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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> First shot
Post Info TOPIC: First shot
Tattoo Bear


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RE: First shot
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I took my first shot yesterday evening and so far all I feel is a slight fever. No upset stomach at all. Made some chicken fried steak and eggs a little while ago. I feel a little aches and pains but that's normal. I have not slept since I started Tx yesterday morning but again I don't sleep much anyway. I sure hope this is indicative of whats to come. Not looking forward to the butt burn, but it seems like there is no avoiding that.



__________________

Diagnosed: May 2012

Genotype: 1B,  VL: 9 million

Stage: 3/4 fibrosis, activity level: 3

Started TX: Aug. 31, 2012 .....Peginterferon alfa-2a, Copegus, Incivek 
Isiscat2011


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Piggles925 wrote:

I have fibromyalgia and the shot did cause a pretty severe flare-up of my pain, but then it just went away.  For a while though, my legs and low back hurt really, really bad I almost took one of my heavy duty pain meds.

_____________________________________________________

And now for a bit of good news...............ta da.............wait for it...............drum roll...............

I don't have fibromyalgia but I had some heavy duty back pain for about 10 years prior to starting tx.  During tx the pain disappeared almost entirely. 

 



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Diagnosed in 2011, Incivek triple in 2011, tx discontinued, Genotype 1a, CT, VL 7mill, cirrhosis dx in 2012, age 67, waiting for new DAAs.
LadyAlaise


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Your first shot sounds an awful lot like mine! I had "Red Face" and chills and fevers and felt like someone was twisting up my muscles; it is not comfy and horrible. But thankfully the first shot was the worst; I still get flu like symptoms and body aches within the first two days of shot but it is managable and most times if I need to I will just veg on the couch with a good movie.
I was told to use Ibprofen when needed but to Use Tylenol if I abslutely thought I needed it; they advised me to try to avoid it (because it's hard on the liver).

I am on week 11 right now. If you are on facebook and ever need to vent or talk or just want the comfort of knowing you have someone on your friendslist who knows what you are going through
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=761644127
the above link should find me; if not: try searching for me by email:
LadyAlaise@gmail.com

That goes for anyone else reading this too! We're all in this together! and we can slay this dragon!


__________________

Genotype 1A, Genotype (from parents) CC, Viral Load=7,514,000 (as of 12/6/11) Started Triple Therapy TX: 12/17/2011.UND @ 4-48 Wks Taken Off Incivek @ 6 wks due to Rash Response. Finished TX 11/17/12. SVR year 1
alohaKim


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Sed3 wrote:
cayohueso1 wrote:

 I managed to ride my bike to blocks to the corner store and I had a crave for a lemon-lime Italian ice. It was very yummy and I got some motrin. 

 My understanding is that motrin/ibuprofin is a no-no while on treatment.  Tylenol or Alleve (or generics) are OK.

 My doc has prescribed me 800mg Motrin to deal with sx.  They gave me the same rx 6 yrs ago the first time I did tx.  Of course, I'm a military dependent, seeing military docs, and motrin is their favorite prescription for everything that ails ya.  lol!   I do try to steer clear of Tylenol just because it's hard on the liver.  But sometimes that Tylenol PM is just what I need on shot night, though.  I only take it maybe once a month or so, though. 



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Genotype 1a, non responder to Peg/Riba in 2005. Started triple therapy 1-27-12 with Victrelis.  UNDETECTABLE as of 8wk labs (after 4 weeks of Victrelis) 4-3-12. UND at week 8, 12, 16 & 20 of tx. Completed triple therapy Oct 2012. relapsed 10/2012
Anna Christie


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Hi Cayoh.1 SO sorry it was that bad but sounds like you bounced back OK. My PA said motrin Ok. I asked her specifically. Different MD offices different preferences I guess. Anyway now you know what those "mild flu-like symptoms" that are really all you are going to have as they tell it to you in the MDs office are really like. Hopefully will be better next time. I have spent many nights in the bed with them but it did get better after three months maybe to the point where it was just bothersome not awful. On the bright side it must mean your body is really sensitive to the interferon and kicking up some hurt for the Hep C. Welcome and glad u feel better.Hugs



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Sed3


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cayohueso1 wrote:

 I managed to ride my bike to blocks to the corner store and I had a crave for a lemon-lime Italian ice. It was very yummy and I got some motrin. 

 My understanding is that motrin/ibuprofin is a no-no while on treatment.  Tylenol or Alleve (or generics) are OK.



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Type 1B - Unknown for 30 years, diagnosed September 2011, started treatment February 2012

8 weeks Incivik - stopped early due to rash.

