libgirl07 wrote:

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I'm only going into week 3 and am beyonD tired at work. I work 12 shifts only 3 days a week. I have a long way to go haha.

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I just took my 4th injection and I can understand how a 12 hours shift would be hard.  Good Luck!  I hope the tiredness lifts for you.

     I stand (much) corrected...thanks for the great info, as always.  The nurse at Walgreen's infusion Services, who dispensed my meds gave me the info on these drugs being diuretic.  It just shows how "all over the place" the medical community can be regarding  this Tx.  

     I was one of those who noticed a dramatic increase in itching when I got a little dehydrated.  I thought it was the Incivek, but it turned out to be the riba. Got steadily worse even after the Incivek.  Lasted until 2 weeks after finishing everything.  Of course, I live in the desert (Las Vegas).  Even a slight bit of dehydration here can quickly become a real problem.

     Thanks again.  You're a HUGE asset this forum,

Brad 

Sorry Brad,

Triple therapy drugs are not diuretic. In fact Peginterferon is the oppposite, as the Peg portion prevents excretion of the interferon by the kidneys. this is desirable to keep a constant blood level for the maximum period.

None of the metabolites of the triple drugs are toxic. They do not require 'flushing out'.

The dry skin, dysgeusia, dry eyes and dry mouth are all direct effects of the drugs on the sweat and apocrine glands, the lacrimal glands and salivary glands. Sips of water or biotene can make a dry mouth feel more comfortable, but dehydration is not a factor.

Some patients with long-term HCV have renal impairment. Stressing the kidneys with water overload can lead to acute renal failure. Cirrhotics with decreased albumin need to be careful of their water intake.

There is no set rule for water requirement during Rx. The volume required depends on age , diet, sex, level of activity and ambient temperature. The aim is to be adequately hydrated and producing urine that is not too dilute or too concentrated. For me , this is about 2 litres a day plus food.

Many forum members claim reduction in Sx with increased water consumption. Check that your urine is not too dilute as this indicates overhydration. Overhydration can also cause headaches and nausea and peripheral oedema.  You will find out what works best for you, but don't follow the 'drink gallons and then some more' blindly.

libgirl07 wrote:

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Does anyone know the exact reason you are supposed to drink so much water? What does it do exactly for you? How does it work to lessen symptoms?

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      For one thing, these drugs are diuretic (drying) drugs.  They will cause you to loose water that will need to be replenished more often.

Another thing is these are very potent and toxic drugs.  The water helps flush them out, and your organs work much better with lots of solvent (water)

Also, your skin will stay in much better shape.  It is moisturized from the inside out.  The ribavirin, especially,  is tough on your skin and can cause bumps, itiching, etc ( Incivek is worse, but you have the victrellis so no worries there).

When you have a little "brain fog" and don't feel well, its easy to forget the water.  This can lead to dehydration, which can cause a whole boatload of other symptoms.

     Don't worry this too much, just make it your goal to really try to take care of yourself.  This would be a great time to pamper yourself  ;)

Good luck,

Brad 

Victrelis, Boceprevir, serpent poison whatever. My doc also recommends tylenol, but i use

ibuprofin.

libgirl07 wrote:

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Oh yeah. Only 1 extra strength tyenol q 6 hrs

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 just a note, it seems every doc and every region they all have a different remedy for pain relief, mine said tyenol it's eaiser on your stomach.. just my    keep on keep on...MJ

libgirl07 wrote:

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Boceprevir

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 Hey Nicole it's known to us as Victrelis ... just one of those things... all the best with your trx...MJ

Neil_Canuck wrote:

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It also mentions Interferon use for not using Aceteminophen....last line in description.

(Pegetron being interferon)

-- Edited by Neil_Canuck on Saturday 19th of January 2013 04:01:16 AM

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 Oh OK.  Thanks!

Neil_Canuck wrote:

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I found this. They are all potentially bad for the liver but I think it's the platelet problem with aceteminophen that they try to prevent. Low platelets can be a problem with boceprivir treatment. Doc said not to exceed the max 2000 mg / day.

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 Oh maybe that is why my doctor didn't say anything.  I am only on ribavirin and pegatron (for Genotype 3).   Thanks!

I found this. They are all potentially bad for the liver but I think it's the platelet problem with aceteminophen that they try to prevent. Low platelets can be a problem with boceprivir treatment. Doc said not to exceed the max 2000 mg / day.

