Hep C Discussion Forum

Hi Chloe and welcome from me as well. I also don't want to sound like a broken record but I too recommend being sure you stay adequately hydrated with 3-4 liters of good water daily. This can't be over emphasized. My experience with Ribavirin was uncommon but did include bad brain fog, irritability and depression which was made less debilitating by staying adequately hydrated. Here's proof:
 In July 2014 I started 24 week treatment with Sovaldi / Ribavirin. Then November 3rd, 15 weeks into Tx, I was in an accident that almost killed me and required several major surgery's to put me back together. During the recovery period my sodium level got so low that the doctors put me on a restricted fluid intake limit of 12 oz water daily in order to prevent heart failure. I remained on my full dose of Ribavirin throughout it all and suffered extremely bad depression, and my mental awareness and memory were extremely poor. Eventually my sodium level improved and I was taken off of the restricted fluid intake. This was well before I completed my Sov / Ribavirin Tx. During this time, when I had started back staying adequately hydrated, my 'brain fog' and depression improved considerably, even while continuing my full dose of meds. I was still affected but the hydration helped considerably.
 
 My case is abnormal but an excellent example of the pro's vs con's of adequate hydration in respect to Ribavirin Sx management. I also agree with Linuxter that diet is very important to help clean toxins out of our blood, which is a primary function of the liver. Since HCV renders the liver less effective at doing it's job, it needs all the help we can give it. Green leafy vegetables are good for toxin removal and if you are like me, and don't care too much for green veggies, then you may want to try some of the 'green smoothie' recipes listed in the the 'Green Smoothie' thread. I did and now I'm hooked on them and I'm feeling better every day.
 We are glad you found this forum. There is an abundance of knowledge about HCV and great support here. We hope you'll stick around and we wish you well during your treatment and with your Hep C free future.

Hi Chloe,

I'd like to welcome you to the forum too. Dave and Alison have given you some excellent advice. Your protocol is an excellent treatment opportunity to rid yourself of this disease. The side effects can be irritating at times, but they are manageable and we'll help you through anything you may experience. I will repeat what you already know, WATER, it is the magic elixir while taking these new medications. You body will dehydrate and you won't realize it. As long as you drink the 3-4 liters per day, in concert with balanced nutrition, you'll feel far better each day and avoid or minimize the headaches and fatigue. 

You can do this and before you know it, this will be part of the history books! Good luck!

Hi Chloe,

Welcome to the forum, we're glad you are here

I'm not at all familiar with Holkira Pak (dasabuvir + ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir

http://www.catie.ca/en/fact-sheets/hepatitis/holkira-pak

I wasn't aware that Ribavirin was used in combination with the above but obviously it is on occasion.

From what I can tell the side effects of Holkira Pak are similar to most HCV DAA meds.

Drinking LOTS of water (3-4 liters per day) should help with any side effects.

Proper nutrition can also help, so do your body good and eat as healthy as possible now.

Most of what you post sounds like the Ribavirin, it can definitely fog the brain, I just finished 12 Weeks of Sovaldi with Ribavirin.

You may want to talk to your specialist or regular doctor about the depression, I experienced some too but being vigilant and drinking LOTs of water regularly helped some and at one point I considered an antidepressant via my gp. I noticed that the depression ebbed and flowed, for me it would last a day but the next would usually be fine. The first month or so the body/ mind is trying to figure out what's up with the new meds in the system ... it takes a while then the side effects usually fade quite a bit.

For mood or rage, I listened to music a lot (headphones and various types of music seemed to help a lot).

When rage hits, just know that it's the meds working and channel that anger and guide it away ... you actually can gain some control over that over time, use it, learn from it how to control anger ... I feel that I actually have more control after treatment than before. Think positive, drink water, eat well, meditate in some form (music can help there), accept a higher power and use that acceptance to help channel the bad energy away.

I was pretty lucky with the rash but did get some, especially toward the end. Again (don't mean to sound like a broken record), water helps carry the toxins (yes, Riba is a toxin, albit a necessary one) away. Cool seems to help with the rash, I use cold packs from the freezer to cool, sooth a patch of rash on my arm and a cool shower or bath can help some. I put some oatmeal in a piece of cloth (tied at the top) and put that in a bath to help with itch, just Not a very hot bath. Avoid all but the mildest of soaps and shower a bit less than normal, give your body a break and be gentle to your skin, no lotions, creams, nothing but water and pat dry.

All of the above is fairly common and others will soon chime in to welcome you and lend a few hints on how to best cope with side effects and the come and go.

The Riba is a strange one, just know that when you do feel some of these things that it means the meds are working. Let that reassure you, they are doing their job to kill the Dragon.

Having just gone through 12 weeks of treatment, I can tell you that it's all very worth it, you will be cured and it great that you are doing it now, before the damage to liver is done.

Hang in there and keep us posted now how it goes, we're here to help in any way we can. Others will be along in the morning.

Wishing you Well,

Dave