Author Topic: Just started Viekira Pak + Ribavirin (Read 22753 times)

AussieRosa · « **on:** January 19, 2016, 02:24:11 am »

Hi, all

I've been reading for a week or so getting ready for my first dose this morning. I seem to have already developed a slight rash on my arms and torso. Is this unusual? From what I've read skin reactions are common, but the rapidity is scaring me.

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2016, 05:30:10 am »

Hi AussieRosa,
It does seem very fast, but it could be.
I didn't have any side effects for about a week and a half.
How is it now? i hope it hasn't got worse.

Do you have contact with a GP, nurse practitioner, specialist, or ..? for your treatment?

Hazel.

AussieRosa · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2016, 06:39:12 am »

Hi, Hazel. Thanks so much for responding.

It hasn't gotten any worse, but there's a tiny bright red spot and another slightly larger fainter spot as well as the pretty much all over faint rash. It doesn't itch at all.

I have a specialist nurse I can call in the morning, but as I'm going to the pharmacy I will show the pharmacist and ask him what he thinks.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2016, 08:06:29 am »

Hi AussieRosa, I did 24 weeks w VP+riba and expected to cop a bit of a caning with skin irritations as my skin is pretty sensitive. I didn't, but my CNC told me to use something like telfast if it happened.

I'm now successfully over 4 weeks post srv12 and feel so much better. In fact so much better I'm travelling through Canada the US and Cuba for 6 weeks.

Welcome to the forums, there are lots of smart people here who can be helpful and supportive.

BillT · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2016, 09:37:03 am »

Hi AussieRosa,
Welcome to the forums.One thing to remember is that these meds are effecting everyone differently.I would have it checked out but if it's not causing you any problems I wouldn't worry too much at this point.Good luck on your treatment.I hope it goes as easy for you as it did for me.

AussieRosa · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2016, 09:29:11 pm »

Quote from: Philadelphia on January 19, 2016, 08:06:29 am

Hi AussieRosa, I did 24 weeks w VP+riba and expected to cop a bit of a caning with skin irritations as my skin is pretty sensitive. I didn't, but my CNC told me to use something like telfast if it happened.

I'm now successfully over 4 weeks post srv12 and feel so much better. In fact so much better I'm travelling through Canada the US and Cuba for 6 weeks.

Welcome to the forums, there are lots of smart people here who can be helpful and supportive.

Thanks, Philadelphia. I appreciate the tip and the encouragement from your experience. I've already read your blog and am so happy for you!

AussieRosa · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2016, 09:31:16 pm »

Quote from: BillT on January 19, 2016, 09:37:03 am

Hi AussieRosa,
Welcome to the forums.One thing to remember is that these meds are effecting everyone differently.I would have it checked out but if it's not causing you any problems I wouldn't worry too much at this point.Good luck on your treatment.I hope it goes as easy for you as it did for me.

Thanks, Bill. Today it's barely there so I'm not worried about it now. I was so glad this forum is here for me to ask as I was very anxious yesterday.

And congratulations on your successful treatment!

Menoseloso · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2016, 09:50:19 pm »

Hiii, So Monday was the start of week 3 for me. Viekira Pak plus Riba for 12 weeks Everything has been doable but starting this past Sunday.. I seem to be getting really pissed off for no reason and I mean pissed off.. which really sucks because my 5 months old is sick and fussy so that is not helping me what so ever. Ive called my doctor for several reasons...feeling sick to my stomach...rash on my scalp which is more just like dandruff but still itches... and no this.. I also called to tell them that the labs they sent me for cost 600 bucks..which i dont have and they didnt give me the option to do payments. (thanks health care) anyways the nurse that has been helping ...well just stopped helping me. she hangs up on me mid sentence and never calls back after she says she will. I have no idea what else to do. I can deal with all the other side effects but this angry issue... I can't do. So if anyone has any advice I would love some.... also I think I just needed to vent so thanks for listening!

Lynn K · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2016, 10:33:20 pm »

Hi
unfortunately one other not uncommon side effect for ribavirin has been called riba rage by folks who experience it so you are not alone.

I found this about Ribavirin

Ribavirin Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using ribavirin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

problems with your vision;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
stabbing chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
severe depression, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; or
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, easy bruising or bleeding, confusion, or unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

headache;
muscle pain;
dry mouth;
nausea; vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
weight loss;
feeling tired or irritable;
anxiety, mood changes; or
pain, swelling, or irritation where the interferon injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

So your are experiencing what in the official literature is irritable or mood changes easy for them to say.

