I had to have help w med too! While on Invicek I slept So much my husband would wake me up long enough to down almond mile w olive oil 20grams of fat And I would fall back to sleep. We are here to answer any questions
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 8, 2013
Thank you Mary Jane. I will heed your words and stay in the forum. Regards,
Wanda
Mary Jane said
Jan 7, 2013
Wanda aka Mee Mee...
Flu like stuff symptoms are the basics for the interferon as others have mentioned.. Riba, sore throat & sinus, some get the cough. Dosage depends on your doc and pharmacy I had the 600 mg & 400 mg 2 X a day time released so I made sure the second one was taken by about 6:30 p.m. since the Ribivirin tends to keep you awake, but after week 8 the anemia hit bad and I had to have a blood transfusion, as I mentioned before they reduced my Riba dose. Not to scare you, just keep you informed, as this site helped me understand this part of the treatment as well.
When you start the Incevick stay connected to the forum.. as Ken stated that drug kicked my bootie too.. I was a walking zombie, brain fog, and no energy eating became a force to be reckoned with.. You will get very creative with the 20-grams of fat intake.. as your taste buds change..this is another sx effect to deal with.. and with me the first 2 weeks in on the " purple pills" let's just say I had a fan blowing on me, casue it felt like a permanent " hot flash".. Be prepared, stay focused, and know it is do-able ..for most of us. it's as much physical journey as it is mental one......you got this.. wishing you the best on your first dart aka shot.. I am week #17 of 24.. may you hit SVR at 4 weeks and keep on rollin... MJ
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
I am so happy for you. I have a wonderful husband that I hope and pray doesn't feel like this is more than he bargained for. Thank you and please let us know how soon you start feeling better.
Regards,
Wanda
packerfan24 said
Jan 7, 2013
I am going to be honest with you as everyone on this board is. Everyone has different side effects. The incevil kick my butt. All I wanted to do is sleep. Eating 20g of fat before takig the pill was a pain in the butt. I lost 11 pounds during tx. Needed to lol. I found it hard walking from one room to the next. Could not stand for long peroids of time. I would have my morning meal all set the night before. My wife was a blessing during all this what a BIG help she was. I HOPE YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO HELP YOU. I am now on my last shot of my last week. I see the light. At first they told me 48 weeks,but I was responding well to tx the cut it down to 36 weeks. Now they said 24 weeks so here I am in week 24. Good luck with your tx
Ken
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
I love you already!
JoAnneh said
Jan 7, 2013
Wanda, I had tremors with interferon 11 years ago And sick as a dog for about 5 straight hours with my 1st injection. It was awful. NOT this time. U will Be so relieved how much easier it is.
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
Thank you so much Brad. By the way you said "was" , can I assume you are done with treatment? I am glad
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
Hi JoAnne,
They want me to take the first injection this afternoon. I am thinking sometime around 2ish.
I know when I did the old interferon 17 yrs ago, it was about 7 hours before the Mac trucks starting rolling over me. I had a horrendous reaction with high fever, throwing up, massive headache, diahhrea, and mild seizures. I was by myself that time and was terrified of the effects that lasted 2 days. I have been told that the new PegInteferon is somewhat better. I am trusting in that! I am also hoping that yours, and all of my new forum friends, never had to go thru those side effects.
You will never know how comforting it is to know that there are those that understand the trepidation and fears.
Regards,
Wanda
JoAnneh said
Jan 7, 2013
Wanda, how do you feel today after talk g your 1st shot? We are all in the same boat and thus forum Gives so much comfort and advice!!
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
Mary Jane,
Thank you for all the great suggestions and I will definitely take your advice! I take my first injection in 6 hours and start the Riboviren tomorrow morning. By the way, I am lactose intolerant so were your probiotics in pill form since the yogurt didn't work?
Also, what week of treatment are you in?
Thanks for your help.
Wanda
Mary Jane said
Jan 7, 2013
Hello Mee Mee..
Good luck ..BEST advice stay connected to this forum.. many of us have worn and still wearing those shoes.. The Incivek is different for all but there are some general common side effects.. For me Nauesa 24/7 .. so first week in I called the doc office.. since you have to eat the 20grams of fat, I had to use phenergan suppositories and then later switched to Zofran rapid melts.. My sinus dried out so bad , I got some of that Simply Saline spray and still use it.. You will drink beause the medication makes ya thirsty.. I did find the Biotene mouth wash is a lifesaver for overnight cotton mouth. I still have to use eye drops, and I have completed the 12 week run on the purple pills.. For the backside others can offer suggestions but the best thing and it was recommended by my doc was probiotics , yogurt didn't do the trick for me.. Baby wipes come in handy, and a good comfy bed.. I have not been able to work.. I took a hit with the anemia but that is due from the Ribavirin so they lowered my dosage.. The pro-click pen is nice. Oh, and I was blessed I did not have the " RASH" but very dry skin use a good quality lotion apply apply apply.. all the best to you peace and love MJ
krowdog said
Jan 7, 2013
Hi MeeMee, Welcome.
