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Post Info TOPIC: Rash
Scruffy


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RE: Rash
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Hiya PW

My rash from the riba came and went and came and went all through my treatment. Try what Tig said if you have to. DON"T SCRATCH it just makes it worse. Now that I'm almost EOT+3 months its gone and hasn't come back. Hang in there.



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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!!!!
patiently_waiting


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I'll try that....thanks Tig!



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42 yrs old: geno 1b, 23mil VL, ALT/AST 269/94 as of Apr '14.  Got HCV when I was 16.  Relapsed from Peg/Riba twice, last time in '08.  Completed Sol/Oly on 9/2/14, UND as of 10/7/14
Tig


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I recommend you trying the cold compresses. Often times the rash will release histamines into the area and it will cause it to itch like mad. Cooling it down is often a way to get some instant relief. Give it a try! You might also try an antihistamine like Zyrtec for any itching, it helped me a lot! Good luck!

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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patiently_waiting


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Thanks Tig - I didn't think about the riba still being in my system. I guess that's it.  I still wonder why I never got rashes from my prior 2 treatments with riba though unless it's just exacerbated by these new meds or something.  I've been using the OTC hydrocortizone cream but not nearly as often as I should. I'll start putting it on more often.  I haven't been in the sun or any heat.  I've been working from my home office with shorts on.  Hopefully the cream will help.   Thanks.



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42 yrs old: geno 1b, 23mil VL, ALT/AST 269/94 as of Apr '14.  Got HCV when I was 16.  Relapsed from Peg/Riba twice, last time in '08.  Completed Sol/Oly on 9/2/14, UND as of 10/7/14
Tig


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Hey PW,

Welcome to the happy world of Ribavirin! The exact same thing happened to me, weeks after stopping all medications. Remember it can (and does) take up to 6 months to clear the Riba from your body. It's a fact, so you're likely just experiencing a bit of residual side effects from it. I used an OTC hydrocortisone cream and it went away fairly quickly. Good luck!

Tig

PS: I just realized you're still on treatment, I thought you had finished, my mistake. The Riba will do this on and off throughout Tx, and your doctors should be prepared to handle these outbreaks without stopping entirely. I used the same hydrocortisone cream throughout Tx and it kept it to a minimum. It's important to limit all exposure to the sun and heat. Heat will promote the spread, so try ice packs and cool compresses. Avoid scratching and wear light clothes to avoid rubbing and chafing from them.





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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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patiently_waiting


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Well, my rash is back in the same exact spot even though I'm not taking riba any more. I'm very confused by this. Doc told me to stop taking riba, the rash went away almost completely, but now it's coming back and I'm still not taking riba??? Now I'm worried - I really hope this doesn't become such a problem that he starts considering taking me off one of the two I'm still on.

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42 yrs old: geno 1b, 23mil VL, ALT/AST 269/94 as of Apr '14.  Got HCV when I was 16.  Relapsed from Peg/Riba twice, last time in '08.  Completed Sol/Oly on 9/2/14, UND as of 10/7/14
Isiscat2011


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roulette wrote:

looking for real answers, just started riba and sovaldi today, what can i expect and are others able to continue working full time?

 

Hi Roulette:

There is just no way to predict how an individual will do.  Most have some side effects but the degree can vary so much depending on the person.  Some are able to work full time on this combo but others are not.  The type of work you do may factor into this also. 

The drug labeling will tell you the most common side effects.  Nausea, rash, headaches, insomnia, and anemia are some of the more common ones. 

Sorry, nobody can answer with certainty what will happen.  I know the uncertainty can be frightening but hang in there.  



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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.
Huey


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roulette wrote:

looking for real answers, just started riba and sovaldi today, what can i expect and are others able to continue working full time?



-- Edited by roulette on Saturday 26th of July 2014 11:10:23 PM

 need to know more, like your genotype, before we can answer you, I am on Sovaldi and Ribavirin on week 23 of 24, The week I am on and one more.  So I am just on the other side of the treatment you are on if you are a geno 3

Notice my Sig,  it states I am working full time, and on FMLA,, In the usa, you can apply for intermediate leave for this sort of thing, The few days I was unable to work was due to seeing doctors, and you will have a lot of that to do. Those days take the whole day off, rest.  That is how I got through it.



-- Edited by Huey on Sunday 27th of July 2014 12:33:21 PM

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  HCV Genotype 3a , now Psot-Tx was on S/riba. First VL was 5.8 mil on 7-5-13 then "und" at 3.8 weeks. 06/13/14 still und. off meds 3 days back on 7/29 Last pill 08/10/14 SVR+4

 
roulette


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looking for real answers, just started riba and sovaldi today, what can i expect and are others able to continue working full time?