I didn't experience this side effect but I guess the old count to 10 and try to breath before you respond is my best suggestion at the moment. I am sure others who experienced riba rage will have better ideas.

good luck and remember just 9 weeks to go
Lynn

BillT · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2016, 12:03:05 am »

Hi Menoseloso,
The riba's have leveled a few people on the forum like they're doing to you.One thing I would encourage you to do is come here and let loose if you need to.We've seen it before,and a lot have been through it so we understand whats happening to you.The other thing you might do is to have a talk with your doctor if it gets too much to handle,and discuss taking you off of them completely so you can continue treatment.Just some thoughts.Good luck and we're here if you need.

Laura · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2016, 05:50:49 am »

AussieRosa,
Welcome and good luck on the treatment journey! I am glad to hear that you are seeing your doctor about the rash. My doctor's office said they wanted to see any rash. I hope it resolves as easily as possible. Keep us informed on how you are doing.

M, I don't know too much about Viekira Pak, but you might try talking to your doctor about a dose reduction on the riba. I am on Sovaldi and Ribavirin, and responded well to a dose reduction on the riba. You want to get through the treatment, but there's a quality of life factor for you and your family that has to be met. Good luck and keep posting!

Laura

Lynn K · « **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2016, 06:03:28 am »

Ribavirin is per the priscribing information sheet for genotype 1a as Viekira Pak is not as effective for genotype 1a without Ribavirin so if possible I would think you should try to keep taking the Ribavirin if you can as it increases your odds of being cured

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2016, 06:37:39 am »

Hi Menosoloso,

I can hear in your post how incredibly frustrating this is for you. I haven't suffered from Riba-rage. Take or leave what I have to say here, but I thought I'd put down what I can.

Though this app seems to be geared towards men in relationships, I know a female who has found it very useful:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icounselor-anger/id333253099?mt=8

I hope you get the cost sorted out, but there's nothing you can do about it yet, so maybe try to put it aside mentally (easier said than done). Sometimes externalising something helps to remind us to stop thinking about it for now - by writing it on a list for instance or on a calender and saying I'm going to do everything I can about that on Monday morning - not now.

I'm wondering if someone can give you some childcare - any at all?

There are two more things that I know work for some people - anger is a very strong emotion but it often covers other feelings - even when it is a chemically induced feeling. If you can manage to take a moment and try to identify any other feelings you might be having at the same time - by asking yourself that question and doing a quick 'scan' of your body - naming that other emotion or feeling can sometimes help to dilute the anger (for instance - helplessness is a common one - not great - but sometimes a safer feeling to deal with).
Next: If you can manage to put something into words - even something like "I'm having this really strong feeling again" or "this is the angry feeling again"- re-routing the physical/emotional/adrenal experience through the front-brain weakens its grip on us. It can be good to decide on a phrase and practice it - and listen to yourself saying it aloud - really try to hear.

Okay, good luck,
H.

AussieRosa · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2016, 07:40:48 am »

Quote from: Menoseloso on January 19, 2016, 09:50:19 pm

Hiii, So Monday was the start of week 3 for me. Viekira Pak plus Riba for 12 weeks Everything has been doable but starting this past Sunday.. I seem to be getting really pissed off for no reason and I mean pissed off.. which really sucks because my 5 months old is sick and fussy so that is not helping me what so ever. Ive called my doctor for several reasons...feeling sick to my stomach...rash on my scalp which is more just like dandruff but still itches... and no this.. I also called to tell them that the labs they sent me for cost 600 bucks..which i dont have and they didnt give me the option to do payments. (thanks health care) anyways the nurse that has been helping ...well just stopped helping me. she hangs up on me mid sentence and never calls back after she says she will. I have no idea what else to do. I can deal with all the other side effects but this angry issue... I can't do. So if anyone has any advice I would love some.... also I think I just needed to vent so thanks for listening!

