Hep C Discussion Forum

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Chatbox
Please log in to join the chat!
Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Taking Supplements While on Treatment
Post Info TOPIC: Taking Supplements While on Treatment
Cinnamon Girl


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 5629
Date:
Taking Supplements While on Treatment
Permalink  
 

Hi SusiQ, thanks for bringing this subject up, you`ve made some very good points.

When people ask this question we usually advise them that a multi-vitamin without iron would probably be fine while on treatment but to check with their doctors about any supplements they`re taking.  We refer people to their doctors mainly because this isn`t a medical forum but also because sometimes there is a reason why a doctor will recommend a particular vitamin or supplement to his patient.

But it`s very true that our doctors won`t have any factual evidence about how various supplements will react with the medicines because the data just isn`t there, so personally I think the safest thing would be not to take any at all while on treatment, especially with the newly approved drugs, unless there`s a specific reason why your doctor advises it.  And of course, all herbal supplements are completely off the menu while on treatment!

 



__________________

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.

 

 
Groupergetter


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 796
Date:
Permalink  
 

Before starting tx my doc, the pharmacist, and I discussed this.  I was taking a multivitamin, b-complex, magnesium, and b-12.  They both said ok to continue on tx.  I've tried to refrain from taking any meds during tx but have occasionally taken a cirtirizene at bedtime(with doc's approval)  Even when I needed something for a headache I often didn't take it.  Others may think differently, but I just didn't want to risk it?    I'll start back taking my vitamins tomorrow.



-- Edited by Groupergetter on Monday 26th of May 2014 02:24:57 PM



-- Edited by Groupergetter on Monday 26th of May 2014 02:25:35 PM

__________________

1b  Int/Riba relapse @ 48 weeks.  Stop tx Peg Int/Riba 12 weeks ill. Relapse S/O 6/23/14 :(   Started Harvoni 11/12/14  EOT 4/28/15.  EOT+4 UND :)  SVR! 8/4/15  :)     Thankful for every morning.
mallani


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3398
Date:
Permalink  
 

Hi SuziQ,

I agree. I now take fish oil, but believe other supplements are a waste of money, unless there is a specific deficiency. It's a fad, but some people are convinced Supplement 'X' makes them feel better, so it's up to the individual. Remember that a healthy diet should provide all the vitamins and minerals the body requires. Any excess is just not used.

Until the new drugs are studied in greater detail, I would avoid all supplements while on Tx (even fish oil). Cheers.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
suziq


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 327
Date:
Permalink  
 

I have responded to several people on another thread about taking supplements while on treatment.  I have contacted a couple of people  (on other forums) that did trials with the new meds.  They, like me, were required to stop all supplements before treatment.  I had to stop supplements 30 days before trial and some others had to stop supplements three months before trials. I, also, was told not to eat apples, grapefruit, orange marmalade (oranges ok) pomegranates, or take any antacids. (Merck trial) Have no idea why about the fruit, but realize that antacids might conflict with absorption of the meds. I was told to take B-12 however.  I, also, was told to take one iron pill to help with ribavirin.  They kept a close watch on my tests for possible problems with the iron.  I did fine.  My Hgb only dropped to 11.1 during my 18 weeks of ribavirin.   

So there is probably NO data about how supplements might conflict or interact with the new meds.  Therefore your doctor does not know what might conflict with the new meds unless he calls the drug company--and since most did NOT ALLOW supplements during their trials, they really don't know either. 

It is my opinion that supplements should be stopped during treatment--just to be on the safe side.  Our goal is to reach SVR.  A few months without supplements is a small sacrifice to reach SVR. 

Of course, with the new FDA meds available, there may be some people who have taken or are taking supplements during their treatment and it has been ok. We will learn more and more as the new meds become more widely used.  After all, most of us in trials were pre-screened and hand picked to give the best possible results.  I felt very lucky to get a trial at my age with cirrhosis and diabetes.

Just thought I'd post it this way to get other viewpoints.

SuziQ      



-- Edited by suziq on Sunday 25th of May 2014 11:54:37 PM

__________________

Geno 1A  Age 82 Treatment naive Cirrhotic Told I had liver disease in 1966. Diagnosed as Hep C 1999.Started Merck clinical trial with Riba on 9/9/2013 Week 1 and 2 <25  Weeks 4, 8, 12,16,18 UND.  EOT Jan 14,2014  EOT +12 UND   JULY 1 2014 EOT+24= SVR
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Taking Supplements While on Treatment
Legal Disclaimer:

THIS FORUM, IT'S OWNERS, ADMINISTRATORS, MODERATORS AND MEMBERS DO NOT AT ANY TIME GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IN ALL CASES REFER ANYONE HERE TO SEEK APPROPRIATE MEDICAL ADVICE FROM THEIR DOCTOR.