1. Acetaminophen  (Tylenol, Anacin 3, Panadol, Paracetamol and others) is a common, mild to moderate pain reliever and fever reducer. A liver afflicted with Hepatitis C may not be able to metabolize this drug. High doses of acetaminophen can cause liver injury, even to a healthy liver. In limited dosages, a physician will generally only suggest this class of analgesic to a person whose hepatic metabolism is fully functioning.
2. Ibuprofen  (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin and others) reduces high body temperature, is an anti-inflammatory and inhibits normal platelet function. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal upset and bleeding. Those at risk of portal hypertension are already at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, intensifying this risk. Studies have demonstrated that at certain dosages, ibuprofen can stress the liver and elevate liver enzymes in people with Hepatitis C. Ibuprofen must be used with extreme caution in the later stages of liver disease and for those on interferon therapy.
3. Aspirin  (Bayer, Anacin, Excedrin and others) reduces fever, relieves pain, and acts as an anti-inflammatory and blood thinner. In addition to influencing liver test results, aspirins effect on blood platelets temporarily limits the clotting process and prolongs bleeding. In chronic liver disease where the bodys production of clotting factors is naturally decreased, aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. Although there is no actual drug interaction between aspirin and the drugs used in interferon therapy, both can disrupt blood clotting, which must be monitored if used together. When taken in high doses (more than 2,000 mg per day) aspirin can cause liver injury.

Neil_Canuck wrote:

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DJ, check with your Doctor but most of us were told to use Tylenol (any aceteminophen product). Advil (Ibuprofen) and other pain killers change the blood. My Doc was quite emphatic about not using others.

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They said Advil was OK, but also said Tylenol was OK too.  I could change to that if it might be helpful.  One of daughters can not take Tylenol so we don't keep it around, but I can get some tomorrow.  Thanks for letting me know. 

DJ, check with your Doctor but most of us were told to use Tylenol (any aceteminophen product). Advil (Ibuprofen) and other pain killers change the blood. My Doc was quite emphatic about not using others.

libgirl07 wrote:

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Does anyone know the exact reason you are supposed to drink so much water? What does it do exactly for you? How does it work to lessen symptoms?

Had my teaching appointment today I will be doing my first shot tonight.

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I was told it would help reduce the side effects.  I have been drinking a gallon a day, and had very few side effects so far (but only on treatment 8 days, today was my second injection and that was 10 hours ago and I am still not really feeling anything too bad, just a little headache but Advil seems to be helping that).

It also mentions Interferon use for not using Aceteminophen....last line in description.

(Pegetron being interferon)

I do remember my hep doc saying interferon causes a drop in serotonin so maybe i need an ssri

I start tx tomorrow.  I've tried ssri's like lexapro but i didnt like it.. I have trouble concentrating so wellbutrin is also used for add.  Hmmm now I'm wondering if I should ask my doctor.

Good luck Nicole... from what I have read from the others who treated with Victrelis the side effects are less than the Incevick ... Just remember the Ribavirin can effect your hematocrit, makes me tired, dizzy, and shortness of breath, keep up with your labs.  I know you have treated before, rest when you can, try to eliminate as much stress as possible, eat the foods you like..everyone gets nervous right before show time... breath all the best MJ

I just started last Friday, but only on ribavirin and pegatron since I am Genotype 3.  My first injection wasn't too bad.  But I did take Advil PM and I slept fine through the night.  I am guessing over time it must get worse because I was expecting it to be bad, but it wasn't too bad (but I would not have wanted to go to work or anything the day after, probably could have gone on Sunday).

Good Luck!  I am taking my second injection tomorrow.

Good luck, i am on the same ****tail for 48 weeks. It's yucky but you will get through it. I am on my 26th week.

I finally am starting my triple tx with bocep tomorrow.  I was supposed to start in october but couldnt afford it and now just found out i wont have to pay at all.. I feel so lucky right now.  At the same time I'm extremely nervous.  I cant remember how bad the first interferon injection is.  I'm off work til tuesday so I have a few days to recover.  I'm just super nervous for some reason as I'd imagin most people are about this treatment.    So I'm 28 found out when I was 18 by a routine blood test showing my liver enzymes were elevated.  Tried SOC but my moms insurance dropped me.  Last biopsy was 4 years ago with no damange mild inflammation.  She isnt having me do another biopsy for some reason.  I have genotype 1a 1.5mil  and all my other labs they drew to check me out were normal.  I'm active and healthy otherwise.  I just fear for my job security.  They dont know about it.  I work 36 hours a week 3 days a week so i'll have alot of down time.  Any advice?  I heard to drink alot of water and to take tylenol or motrin?  I might get the pm kind i never can sleep in the first place.  I'm thinking about going and getting a bunch of stuff for protein shakes.  So if I have no appetite I'll just drink one of those.    I'm sure there is nothing to do for your hair.  I had thick thick hair to my lower back I just cut off a month ago so I'm not as worried about that.  Plus I'd rather live a normal life than worry about lack of hair for 7 months.   I really really hope its only 7 months.  That is something i fear as well.. Ok I'm just rambling now haha.  Oh yea I am on wellbutrin 300 mg a day.  When I did tx the first time I got severly depressed to the point that i didnt care if i lived or died..  The doctor never told me about depression with the tx.   Now I know more! Thank god!  The only thing I really remember from the first time around was depression loss of hair and being really tired.  I also had alot of anger in me but i think that had to do with the depression.   Thanks for reading!

Hey Nicole, if you weren't nervous I be more worried...lol

You'll do fine. I have a list my Dr gave me that I'll post here as soon as I find it.

Good luck!