Hi, Menoseloso. It's too soon for me to have any experience with the Riba rage. But I just want to chime in and welcome and encourage you to hang in there. Use the forum to vent if you need to. Keep posting and letting us know how you're doing. Perhaps explaining to the nurse about this problem will get her to start listening again.
Rosa

AussieRosa · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2016, 07:50:50 am »

Quote from: Laura on January 20, 2016, 05:50:49 am

AussieRosa,
Welcome and good luck on the treatment journey! I am glad to hear that you are seeing your doctor about the rash. My doctor's office said they wanted to see any rash. I hope it resolves as easily as possible. Keep us informed on how you are doing.

Laura

Hi, Laura.
Thanks for the reply and welcome. The rash was like a pink mottling under the skin. When I woke up this morning it was gone. Whew! A big relief, but if it returns I'll get it checked.

Best wishes for your treatment. I hope we all achieve victory over this beast.

BillT · « **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2016, 09:20:47 am »

Good morning Lynn,
I completely agree with everything you said,but when the riba's are causing that much destruction you need to do something.Cali had a terrible time with it but made it when they took her off of it.They also extended her treatment to compensate(I assume).I guess my thinking is better to have some chance than none at all.You and I both went through the interferon/riba,and I don't remember anyone having problems like we're seeing with them now do you?

Lynn K · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2016, 01:46:14 am »

I hopefully did not sound like I was saying stay on the ribavirin no matter what the cost to your health or relationships. Just hang in there if you can and your doctor agrees. Sometimes a person may want to stay on a medicine that is causing harsh side effects but there doctor has to take them off no matter how badly they may want to continue.

Back in the olden days when I treated and had to walk to school 10 miles up hill in both directions we didn't have no gol darned fancy internet! Lol

The only person I knew who was treating back then was me.

But seriously I do remember hearing about riba rage from somewhere so even back in the dark ages I am willing to bet people had problems with riba rage I did find a comment about riba rage on a quick Google search from 2007

AussieRosa · « **Reply #17 on:** January 24, 2016, 08:38:34 am »

Today I've had mild heartburn after eating. It has subsided on its own and there's been no gastric reflux, but it's felt like I'm on the verge of it. I'll call the nurse tomorrow and ask if Zantac like meds are ok to take.

Also I've got this really uncomfortable fluid retention in my feet. I always have a little fluid retention, but the last few days it has increased a lot and I can barely get my loosest shoes on. I'll talk to the nurse about that too.

Lynn K · « **Reply #18 on:** January 24, 2016, 02:23:44 pm »

There are concerns about taking Harvoni with acid reducers but I believe there are no issues with Viekira Pak but yes definitely check with your nurse.

I have lower leg swelling called edema but I have it because I have F4 cirrhosis from a biopsy done Jan 08 and have a fibroscan score of 27. I suppose there are other reasons one could have edema.

I take a prescription diuretic Spironolactone for the last 8 years

Good luck with treatment
Lynn

AussieRosa · « **Reply #19 on:** January 25, 2016, 03:21:36 am »

Thanks, Lynn.

I left a voicemail for the nurse and she returned my call a couple of hours later. Zantac is fine with VPak, but it must be taken at least 1 hour after the meds. Somac is a no go, which is a shame as I have a strip of that one (even though it's 10 years old lol).

As for the edema. She said she hadn't heard of it as a side on VPak and would call the liver specialist and get back to me. She did just that and the upside is that we will be monitoring it. He doesn't think it's anything serious given it's in both feet and my fibroscan is so low. I was told to go to the ER tomorrow (public holiday here) if it gets catastrophically worse. I see her for our next catch up next Monday but she's going to call me on Thursday to see how it's going.

I feel blessed to be part of this trial and have such easy access to such knowledgeable and caring professionals. I know I could have waited a couple of months or so and gone with the government approved DAA program, possibly without Riba. But somehow I just have this feeling that if it sounds too good to be true.... I know they're saying there'll be no triage or waiting, but I don't trust that length of treatment will be adequate.

Lynn K · « **Reply #20 on:** January 25, 2016, 05:05:49 am »

Well hope they figure out the edema so you can be more comfortable

So great your care team is so responsive to your concerns

Best of luck
Lynn

AussieRosa · « **Reply #21 on:** January 28, 2016, 09:40:52 pm »

I just walked the short distance (with 2 stair steps) to my mailbox. Upon returning I had difficulty catching my breath. I was back to normal within a matter of seconds but it was quite scary and severe.

