tinnitus and tx?

[marty59]

I am in my 5th week of triple tx and am having a problem with tinnitus. I've had it for many years, but in the last few weeks of tx it seems to be getting worse.
Is this common?
I was told by a dr several years ago to just learn to live with it, but it's getting difficult.

[marty59]

I was hoping someone might have suggestions on getting some relief from it as well.

[redsurfer]

i have never had tinnitus before in my life... and im definitely getting it now.. i think it might be a sx of anemia. idk...but i have this sx for sure doin triple with incivek ...

[Aquisi]

These are a few years old, I remember reading back when that it was a side. Here's another:

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Nov;20(11):1110-4.
Interferon-alpha-2b/ribavirin-induced vestibulocochlear toxicity with dysautonomia in a chronic hepatitis C patient.
Johnson K, Sargent LA, Galizio C, Ubogu EE.
Source
Neurology, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Abstract
A 57-year-old man developed vertigo, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss and postural intolerance temporally related to the administration of pegylated interferon-alpha-2b/ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C viral infection. Clinical examination showed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, subjective vertigo with saccadic intrusions during fixation and smooth visual pursuit, and supine hypertension followed by orthostatic hypotension with inadequate reflexive compensatory cardiovascular responses. Laboratory assessment showed marked hemolytic anemia. Formal audiometry revealed high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss with abnormal high-frequency distortion product otoacoustic emissions, indicative of damage to the cochlear outer hair cells. Cessation of therapy resulted in rapid clinical resolution with mild residual hearing loss and tinnitus. This case report illustrates vestibulocochlear and autonomic nervous system adverse effects of pegylated interferon-alpha-2b/ribavirin, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and cessation of therapy to prevent permanent neurootologic injury.
PMID:

19047844

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[pooh55811]

That is an interesting report. I wonder why tinnitus is not listed as a side effect. I was very surprised it was not listed (as a side effect) because I am certain my worsening tinnitus is being caused by one the three drugs. Glad you found that report.

[Aquisi]

Ribavirin Side Effects Report #5457916-7
Ribavirin side effect was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Sept 04, 2007. Male patient, 51 years of age, was diagnosed with hepatitis c  and was treated with Ribavirin. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following side effects: condition aggravated, deafness, haemolytic anaemia, migraine , platelet count decreased, tinnitus , white blood cell count decreased. Ribavirin dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with PEGASYS. Patient recovered.

[Aquisi]

I posted a question about tinnitus last month, I'm sure I acquired it from my last tx of pegasy/riba in 2003. It's only gotten worst since, it's really loud but I've learned to live with it, can't imagine how bad it's going to get during next tx on triple therapy in a couple of months. Guess I'm not alone on this one. Some times I'll just listen to it during bed time and get to sleep with the ringing. As your Dr said I've learned to live with it somewhat, I am having hearing loss, so it has gotten worse. It's not going to keep me from tx though.
Take Care
Charlie

[beeblessed]

Hey Marty.  Treatment has definitely triggered and magnified some pre-existing conditions, for me.  Working Dog told me it was the RIBA.  I have had Vertigo for years, but never this bad.  Treatment brought on ear pain and eye pain, so I am certain it is all connected to the Vertigo.  Recently, I went to a Neuro/ENT specialist to see what could be done.  I know they deal with Tinnitus too, so I'd say get yourself in to see a good ENT (ear, nose, throat) doc, to help ease some of the symptoms. In the meantime, maybe something hot/warm, like tea or coffee will help ease the ear.

[pooh55811]

I just looked up all of the side effects of Pegasys, Ribavirin and Incivek and none of them lists tinnitis as a side effect. However, I also have worsening tinnitis. I am on Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin can cause tinnitis. I had the tinnitis (from the Wellbutrin) before starting triple med treatment. However, the tinnitis has definitely worsened since I have been on the triple med treatement (only 2 weeks).

Usually if I am busy I don't notice it too much but if I think about it or when I am trying to go to sleep I do notice it. At those times, it seems very loud. When I go to bed I put on a soothing, instrumental CD and listen to it. That helps drown out the tinnitis and usually I can drift off to sleep. Unfortunately the Wellbutrin and the triple med treatment can cause difficulty sleeping, but the CD does help.