasnt itching very much. Just stopped, at least when I itched it wasnt so bad I couldnt stand it.
I'm only on Inf/Riba, so I may not have the intensity of the itch as others with the addition of Inc. You can do a search on this site at the top right, "search this community" and come up with many threads to read and pick up some useful information that may apply.
I've never tried the oatmeal baths, but I've read from several here that they really do help. I'd just be sure the water temp isn't too hot to flare up the rash. It does sound tempting to try, but I prefer showers. lol. I'm very careful to only use warm, not hot water, mild soaps, shampooes. Try not to rub too much with the towel to avoid irritation, etc.
As you know the Florida sun is brutal and should be avoided if possible. I do cycle a few times a week and always apply sunblock. My main problem is with heat and sweating, mainly on my back, sometimes legs. Now that its getting cooler finally, it shouldn't be a major issue. I use a combination of lotions, hydrocortisone and anti-histamines to control the itchies, but I wouldn't combine any OTC with an Rx before talking to the doctor. It might take a few weeks to calm down as others suggested above, but hope it doesn't drive you bonkers until that happens. Good luck to you and hope it calms quickly.
I've never tried the oatmeal baths, but I've read from several here that they really do help. I'd just be sure the water temp isn't too hot to flare up the rash. It does sound tempting to try, but I prefer showers. lol. I'm very careful to only use warm, not hot water, mild soaps, shampooes. Try not to rub too much with the towel to avoid irritation, etc.
As you know the Florida sun is brutal and should be avoided if possible. I do cycle a few times a week and always apply sunblock. My main problem is with heat and sweating, mainly on my back, sometimes legs. Now that its getting cooler finally, it shouldn't be a major issue. I use a combination of lotions, hydrocortisone and anti-histamines to control the itchies, but I wouldn't combine any OTC with an Rx before talking to the doctor. It might take a few weeks to calm down as others suggested above, but hope it doesn't drive you bonkers until that happens. Good luck to you and hope it calms quickly.
thank you so much for replying! can you tell me more about the oatmeal bath and putting everything on the sun on your body? I will definitely be willing to do anything that helps!
thank you so much for replying :) I will check with my doctor with what you've suggested
Elimination
Following administration of a single oral dose of 750 mg 14C-telaprevir in healthy subjects, 90% of total radioactivity was recovered in feces, urine and
expired air within 96 hours post-dose. The median recovery of the administered radioactive dose was approximately 82% in the feces, 9% in exhaled air and
1% in urine. The contribution of unchanged 14C-telaprevir and the R-diastereomer of telaprevir towards total radioactivity recovered in feces was 31.9% and
18.8%, respectively. After oral administration, the apparent total clearance (Cl/F) was estimated to be 32.4 L/h with an inter-individual variability of 27.2%.
The mean elimination half-life after single-dose oral administration of telaprevir 750 mg typically ranged from about 4.0 to 4.7 hours. At steady state, the
effective half-life is about 9 to 11 hours.
http://pi.vrtx.com/files/uspi_telaprevir.pdf
I am 5 wks post incivek it took about 10 to 14 days before the itching started to ease up but still have some itching from the inf/riba but nothing like it was, I never had an rx for the itching only used benadryl and ice packs when it got real bad. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
Following administration of a single oral dose of 750 mg 14C-telaprevir in healthy subjects, 90% of total radioactivity was recovered in feces, urine and
expired air within 96 hours post-dose. The median recovery of the administered radioactive dose was approximately 82% in the feces, 9% in exhaled air and
1% in urine. The contribution of unchanged 14C-telaprevir and the R-diastereomer of telaprevir towards total radioactivity recovered in feces was 31.9% and
18.8%, respectively. After oral administration, the apparent total clearance (Cl/F) was estimated to be 32.4 L/h with an inter-individual variability of 27.2%.
The mean elimination half-life after single-dose oral administration of telaprevir 750 mg typically ranged from about 4.0 to 4.7 hours. At steady state, the
effective half-life is about 9 to 11 hours.
http://pi.vrtx.com/files/uspi_telaprevir.pdf
I am 5 wks post incivek it took about 10 to 14 days before the itching started to ease up but still have some itching from the inf/riba but nothing like it was, I never had an rx for the itching only used benadryl and ice packs when it got real bad. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
I had the same thing after stopping incivek. I itched and itched. One morning about 4:30 I woke up feeling like I had little pins sticking all over my arms and legs I was about to loose it. I took an oatmeal bath and put every thing on the sun on my body. It was like it was coming from the inside no rash outside. But It did go away finally now it is the joints I wake up an every joint in my body is like locked up, my dr. gave me some pain pills to help the pain I helps a lot. So your not insane just wish you were...lol hang in there and just get ready for the next side that will be coming your way. I just want to let you know just in case it happens, I expect any thing now days. If it is a side effect I will get it..Oh woe is me. But just put it in Gods hands and things will be fine. God bless let me know how your doing?
Patches
Patches
Sorry to hear you're having a bit of a rough time, but maybe if you can solve these few problems the remainder of trt will go well for you. Regarding the throat infection, are you referring to thrush? If so, many have used Magic Mouthwash, but make sure it contains nystatin. I asked my Hemo what he would recommend for thrush if needed - his recommendation would be nystatin lozenges. Talk to your doctor if needed.
The itching attacks are a problem with Int/Riba, but seem worse when Inc is added. You're already taking Atarax - hydroxyzine, which seems to work for many, so hopefully this will calm down soon. Besides the obvious of avoiding hot showers, use lotions to hydrate, hydrocortizone, I hope others experiencing this can provide some suggestions. Good luck to you.
The itching attacks are a problem with Int/Riba, but seem worse when Inc is added. You're already taking Atarax - hydroxyzine, which seems to work for many, so hopefully this will calm down soon. Besides the obvious of avoiding hot showers, use lotions to hydrate, hydrocortizone, I hope others experiencing this can provide some suggestions. Good luck to you.
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