I *was* Geno 1a also, and did the Incivek Tx. I like to put it this way... It was very uncomfortable, but doable.
You read about all the side effect at once, and it looks horrid. But really, you just deal with the sides one by one as they come up. Stay in touch with your doc, and the members here, and you'll get plenty of great tips on making things easier.
For me, the worst was the anemia, but then again, I worked the whole time (And a busy job it is that I do!). Everybody is different, of course, but we all manage ;)
Oh, I DID miss one day of work, the day after my FIRST Pegasys shot. It was just like having the flu, but it passed quickly.
Well, good luck to you,
Brad
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
See, I needed that perspective! . Thanks again Mark.
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
I can't see if you are still in treatment or if you are done. Would you mind sharing?
marktrux said
Jan 7, 2013
Taking some leave from work is never a bad idea when starting treatment, the unknown can be very scary. the SX vary greatly from person to person but rash is one of the most common. For some people it is intolerable for others it not so bad. Probably the most important thing is to stay well hydrated and stay on top of the sides and it should be doable. Personally i think the 3-a-week interferon was worse than the pegasys, since it's time released there seems to be less intense ups and down and the human body adjusts pretty well to the "new normal". As for the 2 reported deaths in the U.S related to Incivek, just remember, last year in the U.S. 13 people were killed by snack vending machines. And no one lives in fear of vending machines. Sometimes it"s really all about perspective.
JoAnneh said
Jan 7, 2013
Yes I had trouble w rash but it was doable. There are med that help. Do a search on rash And read about it. Take 2 Tylenol and Benadryl w shot if your Doc approves. The once a week shot Is SO much easier than 3 shots a week. There have been times where I can't tell I took a shot! Trust me its easier!
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
THANK you Mark. (Dumb auto spell!)
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
Thai you for your words and understanding Mark.
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
Forgot to say I am Genotype 1a.
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
JoAnne, you are so sweet. I am 57 and scheduled to start tomorrow. I took leave from working while I see how well I do this time as I had extreme side effects from just the interferon last time (18 years ago). I am very concerned with the FDA report for the Incevek that reports deaths of patients that got the severe rash. Did you experience any rash?
JoAnneh said
Jan 7, 2013
Meemaw, I started all three medicines in same day.
JoAnneh said
Jan 7, 2013
Meemee, What genotype are you? Yes I took Invicek for 12 weeks along W Interferon and RIBA! When do u start? Do u work? How old are you? U can do this, I Remember the panic.
JIme said
Jan 7, 2013
I took it for 8 weeks and tolerated it pretty well. Everybody reacts differently.
If you use the search feature and enter Incivek you will find lots of info. Als, try triple tx, telaprevir, and side effects from triple tx.
You do fine. Many have gone before you...lol. Good luck.
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Have you taken Telaprevir? I am anxious about that one the most after reading the 12/19/12 FDA report on it.
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 7, 2013
Thank you so much for your reply. I am doing a 4 week lead in with PegInteferon and Riboviren, then adding Incevek(telaprevir) for 12 weeks, then just the PegInteferon and Riboviren for the remaining 32 weeks.
JoAnneh said
Jan 7, 2013
If u went thru the 3 shots a week u can do this! The once a week Is much better. Hopefully u will be able to finish in 24 weeks. We are here for u
marktrux said
Jan 7, 2013
So, which combo are you gonna do? They both can be very daunting but they also can have very high rewards. There a lots of member who have either done or are doing each, so ask lots of questions, someone will always be there with an answer. Good luck and drinks lots of water.LOL
MeeMee2637 said
Jan 6, 2013
I just found this forum and look forward to sharing with those who truly understand. Was diagnosed in 1995, underwent 5 1/2 months of the old, 3 injection per week interferon plan. Was considered non responder and treatment stopped. The new triple therapy sounds so scary that I am petrified. My admiration for those that have made it thru.
So much my husband would wake me up long enough to down almond mile w olive oil 20grams of fat
And I would fall back to sleep.
We are here to answer any questions
Wanda aka Mee Mee...
Flu like stuff symptoms are the basics for the interferon as others have mentioned.. Riba, sore throat & sinus, some get the cough. Dosage depends on your doc and pharmacy I had the 600 mg & 400 mg 2 X a day time released so I made sure the second one was taken by about 6:30 p.m. since the Ribivirin tends to keep you awake, but after week 8 the anemia hit bad and I had to have a blood transfusion, as I mentioned before they reduced my Riba dose. Not to scare you, just keep you informed, as this site helped me understand this part of the treatment as well.
