Yep, the nights are much worse for itching. It even mentions that on some riba/pegasys side effect sites. I finished Incivek a month ago, and still itch at night from just the 2 drugs. Days are ok now, since I finished the Incivek though.
BTW, ceterizine (generic zyrtec) worked better for me than benadryl.
Hang in there!
Brad
wilsondog said
Feb 15, 2012
I got the okay from my pratitioner for Rous tox today but I'm not sure it's helping at all. Gonna keep trying though. He says my rash is not worthy of stopping Incivek so I am relieved about that.
Last night was hell... I couldn't believe the itching actually woke me up and i was on Benedryl! I do get relief with hydracotizone ointment though, not as much with the cream. It seems the evening and night are worse than the daytime, anyone else find that?
Something I find humorous is while I am going through this my French Bulldog Wilson is struggling with food allergies and itches like crazy too. i like to think he's just being sympathetic, but probably not! He's devoted, but maybe not quite that devoted!
Kellyw said
Feb 14, 2012
I hope the itchiness gets better. Btw Wilson is a cutie
-- Edited by Kellyw on Wednesday 15th of February 2012 01:51:54 PM
news said
Feb 14, 2012
Yeah, that's a lot of pills. I got a second box, just for the OTC stuff I want to remember to take.
Kellyw said
Feb 14, 2012
Yes, me too Vit D suggested by my MD even before we knew I had hep C. Now :-/ Vit D, multi Vit, calcium,zinc (keep away colds) iron. Sheesh. Never could keep to vitamins before this,now it is hard to cram them all into my pill box.
alohaKim said
Feb 14, 2012
Thanks for the info on Vit D. I'm going to my doc on Wed, will ask about this.
Shep said
Feb 14, 2012
My doctor let me stay on multi-vitamin, calcium and I take prescription VitD--only have to take one every 2 weeks. I am on week 3 of Victrelis (total of 7 weeks on tx). Been on the Vitamin D for a couple of years--ever since Celiac diagnosis. Every thing was very depleted--now my numbers are hanging in there. Next week go for week 8 test--the big one to see if tx is working. Of course won't get results for another week. Shep
news said
Feb 13, 2012
Me too. I started taking a 2000 IU Vitamin D3 "gel tab" when I started treatment. That and my 81mg aspirin was about all the doctor would allow me to continue. Everything else was cut off. Now that I am finished Incivek I plan to ask about a regular multivitamin, and maybe my glucosamine/chondroitin tablets. We 60-year old snowboarders need our joint medicine. And after snowboarding it is bicycle touring and white water canoeing (ah, the joys of raising a 14-yr old grandson), so the joints have to stay nimble.
Alan
krowdog said
Feb 13, 2012
In addition to the 2 SOC drugs, peg and Riba, many of us on Incivek noticed exposure to the sun exacerbated our rash and itching problems. With what Incivek already does to our skin, I made it a point to stay out of the sun.
I did, however, decide to supplement with Vitamin D3 when I saw it was associated with improved SVR rates. (Google "Vitamin d, SVR, Hep C" together)
Brad
(Geno 1a, Incivek triple TX, UND @ wks 4,8 & 12. Currently in week 17 of 24)
Tio said
Feb 13, 2012
Here is an article I found on Hepatitis Central http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2009/04/do_sunlight_and.html
"As one of the many amazing functions we are capable of, the human body can produce Vitamin D simply from its exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays. Since researchers have recognized that most people with chronic liver disease have a Vitamin D deficiency, it seems logical that those with chronic Hepatitis C seek opportunities where they can enjoy the sunshine. However, those undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C are at an increased risk of burning from the suns rays. Known as photosensitivity, one of the medications used in Hepatitis C combination therapy has been identified as having the potential to heighten sunburn vulnerability."
A nurse told me that the ribaviron is the drug that causes the skin to be sensitive to sunlight. She told me it is best try to stay out of direct sunlight if possible, or to wear a hat and clothing that would reduce direct exposure to sun. She also said sunscreen creams are helpful and ucerine cream for the face and body is good.
Kellyw said
Feb 13, 2012
Alan! I should have thought of aloe! I have various creams in various rooms. Never seem to get all of me
news said
Feb 13, 2012
I tried aloe, good quality perfume free skin lotion, etc. but I finally had to cave in on week 10 and begin benadryl. Then in week 12 I had to request help from the doctor, who prescribed a corticosteroid of some sort that really did the trick. Normally I am a minimalist when it comes to drugs, but after the past twelve weeks my scruples have disappeared. I needed some relief.
But your question deserves discussion and research. If we could find a good homeopathic solution for the skin irritation we could greatly improve the quality of life for our buddies.
And Kelly, your description of "my skin feels like an elephants" is spot on. Even in areas where I don't have a rash, the skin is severely dried and coarse, and sporadic itchiness just pops up at any time any where. These "minor issues" still get the aloe lotion treatment. Only the severe rashes get the coticosteroid.
