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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Ribaviren and the sun
Post Info TOPIC: Ribaviren and the sun
Loopy Lisa


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Ribaviren and the sun
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Thanks everyone, I already have sensitive eyes in bright sun light, so I will take heed with that..

Well I wasn't to happy to take the shot in the morning to be honest, but ok, I'll manage.

I will find out soon enough how it feels.....The sooner I start, the sooner it finishes. Thanks for the advice ladies not forgetting Scruffy, it is always good to know these things! :D x



-- Edited by Loopy Lisa on Thursday 27th of March 2014 10:21:23 PM



-- Edited by Loopy Lisa on Thursday 27th of March 2014 10:29:16 PM

__________________

Genotype: 3b

VL.�over 15, 000 000

Failed TX 2014: Interferon/Riba.

Cured using Sof/Dak combination.

I can eat cake again! <3 
Gracie


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Now that I'm on the RIBA and inteferon, I feel a lot better. I've never stayed awake through the inteferon side effects as I've always done them at night. Might be a good idea to have Tylenol handy (even take a couple after your shot) and an anti nausea pill just in case you need them.

It's not too bad, I've had worst hangovers...lol.... And it only lasts a day or two, and the worst is the fatigue. Some weeks I actually hardly felt anything but a bit of tiredness.

So get your favourite pjs ready... Have a fridge full of cold water, line up some of your favourite movies or tv shows, and plan on resting for a day or so.


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  1. Gracie

1A. Previously treated non responder Rebetron in 2000 And Incevik in 2014 with a breakthrough at week 12. Fibroscan 15.5. VL 6,000,000. Finished 24 weeks harvoni on Dec. 19, 2015. SVR. Latest Fibroscan 8.8.
Cinnamon Girl


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Loopy Lisa wrote:

Hi Jill,

First shot is tomorrow at 11 a.m with the assistance of a nurse, so it should be smooth, I did try for a much later time but it wasn't possible. Hopefully I can inch the time up over the weeks?

Thanks for the advice, I already bought sun factor 50 and would be really depressed if I couldn't go out until twilight lol. I have no intention of going sunbathing, besides that wouldn't want to scare the locals ;)

Hi Gracie, joining you tomorrow, hopefully there are not many more us old school to go, would be nice...:)

Anyway, spring cleaned the house this week and bought flowers and cakes because a nurse is coming, my husband thinks I'm crazy! ;P

 

 

Tig has a good point about protecting your eyes as well as your skin, Lisa, and many people find that their eyesight becomes a lot more light sensitive while on treatment with interferon.  I did my treatment over the winter months so it wasn`t an issue for me, but it`s best to be aware of the risks and be prepared with the brighter months approaching. 

Best of luck tomorrow, I`m sure you have a good idea of what to expect after reading about other peoples` experiences, and having the nurse there to help will make it a lot easier.  I can`t see any problem with gradually pushing the time of your shot forward, it`s best to find a time that suits your routine and most people prefer to do it in the evening so they can sleep through the initial side effects. 

How nice that you bought flowers and cakes ready for the nurse`s visit, and it makes good sense to clean the house before you start treatment.  So, tomorrow you can relax with a nice clean house, lovely flowers and maybe treat yourself to a cake as well!

Best of luck, let us know how it goes!  smile

 

 

 



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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.

 

 
Tig


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I agree that you have to avoid direct sun, similar to what you'd expose yourself to for a sun tan for extended periods. If you're going to be out in it, then I would recommend using at least an SPF 15 and limit your exposure to no more than say 30 minutes, but stay covered too.  Any longer and the sun sensitive will start to absorb enough UV A/B rays to affect the skin. Like Jill mentioned, we NEED sunshine for Vitamin D, calcium absorption and it can cause additional mood disorders for some that don't. Those of you from the frosty north understand what I mean. It just does the body good to get some sunshine in your life! I also live in Florida and my treatment lasted through the entire summer and fall. That's our most sun intense time of the year and I was out in the sun at will, but did it with the knowledge that care needed to be taken to avoid overexposure. Regardless of my care, I still burned a few times. I thought I had taken the appropriate cautions, but apparently there are times that the sun sensitivity was more than I had expected. I think common sense precautions and SPF lotions are more than adequate to live comfortably in the sun during treatment. I'm not sure how careful those on Olysio have to be, I haven't heard enough real world responses on it yet. I would think that the same precautions should be adequate. BUT, I want to emphasize something and it's IMPORTANT, so please listen....... The most important thing you have to protect and this is every time you go out in the bright sun, especially while you're on these meds, and that is to wear proper UV eye protection!!! Crappy old colored lens sun glasses do more damage to your eyes than you even imagine. These meds, especially Interferon can adversely affect the eyes and the optic nerve. If your skin is sensitive and you put SPF lotion on it, you have to do something equally important for your eyes. Be very careful with your eyes during treatment and spend a few extra dollars or pounds on a quality pair of sun glasses. Your eyes will thank you for it!!