-- Edited by roulette on Saturday 26th of July 2014 11:10:23 PM

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sherri
patiently_waiting


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Good points on the rashes, Isiscat. I would also like to point out that I took Riba twice before with interferon and never had rashes. This time with this regimen I did and since stopping the riba they are almost gone. I guess either my body has changed or the riba rash is more common if taken with Olysio (there are other possibilities as well but these seem the most likely). My doctor said he felt comfortable this wouldn't add much risk to the outcome (it's debatable whether riba is even needed to start with as I understand it). I made it clear it wasn't bothering me much but he still said to stop taking it. I'm sure it's out of concern it will get worse, and I think it was getting worse.

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42 yrs old: geno 1b, 23mil VL, ALT/AST 269/94 as of Apr '14.  Got HCV when I was 16.  Relapsed from Peg/Riba twice, last time in '08.  Completed Sol/Oly on 9/2/14, UND as of 10/7/14
Huey


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thepoet wrote:

That looks like the rash that I was getting on my arm and neck. I like others are sensitive to the sun. When I am in it too long, I can feel my skin starting to sting. I am constantly going from one side of the street to the other, chasing the shade LOL. My doctor did give me a prescription for a big tub of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment USP, 0.1%. It worked well for me. I put it on the rash and it was gone in a couple of days.

 corticosteroids work but they are relay harsh on your liver,  I recommend  Aloe Vera



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  HCV Genotype 3a , now Psot-Tx was on S/riba. First VL was 5.8 mil on 7-5-13 then "und" at 3.8 weeks. 06/13/14 still und. off meds 3 days back on 7/29 Last pill 08/10/14 SVR+4

 
Isiscat2011


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It is also interesting to note that Olysio is in the same class of drugs as Incivek (protease inhibitors).  The idea is that they improve with each new generation.  



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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.
Isiscat2011


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Scruffy wrote:

Wow how much things change in a year. On the old triple tx the full dose of riba was a major factor in treatment. Rash was a common side that just had to be dealt with. Most cases of riba reduction were due to anemia. Back then we would kick scream and cry take shots and transfusions not to have our doses reduced. Thank God for the new Meds!!!

For most people the rash was a common side effect that just had to be dealt with on the triple tx.  For the unlucky minority, however, it led to hospitalization and death. That is a major reason Incivek earned its FDA black box warning.   Incivek plus riba caused some very serious dermatological problems and who knows how much of it was the Incivek and how much was the riba.  It was probably a combination of the two (or three) drugs.

Rash, itching, and photosensitivity are all side effects of Olysio.  We simply don't have enough information to know how serious these rashes can be yet particularly when combined with riba.  Likewise, Sovaldi may cause or exacerbate skin conditions.  Rashes can also signal an allergic reaction as opposed to a common side effect.  Rashes that are severe or that last for more than a few days should be seen by a medical professional.  

P.S. Interferon can also induce underlying autoimmune skin diseases.  These are serious drugs folks.  The solution is not always as simple as toughing it out.  For some that is the worst thing they could do.

 



-- Edited by Isiscat2011 on Thursday 24th of July 2014 07:24:35 PM

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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.
Scruffy


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Wow how much things change in a year. On the old triple tx the full dose of riba was a major factor in treatment. Rash was a common side that just had to be dealt with. Most cases of riba reduction were due to anemia. Back then we would kick scream and cry take shots and transfusions not to have our doses reduced. Thank God for the new Meds!!!



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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!!!!
TazKat


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my doc took me off in the beginning for 6 days, then said it wasn't really the riba (it wasn't real bad) but i know it had something to do with it.. Hope u get to get back on (well really wish no body had to the nasty riba) but if doc may think u won't need it.. it is a crap shoot in my opinion. Mine put me back. now to just get it out.. Good luck!!! smile



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TazKat Genotype 1A null responder x 3 riba & iterferon twice, relapsed from Incivek 2012 with only 12 weeks left to do. stage 4 mild cirrhosis 4/25/2014/ started sovaldi riba & interferon.. finished treatment 7/17/14  results 7/25  cleared..

 

 
thepoet


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That looks like the rash that I was getting on my arm and neck. I like others are sensitive to the sun. When I am in it too long, I can feel my skin starting to sting. I am constantly going from one side of the street to the other, chasing the shade LOL. My doctor did give me a prescription for a big tub of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment USP, 0.1%. It worked well for me. I put it on the rash and it was gone in a couple of days.