I rang the Hep C nurse and as I'm seeing her on Monday for blood tests she gave me the contact number for the after hours Infectious Diseases resident. She also advised me to get an ambulance and go to the ER if it happens again or gets worse.

This has really scared me. I surely couldn't have become that anemic that fast, could I? One of the other meds I'm taking had the side effect of making me breathless when I first started taking it. I'm wondering if the VPak is potentiating that med and I'm getting the old sides from that again?

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #22 on:** January 29, 2016, 01:38:54 am »

Hi AussieRosa,
I became really anaemic - breathless, unable to lift my arms to reach a teacup in the top cupboard, overnight, in the 2nd week - so, yes, it is possible that it can happen that fast.

Have you seen the research linking people who become anaemic early in treatment and higher rates of cure following the end of treatment? i found that encouraging for the week that I couldn't do much.

Hazel

AussieRosa · « **Reply #23 on:** January 29, 2016, 02:49:08 am »

Hi, Hazel. Thanks so much for that info. I'll take it easy for the next few days. Did they reduce your Ribavirin dose? It's definitely encouraging that it could mean a higher chance of cure!

How are you feeling now after your VL test letdown?

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #24 on:** January 29, 2016, 05:11:11 am »

Hi AussieRosa,

I should add to my message that I didn't have a regular GP when this started happening but I got one very quickly. She checked my pancreas and got me to wear a heart holter for 24 hours - she was pretty thorough. The Hep C team asked me to do weekly full blood tests. After about a week the Gastroenterologist reduced my riboviron (halved it) I think I was up to 4 weeks then. I had pretty much an immediate reaction - I believe that part of my symptoms were asthenia (muscle weakness) related and part were anaemia related - that's just what I feel. The asthenia reduced considerably straight away. Though my bilirubin is still low, I have got used to the anaemia, but I can't swim or exercise. I don't want to reduce the riboviron any further as I really want this treatment to work and I can cope.
Thanks for asking about the VL test - I am a bit disappointed that I won't know when I am undetected as I'm not having another test until the end now - I am just trying (and usually succeeding) in thinking that this is just working, and knowing earlier doesn't make any difference - the important part is all of it - the treatment, the past and the future!
I hope you feel ok. i would have 10 minutes here and there where I would think - hey I feel ok, then it would hit me again. It will pass.
H.

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #25 on:** February 07, 2016, 12:54:19 am »

Did you find out what's happening for you AussieRosa? How are you going?

AussieRosa · « **Reply #26 on:** February 07, 2016, 04:28:59 am »

Hi, Hazel. Thanks for the shout-out. I'm doing ok.

The doctor has halved the dose of another medication I'm on that the Ritonavir in the VPak potentiates. One of the side effects of that med when I first started it was shortness of breath. She put me on an oxygen level monitor and my oxy levels were a tiny bit low so she also did some blood tests to check for anemia. I'll be seeing both the GP and the Hep C nurse and specialist tomorrow for those results and more blood tests. So, I'll know more tomorrow.

I'm finding myself getting puffed out quite easily when doing minor domestic chores. I'm also taking zantac/ranitidine nearly every day due to stomach ache and a little reflux. Are you having stomach problems? How are you doing?
Rosa

AussieRosa · « **Reply #27 on:** February 07, 2016, 08:01:04 pm »

Update: Just saw the Hep C specialist and nurse. My red blood cells have dropped 15% from the baseline they took before I began treatment. They said that's nothing to worry about and it means the Ribavirin is working. If it gets worse they will reduce the dose, and if that doesn't work they said they'll stop the Riba as it will already have done its job and wont make any impact on the rest of the treatment. If that's the case why do I have to continue taking it? LOL I should have asked him that.

He said the best thing to take for the stomach problems is the ranitidine and I can take the extended release version.

I got a big bag with the next month's worth of meds in it. It's mind boggling to think that bag is worth about $30K. I'm so grateful I'm getting them for free with this trial.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #28 on:** February 08, 2016, 11:55:17 am »

RBV affected me a fair bit, so they cut my dosage down to two tabs instead of 5. Still cleared, and felt much better for the reduction too.

AussieRosa · « **Reply #29 on:** February 09, 2016, 02:59:03 am »

Thanks for that info, Philadelphia. Are you back from your holiday yet?

