Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
320078 tn?1278344720

Can treatment cause nueropathy years later?

Hello, I haven't been on this forum in years....   I wonder if any of my old friends are still here?   Anyway my question is had anyone been diagnosed with peril neuropathy years after treatment?
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1815939 tn?1377991799
Have you been tested for Autoimmune Diseases?

Some Autoimmune Diseases cause Peripheral Neuropathy. Anyone presenting with Peripheral Neuropathy should be tested for Autoimmune Diseases.
Helpful - 0
320078 tn?1278344720
Well had all the nuero testing done, and they can not find the underlying cause of the neuropathy nor do they say its related to INF related.   I am at loss....
Helpful - 0
747988 tn?1396536878
I developed neuropathy during tx with interferon and it remains 8 years post tx.I was led to believe it was interferon related by both my GP and liver consultant.
Helpful - 0
148588 tn?1465778809
My neurologist said that since the onset of my PN was several years post-tx, it was not IFN-related.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had very mild numbness and tingling of the toes and fingertips ans some 'burning' sensation in the same area after 3 or 4 weeks on Sol/Riba.  I had never had that before, BUT still did not associate it with the meds.  It eased off later and I experienced it again the last couple of weeks of tx and a short time after.  Then it went away.  So, looking back at it, after the fact, and reading your post, I am willing to say there MIGHT be some association, BUT there just as well might not be -- as I am making that connection, now, several weeks post tx.

Having said that, I must agree with what others have said:  There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, so it might be something else.  The only thing I can suggest, is that, IF you still have them symptoms 6 - 8 weeks AFTER completion of treatment, definitely talk to a neuropathist.

Since you may have treated in the past, you might want to follow up on that, with a neuro.

Good luck.
Helpful - 0
1815939 tn?1377991799
It is possible that the neuropathy is related to Interferon use, but it is also very possible that there is another medical problem causing the neuropathy. If I were you I would consult a neurologist for a thorough exam and testing to see if he/she can determine the type of neuropathy you have and the cause. I will relay my story as an example.

I had some burning and tingling in my toes and balls of feet starting a few years before I ever treated with interferon. I noticed it at night. After I was diagnosed with Hep C I thought the neuropathy was probably due to the Hep C.

When I treated with Inf., Riba, and Incivek for 48 weeks 2011-2012, my neuropathy was quite severe during treatment. After finishing treatment it subsided  back to the level it was before Tx.

Then about 9 months later, I developed a lot of edema in my lower legs and feet. The burning and tingling increased and spread to my entire feet and brought along with it several other bizarre symptoms.

In July 2013, I was diagnosed with Sjogren's Disease which, in retrospect, I have had for decades (so not caused by Interferon).

In January 2014 I saw a neurologist(who specializes in neuropathy of Autoimmune Diseases)  and he diagnosed me with sensory polyneuropathy ganglionopathy. He feels it is due to Sjogrens Disease.

There are many diseases that can cause peripheral neuropathy ..... Hep C, Autoimmune Diseases, Diabetes, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, exposure to toxins, alcoholism, bone marrow diseases, and many, many more. Therefore, if I were you, I would see a neurologist and get a thorough exam and get thorough testing. Don;'t let them brush you off. If the first on does not examine and test you thoroughly, fins one who will. I find that the specialists at university affiliated medical centers are the most thorough and most competent.

Best of luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I cannot answer your peripheral neuropathy question because I've not been diagnosed primarily but I can relate to being affected.  I never had any sensory nerve problems with my feet and wrists until the first treatment attempt with SOC meds in 2006. Early in that 48 week course I developed numbness, tingling and burning that I believed was caused or exacerbated by peg-interferon.  Went to a neuro for testing during treatment but he ignored the possible interferon connection and felt I had arthritis in the neck.

The symptoms continued but to a lesser extent after treatment.  Retreated again for 48 weeks in 2011 with SOC + Victrelis and sx increased a lot throughout the course.  I haven't been tested further but that was another 48 weeks of peg-interferon.  

Symptoms appear to be waning now or they've just become the new normal.  Just completed 24 weeks of all oral Sovaldi/Olysio and Ribavirin and did not experience any increase in neuropathy. Did not use interferon this time.

This didn't answer your question but will bump it to the top again.  You remember how slow the weekends are.  Occasionally you'll see some of the old timers chime in here and it's a treat seeing their names but this site has grown larger and changed much.

Take care,
marty
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C: Post Treatment Issues Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
7469840 tn?1409845836
San Diego, CA
475555 tn?1469304339
Woodhaven, NY
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.