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DJ...dx 2005...geno 4c...twice interferon/riba failure....completed 24 weeks Sovaldi & Riba on 10/18/14....SOT VL 600,000 after 16 days VL <43. Day 45 <43 again. Day 59...8 weeks UNDETECTED.

Happy and grateful to God for new life....
patiently_waiting


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Doc took me off the riba until further notice. I hope this doesn't hurt my chances too bad. I have to say though I'm feeling one hell of a lot better since dropping it. Rash is going away now and I was feeling like a zombie until yesterday. I don't know if he'll put me back on at a lower dose or not. I get another PCR in 2 weeks so I hope I'm UND finally at that point.

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42 yrs old: geno 1b, 23mil VL, ALT/AST 269/94 as of Apr '14.  Got HCV when I was 16.  Relapsed from Peg/Riba twice, last time in '08.  Completed Sol/Oly on 9/2/14, UND as of 10/7/14
Huey


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Riba rash,,, I am on another medication that affects how much i sweat,And so  my experience with riba rash is minimal.I use aloe Vera lotion  and I also stay out of the sun and take bubble baths, no soap , and I have never uses a wash cloth,I soak a long time,  This works for me, but the thing is , everybody here that has been around long enough finds a thing that works for them. they are all different, but still along the same guidelines.  1 stay out of the sun light, 2 cool baths 3 don't scratch.



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  HCV Genotype 3a , now Psot-Tx was on S/riba. First VL was 5.8 mil on 7-5-13 then "und" at 3.8 weeks. 06/13/14 still und. off meds 3 days back on 7/29 Last pill 08/10/14 SVR+4

 
patiently_waiting


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Thanks for all the advice. I did reach out to my doc and he said to skip the riba tonight and tomorrow morning and come in to see him tomorrow. He wants to do a CBC tomorrow too. I'm a little surprised at the urgency but the more I hear I guess I understand why. It really hasn't been bothering me much but I don't want it to be something that gets out of hand.

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42 yrs old: geno 1b, 23mil VL, ALT/AST 269/94 as of Apr '14.  Got HCV when I was 16.  Relapsed from Peg/Riba twice, last time in '08.  Completed Sol/Oly on 9/2/14, UND as of 10/7/14
sandypsych


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Don't ignore the rash.  Be sure that you talk with your health care provider and that THEY LOOK AT IT.  My husband had the rash on Incivek/rib/interferon that became a real scare, though it took nine weeks to get that bad, mostly because it was ignored.  Turned out that they believe now it was related to riba.  Many folks seem to get rashes, and can manage through to the end of treatment.  But don't just ignore it and think "just a side effect to tolerate'.  

 

Good luck!



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Hubby profile:  Genotype 1a.  Hep C since late 70's.  Cirrhosis.   Interon/Riba 2x.  Incivek/interf/riba:  Und at 8 weeks, but had to stop due to DRESS syndome.  Olysio/Sovaldi started 6/18/2014.  Cleared virus 11/05/2014
TazKat


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i tried anything everything & would have made up stuff..  lol i did cold showers for relief. i had every cream that pharmacy carried. now can't remember what may have worked. problay the ambien..  lol



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TazKat Genotype 1A null responder x 3 riba & iterferon twice, relapsed from Incivek 2012 with only 12 weeks left to do. stage 4 mild cirrhosis 4/25/2014/ started sovaldi riba & interferon.. finished treatment 7/17/14  results 7/25  cleared..

 

 
Scruffy


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Hiya PW

I was on the old 3 drug tx (incivek) riba/inter. I had the same rash in the same place from the ribivirin. DON"T SCRATCH!!!! I put gold bond on it and didn't scratch. It comes and goes. If you scratch it gets worse. If you can stay out of the sun and try not to get to sweaty. The rash from the Incivek was the one that could be real bad. 

Hope you have smooth sailing!



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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!!!!
beingsassy


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Speak with your doctor. Ribavirin can cause a rash. I was advised to shower in cold water and use unscented gentle soaps. I used baby body wash and shampoo during tx and still using it and didn't get a rash but you should have it checked out by your doctor.



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patiently_waiting


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I'm on sov/oly/riba and have developed a little rash on my right shin.  It's not really bothering me that bad but thought I should check it out.  I read about how some rashes can turn into something serious so thought I should check into it a little more.  Anyone else have this?

(see attached image)



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42 yrs old: geno 1b, 23mil VL, ALT/AST 269/94 as of Apr '14.  Got HCV when I was 16.  Relapsed from Peg/Riba twice, last time in '08.  Completed Sol/Oly on 9/2/14, UND as of 10/7/14
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