Saw the GP today. My 2 week bloods show my LFTs the same

and my ferritin level abnormally high. I remember seeing a thread somewhere on the forums about ferritin levels so will try to find it again. I didn't read it the first time around. Apart from that, stomach has been good today, so I'm thankful for that.

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #30 on:** February 09, 2016, 05:10:17 am »

Hi AussieRosa,

Good to hear from you. We have to keep taking ribaviron if we can, as it increases our chance of clearing the virus. Which we are doing, bit by bit - right now! I haven't heard of the ferritin levels, I am only aware of the red blood count and the haemoglobin which has been affected for me.

I have been managing though very low energy. My mum passed away last week, it was sad and there was lots to do. When I need to do everything, I do. At work, I sit down a lot more than usual - no one seems to have noticed. Then I stay in bed all weekend - that's how my weeks are going. The house is a big mess, I'm living on salad, fruit, yoghurt, fresh juice, cereal and avocado or miso on toast and coffee - I just can't face cooking.

I had a situation where I let my medication overheat - probably 36 degrees (celsius) for 6 hours. I went in to visit my mum, parked the car pre-dawn (she lived a good 3 hour drive away) - and didn't end up coming out for 50 hours, because she died. Sad. So glad I was there.

AbbVie were great - I got on to them the next day. They put me onto the lab. They said they couldn't confirm that the tablets remained stable at that heat and replaced them all - a whole container of riboviron, and 5 days of VP.

So, what exactly is happening with your stomach AussieRosa - how does it feel, when, what do you think is happening, have you had anything like this previously?

AussieRosa · « **Reply #31 on:** February 10, 2016, 01:56:26 am »

Hazel, I'm so very sorry to hear about your mum. That is so sad. My heart goes out to you. Dealing with grief on top of this fatigue you're experiencing must be very difficult. You're also working full time. Gee, I can't imagine how tough you must be to be coping right now. I'm luckily not working so can keep my feet up all day.

I'm surprised AV were so accomodating in replacing the meds so easily. Guess just my preconceived notions of big pharma being impersonal and uncaring. I'm glad they replaced them so easily for you. Must have been a weight off your mind - after all you're dealing with you don't need any extra.

As for my stomach: about 10 years ago I had a mild problem with acid reflux which was successfully treated with zantac or somac. It only lasted about a year. I got the impression from the Infectious Diseases specialist when I saw him on Monday that this stomach trouble is a common side of the ribavirin. He didn't seem concerned by it and said to just keep treating it with the time release zantac (ranitidine). I've read some people's threads and they have lingering stomach problems for weeks after treatment finishes. I'm not looking forward to that, but it's under control and a fairly mild side. I'm thankful I don't have the rash or the severe fatigue and anemia you're experiencing.

I'm a little worried about the ferritin level issue. The GP tested for hemochromatosis which is a disease that causes liver damage and is characterised by really high iron levels. That's all I need!

Thanks for checking in. And once again, my condolences on your Mother.

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #32 on:** February 15, 2016, 08:10:04 am »

Hi AussieRosa,

I hope your next blood tests are not too long to wait so you can see what's happening there with the ferritin and hopefully get some answers. I am only working part time at the moment Aussie Rosa - i took some leave. I have had really sore legs the last few days, knees and ankles, sometimes excruciating. But something else - I feel like it's gone. I still can't get my blood tests without a FOI application and they are not testing me again for VL and such, until 12 weeks after end of treatment, but the last few days, I have just felt like, that's it, it's gone.

Here's hoping, for everyone!

H.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #33 on:** February 15, 2016, 02:40:07 pm »

Hazel, have you thought of going to your GP if you really need a VL test?

AussieRosa · « **Reply #34 on:** February 15, 2016, 10:01:33 pm »

Hi, Hazel. I'm glad you've got some time off. You really need it right now, and it'll give you time to grieve and rest. Sorry to hear you're in a lot of pain. I haven't experienced anything like that. The great news is you feel like it has gone! I'm so happy for you. It must be a wonderful feeling. Here's to hoping it stays that way. I'm sure it will! All the best,
Rosa

AussieRosa · « **Reply #35 on:** February 22, 2016, 03:56:13 am »

Just an update. Got my 4 week bloods back today and I'm undetected! So pleased and amazed. My ALT is higher though. The nurse said it was in the 40s and nothing to be concerned about with all the liver is doing atm. Now the really long wait till 12 weeks after EOT. I think that's when I get the next VL (forgot to ask that, brains a bit foggy)

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #36 on:** February 22, 2016, 04:31:41 am »

That is such great news Rosa!! How about that?!