Continuing Pegasys and Ribavirin until January 2013 - 48 weeks

Undetectable from week 4 --> present
cayohueso1


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Wow Alan, Thank-you so much for the well wishes!  But mostly for the wish that I have gone thru the worst. I like your picture, it made me laugh!  I live in the Fla. Keys and I dont get to see snow goggles to often!  Thankyou so much! Lori- Cayohueso1



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57 yrs old Genotype 1A. Failed treatment after 5 mos peg and victrelli cocktail. Needed 48 weeks.. Recovering addict and alcoholic. Active addiction for 40 years. Became infected in the late 70s or early 80s. Waiting for approval for 24 wks of Harvoni.
cayohueso1


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Hi Paul.  First I want to tell you how much I appreciate that you gave me your phone number.  I ALMOST called!  I will I dont know when.  I really feel for you that your are on your 3rd time around and that really takes courage. I gotta tell you, I wanted to take a shower so bad last night and for the life of me I could not get out of bed. I was so cold and I hurt so bad that I could not move from under the covers and at the same time I kept thinking how good the hot water would have felt.  Well tonight I feel a lot better but Im still so stiff from the epileptic fit of chills that went on for hours last night. God that was awful. Im grateful for people like you and Ive got your number in my phone. Thankyou so much for caring enough about someone you dont even know to give me your phone number,talk to you soon,Paul. Lori-Cayohueso1



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57 yrs old Genotype 1A. Failed treatment after 5 mos peg and victrelli cocktail. Needed 48 weeks.. Recovering addict and alcoholic. Active addiction for 40 years. Became infected in the late 70s or early 80s. Waiting for approval for 24 wks of Harvoni.
Piggles925


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I tried treatment back in 2007 and I had a similar reaction after an interferon shot.  The kind of chills you described sounds like the rigors, which happens when you are spiking a really high fever. (I know because I got them several times when I was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer 24 years ago.)  I discovered I had such a bad reaction because I was getting sick with a cold at the same time I started treatment back then--truly bad luck.

I just had my first Pegasys shot last Thursday.  I made sure I took some Tylenol before the shot and then followed up with some Advil a few hours later.  I sort of alternated between the two all Thursday night/Friday AM until the fever broken and the sweating began.

You should ask your MD/nurse about how to use Tylenol and Advil as pre-meds before your shot and to treat fevers afterwards.  

I also found wearing a stocking cap helps (you lose the most heat from your head) and using an electric blanket/throw can help keep you warm.  You can also put a blanket in the dryer on HIGH for a few minutes and that can help.  I've also been pretty bundled up since my shot, wearing a t-shirt and hooded sweatshirt most of the time.  

I have fibromyalgia and the shot did cause a pretty severe flare-up of my pain, but then it just went away.  For a while though, my legs and low back hurt really, really bad I almost took one of my heavy duty pain meds.

I've heard that you have to be careful about taking a shower when you have the chills because it can make it worse.  I think I read that over on the HCV Advocate website...

I live in Los Angeles and it isn't very cold here right now either, but I am doing everything I can to prevent getting the chills, which means being all bundled up, especially at night.



-- Edited by Piggles925 on Tuesday 28th of February 2012 08:59:47 AM

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~Ms. Piggles

HCV+ since 1988.  Genotype 1b.  Last viral load UNDETECTABLE at week 7 of treatment.  Last liver biopsy 2/0.  IL28B TT. 

Started triple drug therapy with Incivek 2/23/2012.  Taking it day by day.
cayohueso1


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Thank you for your support. I have been reading your posts for a few years now. And I want to thank you so much. I have been eating saltines, water and popicles and italian ices all day. Very stiff and I am not going to work tomorrow, and I might not go Wed either. Have to see. The Be in Charge Nurse said that i would experience "flu like symptoms" I wish thats all it was. More like epileptic chills seizeure symptoms.  I was thrashing around in the bed like a person that had veen electricuted. and I still dont feel that hot today at all. Its hard to walk, and I am stiff as a board, and Im soaking my clothes about every 2 hours still. If the Be In Charge REALLY  told it like it was, nobody would be seeking help!  Thankyou for your reply I really appreciate that you shared your experience because I thought I was having an allergic reaction. 1 down, and a whole bunch more to go.  Talk soon.  Cayohueso1- Lori



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57 yrs old Genotype 1A. Failed treatment after 5 mos peg and victrelli cocktail. Needed 48 weeks.. Recovering addict and alcoholic. Active addiction for 40 years. Became infected in the late 70s or early 80s. Waiting for approval for 24 wks of Harvoni.
cayohueso1


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What a relief that was reading your reply,I cant even tell you.  I really thought I was having an allergic reaction to the shot. Im really glad to know that Im not alone, Im really stiff today and I have had a banging headache all day. I called my boss and told him that I wont be able to come into work tomorrow, and Im thinking about not going Wednesday either. Am I going to have to scale back to a 4 day week?  I think I'll have a better idea after my next shot.  I really hope that my next shot is not even close to this severity. It was like an epileptic seizure of chills.  I t was like being in a blizzard without any clothes on. I just kept shaking until I shook myself to sleep. I have hated lemon-lime my whole life and today I managed to ride my bike to blocks to the corner store and I had a crave for a lemon-lime Italian ice. It was very yummy and I got some motrin. Now its a dull thump. I am soaking all of my clothes about every hour or 2. Whats up with that?  Your encouraging words and especially you sharing your experience has meant so much too me.  I have been sleeping here and there and I want to thank you so much. Theres no shame in my game and when I need to, Im gonna put it out there. I was very, very, scared.  Thank-you for your story and your support,  another friend in the strive, Cayohueso1