Tig



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Tig

68yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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Scruffy


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Hi Loopy

The sun and the heat from the sun In my case seemed to make the riba react. Thats how I got my first rash from it. It looked like the hives. Started around my wast band and then the heat spread it. (i'm in Florida and started treatment in the summer) Lasted about two weeks. After that It comes and goes on my lower legs like little red dots. If you get the rash. Don't stay in the sun for a long time. Don't scratch.. don't scratch (repeated for effect). It will only make it worse.

best wished for you.



__________________

Geno 1a null responder 2004 inter/riba   finished incivek,peg/riba 48 weeks May 17th 2014. undetect weeks 4-12-32.  EOT+7 undetect. EOT+24 SVR!!!!! EOT+!YEAR SVR!!!!
Loopy Lisa


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Hi Jill,

First shot is tomorrow at 11 a.m with the assistance of a nurse, so it should be smooth, I did try for a much later time but it wasn't possible. Hopefully I can inch the time up over the weeks?

Thanks for the advice, I already bought sun factor 50 and would be really depressed if I couldn't go out until twilight lol. I have no intention of going sunbathing, besides that wouldn't want to scare the locals ;)

Hi Gracie, joining you tomorrow, hopefully there are not many more us old school to go, would be nice...:)

Anyway, spring cleaned the house this week and bought flowers and cakes because a nurse is coming, my husband thinks I'm crazy! ;P

 

 



__________________

Genotype: 3b

VL.�over 15, 000 000

Failed TX 2014: Interferon/Riba.

Cured using Sof/Dak combination.

I can eat cake again! <3 
Cinnamon Girl


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Hi Lisa, good to hear you`ve got your meds, all ready to get started now!

Yes, it is ridiculous, you need to have some daylight definitely, and you have to go outside, but it`s bright sunshine you need to avoid when on treatment with rivavirin.  It`s another of those side effects that affect people differently and some people don`t find they have any problem, but be aware that strong sunlight can cause an itchy rash.  In the Netherlands you won`t be getting full sunshine at this time of year and I doubt if you`ll be going outside in summer clothing for a while, but do be careful and use sunblock and cover up if the sun is bright.  

I expect the pharmacist is being a bit overcautious, but just be careful and I`m sure you`ll be fine. 

When do you do your first shot, tomorrow?  Best of luck!



__________________

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.

 

 
Gracie


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I AGREE! If you look at my current avatar, this photo was taken this morning as we suffered through yet another snowstorm. Once spring comes, I am going to want to go outside! Get some sun - enjoy the weather. What can we do?

__________________
  1. Gracie

1A. Previously treated non responder Rebetron in 2000 And Incevik in 2014 with a breakthrough at week 12. Fibroscan 15.5. VL 6,000,000. Finished 24 weeks harvoni on Dec. 19, 2015. SVR. Latest Fibroscan 8.8.
Loopy Lisa


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I picked up my meds today as the chemist called, and notified the nurse she doesn't have to collect them and can come straight to my house.

The pharmacist told me I am to avoid the sun totally. Is this correct? What about going for a walk or shopping? I can't avoid the sun totally that is ridiculus...

Any advice?

 



__________________

Genotype: 3b

VL.�over 15, 000 000

Failed TX 2014: Interferon/Riba.

Cured using Sof/Dak combination.

I can eat cake again! <3 
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