That is the schedule I am on for the Hep bool tests - 4 weeks then 12 weeks after,
with full blood count tests each fortnight.

What really great news.

How is the anemia and the stomach? (all worth it now I suppose?!)

I haven't been using a moisturiser as I haven't felt dry or itchy, but I do have some cocoa butter vit e here, so I can give it a go, thanks for the reminder. I think I just need to be much more thorough about using sunscreen even for very short periods.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #37 on:** February 22, 2016, 04:41:42 am »

Great news Rosa! VP can cause a bump in liver markers - not sure if it was ALT or AST but either way, undetected is undetected. Onwards to SVR12!

AussieRosa · « **Reply #38 on:** February 22, 2016, 04:53:27 am »

Thanks, Hazel. Yes, we have to be very vigilant with sunblock even for short exposures. Wearing sunglasses is a good idea too.

I'm still taking ranitidine every day for the stomach. It's keeping the problem at bay quite well. My anemia has stabilised, but I'll be getting more bloods done tomorrow. I feel it has gotten a little bit worse. Overall I'm doing pretty well and am feeling very grateful.

How is your anemia doing? Are you having any other sx? I'm sure you'll be undetected by now too.

AussieRosa · « **Reply #39 on:** February 22, 2016, 04:54:53 am »

Quote from: Philadelphia on February 22, 2016, 04:41:42 am

Great news Rosa! VP can cause a bump in liver markers - not sure if it was ALT or AST but either way, undetected is undetected. Onwards to SVR12!

Thanks, Philadelphia. What is VP?

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #40 on:** February 22, 2016, 06:04:07 am »

You'll laugh, VP = Viekira Pak!!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #41 on:** February 22, 2016, 06:30:49 am »

Yep. Viekira Pak

AussieRosa · « **Reply #42 on:** February 22, 2016, 08:23:10 am »

*slaps own forehead*
LOL silly me. Now that's brain fog.

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #43 on:** March 07, 2016, 06:29:54 am »

Hi Aussie Rosa,
What's happening over in your Viekira Pak Paddock?
Hazel

AussieRosa · « **Reply #44 on:** March 09, 2016, 01:09:49 am »

Hiya, Hazel!
I took a bit of a break from the forum. I've been battling an ever worsening stomach ache from the Riba for the past couple of weeks. It got so bad I reduced my morning dose from 3 tablets to 2 on Saturday morning. Did the same Sunday. Rang the nurse Monday and she agreed that I should stay on that dose and try adding Mylanta to the Zantac/ranitidine I'm already taking. The reduction has helped a lot and I'm at least comfortable when trying to sleep at night now. Apart from that, my hemoglobin level has come up a tiny bit and LFTs are much improved. So all is going well as I enter my 8th week of treatment.

How's things in your neck of the woods?

AussieRosa · « **Reply #45 on:** April 11, 2016, 09:06:38 pm »

Well, last night was the end of my treatment. I also saw the Hep C nurse and had my EOT bloods taken. I'll get those results next week when I see her again. I was so relieved to finish. Even though my sides were quite mild really, they had begun to wear me down by the end. The regular day-long stomach ache, while much better after the Riba dose reduction, was starting to set in again. I had also begun to experience frequent migraines, when the usual for me is about 3 per year. Not to mention getting puffed out just from drying myself after the shower.

Still, I hate to bitch about what was really an easy treatment with an excellent chance at clearing this virus beast. Thanks to all who make this forum such a great place. Especially Hazel and Philadelphia. You two really help a lot of people here and it is much appreciated. I plan to stick around.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #46 on:** April 11, 2016, 09:29:23 pm »

Great work finishing. Those last weeks feel like forever don't they. Now the crappy wait for SVR12. Find something to do with your time and enjoy getting better. You'll be feeling fitter in no time.

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #47 on:** April 12, 2016, 10:26:19 am »

You've finished!! Fantastic news Rosa. Do you have something planned for the next week or so? Getting away, a meal out, haircut? The breathlessness is hard, isn't it - but it comes with a better chance of a cure. Can't wait to hear your results. Best wishes, Hazel

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Author Topic: Just started Viekira Pak + Ribavirin (Read 22753 times)