When you start the Incevick stay connected to the forum.. as Ken stated that drug kicked my bootie too.. I was a walking zombie, brain fog, and no energy eating became a force to be reckoned with.. You will get very creative with the 20-grams of fat intake.. as your taste buds change..this is another sx effect to deal with.. and with me the first 2 weeks in on the " purple pills" let's just say I had a fan blowing on me, casue it felt like a permanent " hot flash".. Be prepared, stay focused, and know it is do-able ..for most of us. it's as much physical journey as it is mental one......you got this.. wishing you the best on your first dart aka shot.. I am week #17 of 24.. may you hit SVR at 4 weeks and keep on rollin... MJ
I am going to be honest with you as everyone on this board is. Everyone has different side effects. The incevil kick my butt. All I wanted to do is sleep. Eating 20g of fat before takig the pill was a pain in the butt. I lost 11 pounds during tx. Needed to lol. I found it hard walking from one room to the next. Could not stand for long peroids of time. I would have my morning meal all set the night before. My wife was a blessing during all this what a BIG help she was. I HOPE YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO HELP YOU. I am now on my last shot of my last week. I see the light. At first they told me 48 weeks,but I was responding well to tx the cut it down to 36 weeks. Now they said 24 weeks so here I am in week 24. Good luck with your tx
Ken
I had tremors with interferon 11 years ago
And sick as a dog for about 5 straight hours
with my 1st injection.
It was awful. NOT this time. U will
Be so relieved how much easier it is.
We are all in the same boat and thus forum
Gives so much comfort and advice!!
Hello Mee Mee..
Good luck ..BEST advice stay connected to this forum.. many of us have worn and still wearing those shoes.. The Incivek is different for all but there are some general common side effects.. For me Nauesa 24/7 .. so first week in I called the doc office.. since you have to eat the 20grams of fat, I had to use phenergan suppositories and then later switched to Zofran rapid melts.. My sinus dried out so bad , I got some of that Simply Saline spray and still use it.. You will drink beause the medication makes ya thirsty.. I did find the Biotene mouth wash is a lifesaver for overnight cotton mouth. I still have to use eye drops, and I have completed the 12 week run on the purple pills.. For the backside others can offer suggestions but the best thing and it was recommended by my doc was probiotics , yogurt didn't do the trick for me.. Baby wipes come in handy, and a good comfy bed.. I have not been able to work.. I took a hit with the anemia but that is due from the Ribavirin so they lowered my dosage.. The pro-click pen is nice. Oh, and I was blessed I did not have the " RASH" but very dry skin use a good quality lotion apply apply apply.. all the best to you peace and love MJ
Hi MeeMee, Welcome.
I *was* Geno 1a also, and did the Incivek Tx. I like to put it this way... It was very uncomfortable, but doable.
You read about all the side effect at once, and it looks horrid. But really, you just deal with the sides one by one as they come up. Stay in touch with your doc, and the members here, and you'll get plenty of great tips on making things easier.
For me, the worst was the anemia, but then again, I worked the whole time (And a busy job it is that I do!). Everybody is different, of course, but we all manage ;)
Oh, I DID miss one day of work, the day after my FIRST Pegasys shot. It was just like having the flu, but it passed quickly.
Well, good luck to you,
Brad
Taking some leave from work is never a bad idea when starting treatment, the unknown can be very scary. the SX vary greatly from person to person but rash is one of the most common. For some people it is intolerable for others it not so bad. Probably the most important thing is to stay well hydrated and stay on top of the sides and it should be doable. Personally i think the 3-a-week interferon was worse than the pegasys, since it's time released there seems to be less intense ups and down and the human body adjusts pretty well to the "new normal". As for the 2 reported deaths in the U.S related to Incivek, just remember, last year in the U.S. 13 people were killed by snack vending machines. And no one lives in fear of vending machines. Sometimes it"s really all about perspective.
There are med that help. Do a search on rash
And read about it.
Take 2 Tylenol and Benadryl w shot if your
Doc approves. The once a week shot
Is SO much easier than 3 shots a week.
There have been times where I can't tell
I took a shot! Trust me its easier!
What genotype are you?
Yes I took Invicek for 12 weeks along
W Interferon and RIBA!
When do u start?
Do u work? How old are you?
U can do this, I
Remember the panic.
I took it for 8 weeks and tolerated it pretty well. Everybody reacts differently.
If you use the search feature and enter Incivek you will find lots of info. Als, try triple tx, telaprevir, and side effects from triple tx.
You do fine. Many have gone before you...lol. Good luck.
Is much better. Hopefully u will be able to finish in 24 weeks.
We are here for u
So, which combo are you gonna do? They both can be very daunting but they also can have very high rewards. There a lots of member who have either done or are doing each, so ask lots of questions, someone will always be there with an answer. Good luck and drinks lots of water.LOL