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57 yrs old Genotype 1A. Failed treatment after 5 mos peg and victrelli cocktail. Needed 48 weeks.. Recovering addict and alcoholic. Active addiction for 40 years. Became infected in the late 70s or early 80s. Waiting for approval for 24 wks of Harvoni.
alohaKim


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Cayoheuso1,
That is EXACTLY how my first shot was. I had 3 blankets, my fingertips were numb, I was shaking uncontrollably for a couple hours. The good news is, I haven't experienced another shot that bad since that first one. Nothing even close to that, actually. They're been MUCH more mild. Hang in there, you CAN get through it!

__________________

Genotype 1a, non responder to Peg/Riba in 2005. Started triple therapy 1-27-12 with Victrelis.  UNDETECTABLE as of 8wk labs (after 4 weeks of Victrelis) 4-3-12. UND at week 8, 12, 16 & 20 of tx. Completed triple therapy Oct 2012. relapsed 10/2012
news


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Lori,

Sorry to hear you took such a beating on the very first shot. But it brought out some interesting and similar tales from some of the regulars here. I seem to have gotten lucky. The pegasys and riba have not made me feel that bad, other than the low hematocrit caused by the riba. What tore me up was the Incivek.

I sincerely hope what you just experienced is the absolute worst you will have to endure for the remainder of your treatment. I am constantly amazed at the vast differences in our experiences. One thing is the same for all of us.... we are all in this together. Best wishes for smoother sailing ahead.

 

Alan



-- Edited by news on Tuesday 28th of February 2012 12:56:22 AM

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Geno 1A  Started Pegasys/Ribavirin/Incivek Nov. 20, 2011 .  Completed July 28, 2012 (36 weeks). For a treatment history, see:  https://jshare.johnshopkins.edu/xythoswfs/webview/_xy-9921874_1

SVR on January 14, 2013!!
kiwi


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hey there mate.... my first shot sounds like yours... i slept and slept, and when i did manage to get out of bed i thought my back muscles were screwed... i rang the doc, she said to go to my normal doctor, but i know for sure it was that first shot.. it hasnt been as bad since...

hang in there mate. from what ive heard, (and experienced) first shot can be a hard one...

but yes. i felt the same. take an aleve or something, and go back to bed if you can...

kiwi



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kiwi. genotype 1. started pegasus and riba on 10 nov. VL 17.6 million. (4 weeks VL 1368)  week 15 UNDETECTED... :)
cayohueso1


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Hi there, this is the always positive cayohueso1, and I had my first shot at 5 this evening. First dose of Riba at midnight. By 1am, I had on long johns and a heavy tshirt, with the ac off,(I am in Fla) and I could not stop shaking with the chills uncontrolably.  Now its 3 I am up with a pounding head stiff neck and feel like I have a fever. Is this normal, or am I having a reaction to it? My neck and lower back feel like I need the chiropracter, I was so happy to start, and now I am freakn out. Getting ready to call the "Be In Charge" nurse hotline.  SOMEBODY please tell me that you have had the same experience cry  Thankyou everyone, I have to get through this.



__________________

57 yrs old Genotype 1A. Failed treatment after 5 mos peg and victrelli cocktail. Needed 48 weeks.. Recovering addict and alcoholic. Active addiction for 40 years. Became infected in the late 70s or early 80s. Waiting for approval for 24 wks of Harvoni.
Cinnamon Girl


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Hi there cayohueso1, hope you`re feeling better today.  Everyone`s different of course, but I have to say that sounds a lot like my first shot too.   I had been told to expect chills and flu-like symptoms but it really took me by surprise just how bad I felt. 

But, the rest of my shots weren`t nearly as bad, and most people find that too, so hang in there!

Let us know what the nurse said.  And congrats on getting that first shot over with! smile You`re on your way now and we`re all here for you.  And don`t forget, drink lots of water, it helps with the sx.

Take care, Jill xx



-- Edited by Cinnamon Girl on Monday 27th of February 2012 10:14:00 AM

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Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
Tio


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Hi, this is Paul.  I have done tx twice in the past and now one month into my third tx in the past 6 years.  I recall the first time in took interferon shot, I did get a bit of fever, but not as much sx as you are having.  Yes, I would call the nurse and talk with them.  It will probably go away.  Drink water and maybe take a shower.  I took my 4th shot last night and it tends to keep me awake, especially for two or three days following the shot.  I will probably be up late again tonight, or this morning, as it's after midnight in San Francisco.  If you like you can call me and talk.  I am here to offer support and help as we all are.  My number is 415-410-6765  If you wish to call, any time is ok.  Or if not, that's ok too.  But I would call the nurse.  btw, I have called the Be in Charge nurse more than once myself in the past.  good luck.  :)



-- Edited by Tio on Monday 27th of February 2012 08:23:40 AM

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