Alan
Kellyw said
Feb 13, 2012
I am a big believer in homeopathy and I doubt you could have any side effects from it but it can't hurt to tell your doc first. My only issue with homeopathy is the sx are so specific... Itching with redness one remedy, itchiness with bumps another. I didn't look that up I just know sometimes there are specific combinations of sx for each remedy. It has worked for me and I saw itstop a cough with in seconds of taking.
I would love to know if you take it how it works for you. I haveno rash but my skin feels like an elephants.
wilsondog said
Feb 13, 2012
I itch so bad today! It was tolerable before this but today I must cave and take Benedryl. Tomorrow I will call to see if Rhus Tox is okay. Has anyone had any experience with homeopothy? We give my son Rhus Tox for poison ivy because he is highly allergic and it's the only thing that works for him. Seriously-- better than steroids! I'm just unsure about drug interaction so I feel I must run it by my practitioner first!
Yep, the nights are much worse for itching. It even mentions that on some riba/pegasys side effect sites. I finished Incivek a month ago, and still itch at night from just the 2 drugs. Days are ok now, since I finished the Incivek though.
BTW, ceterizine (generic zyrtec) worked better for me than benadryl.
Hang in there!
Brad
I got the okay from my pratitioner for Rous tox today but I'm not sure it's helping at all. Gonna keep trying though. He says my rash is not worthy of stopping Incivek so I am relieved about that.
Last night was hell... I couldn't believe the itching actually woke me up and i was on Benedryl! I do get relief with hydracotizone ointment though, not as much with the cream. It seems the evening and night are worse than the daytime, anyone else find that?
Something I find humorous is while I am going through this my French Bulldog Wilson is struggling with food allergies and itches like crazy too. i like to think he's just being sympathetic, but probably not! He's devoted, but maybe not quite that devoted!
-- Edited by Kellyw on Wednesday 15th of February 2012 01:51:54 PM
Yeah, that's a lot of pills. I got a second box, just for the OTC stuff I want to remember to take.
Shep
Me too. I started taking a 2000 IU Vitamin D3 "gel tab" when I started treatment. That and my 81mg aspirin was about all the doctor would allow me to continue. Everything else was cut off. Now that I am finished Incivek I plan to ask about a regular multivitamin, and maybe my glucosamine/chondroitin tablets. We 60-year old snowboarders need our joint medicine. And after snowboarding it is bicycle touring and white water canoeing (ah, the joys of raising a 14-yr old grandson), so the joints have to stay nimble.
Alan
In addition to the 2 SOC drugs, peg and Riba, many of us on Incivek noticed exposure to the sun exacerbated our rash and itching problems. With what Incivek already does to our skin, I made it a point to stay out of the sun.
I did, however, decide to supplement with Vitamin D3 when I saw it was associated with improved SVR rates. (Google "Vitamin d, SVR, Hep C" together)
Brad
(Geno 1a, Incivek triple TX, UND @ wks 4,8 & 12. Currently in week 17 of 24)
Here is an article I found on Hepatitis Central http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2009/04/do_sunlight_and.html
"As one of the many amazing functions we are capable of, the human body can produce Vitamin D simply from its exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays. Since researchers have recognized that most people with chronic liver disease have a Vitamin D deficiency, it seems logical that those with chronic Hepatitis C seek opportunities where they can enjoy the sunshine. However, those undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C are at an increased risk of burning from the suns rays. Known as photosensitivity, one of the medications used in Hepatitis C combination therapy has been identified as having the potential to heighten sunburn vulnerability."
A nurse told me that the ribaviron is the drug that causes the skin to be sensitive to sunlight. She told me it is best try to stay out of direct sunlight if possible, or to wear a hat and clothing that would reduce direct exposure to sun. She also said sunscreen creams are helpful and ucerine cream for the face and body is good.
I tried aloe, good quality perfume free skin lotion, etc. but I finally had to cave in on week 10 and begin benadryl. Then in week 12 I had to request help from the doctor, who prescribed a corticosteroid of some sort that really did the trick. Normally I am a minimalist when it comes to drugs, but after the past twelve weeks my scruples have disappeared. I needed some relief.
But your question deserves discussion and research. If we could find a good homeopathic solution for the skin irritation we could greatly improve the quality of life for our buddies.
And Kelly, your description of "my skin feels like an elephants" is spot on. Even in areas where I don't have a rash, the skin is severely dried and coarse, and sporadic itchiness just pops up at any time any where. These "minor issues" still get the aloe lotion treatment. Only the severe rashes get the coticosteroid.
Alan
I itch so bad today! It was tolerable before this but today I must cave and take Benedryl. Tomorrow I will call to see if Rhus Tox is okay. Has anyone had any experience with homeopothy? We give my son Rhus Tox for poison ivy because he is highly allergic and it's the only thing that works for him. Seriously-- better than steroids! I'm just unsure about drug interaction so I feel I must run it by my practitioner first!