EOT 3 wks Sov/rib

[Ekkiemom]

Is there anyone that has noticed constant itching on my head and ankles, wrists after stopping Sov/rib. I'm not sure if it's a withdrawal symptom or what.  Also lightheadedness and winded and I'm drinking lots of water..
Thanx
Deb

[Ekkiemom]

Thank you for putting my mind at ease!
Peace to all and lasting SVR
DEB

[AWorriedMom]

There is nothing worse than constant itching. I had it from a drug not related to hep C. Do not take any hot showers. The heat brings out the histamine in your body and makes the itch worse. This does sound like an allergic reaction to something. Benadryl is very liver safe.

[patra_]

Hey, Deb!  It is funny, but I noticed something very similiar!  The itchy scalp, particularly!  I had a great deal of body itching in the early stages of hepc an when my head started itching again 2 or 3 wks post tx, thought I was relapsing.  Remember when I said I was concerned?  Did not (at least, so far) experience itchy ankles.

Had a very light rash on my chest about week 4 or 5, but no itching there, and it appears to have cleared up.  I probably wouldn't have noticed it, except that I have been watching these dry, 'scaly' looking things, on my skin, which the dermatologist said happened to people of germanic ancestry (?), and my husband and I have been observing them closly, lately, because they seem to be clearing up!  We can't decide if that is from the meds (Sol/Riba, like you) or from the medicated body powder.

The Sarno or the like might help the skin, because I have noticed, the last 2 or 3 wks, that mostly the scalp itching now only occurs after Washing my hair- so it has improved.

[dontworry_behappy1]

The shortness of breath and the itching sounds like an allergic reaction.  You might want to take a Benadryl to see if it goes away.   If it doesn't I would contact your doctor and let them direct you.  Shortness of breath is always something you should have checked by a doctor.  

[Livelife777]

Hi Deb.  I also did the Riba/Sovaldi but only for 12 weeks so my experience post Tx is likely different somewhat then yours.  The lightheadedness and shortness of breath post Tx were definitely part of the aftermath, but itching
was not noted.  I do know many others had a horrible time with itching both pre and post with this regimen so I wouldn't be overly concerned.
You may want to touch base with your Hepa as they can call in some anti itching meds either topical or orally.
Expect the unexpected from here on out for a few more months.  We should perhaps think about wearing a HazMat suit while the toxins slowly leave our Hep C free bodies.
In the end just remember it was all worth the ongoing annoyances.
......Kim

[Ekkiemom]

Hi Jimmy....
Thank you for the kind words and the link to Mayo. Much appreciated!
Hoping it will shed some light on why I am itching so bad.  Truthfully it's driving me nuts to the point of tearing up my skin up.
Thanks for the idea of a dermatologist because this has been going on for a little over 3 wks.
I'm confident we will achieve lasting SVR and enjoy life without Hep
As always...
Peace to you
Deb

[JimmyMose]

Since you are 3 weeks EOT itching can be a likely symptom of your treatment drugs.  Itching can have other causes and it's possibly coincidental to tx. If you live a cold winter area indoors the air could be very dry.  Allergies, other disease or etc could be the cause.
If it last more than a couple weeks or becomes serious you should see your doctor and or dermatologist for diagnosis.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/basics/symptoms/con-20028460

Hope you resolve your itching but most important achieve SVR.

[Dee1956]

Hi there!  I did not treat with the same meds you did.  I wanted to say to please continue drinking water to help flush  your body.  I had some itching after finishing tx and thought that was the medication coming out through my pores.
Our skin will show signs of the medication leaving our body.
As Sandi said, use something moisturizing after you shower and throughout the day.
I would try using an anti itch lotion like Sarno or similar.  I would not take any cortisone drugs. You could get a prescription for itching if it really bothers you.
Take Care

[hepc4Sandi]

Hi Deb, I got a horrible rash after eot. I went to dermatology 2 weeks eot for a red itchy rash on my chest, it was so bad. I felt just as bad right after eot as I did during. It takes quite a while before you feel better. Continue with your good Tx practices, and be patient. Try baby oil on the itchy spots after you shower, when your skin is wet. Hang in there, it gets better soon, it really does. Don't over do it simply because you are done. Remember, it takes a year after eot to recover (I was told), and I am 9 months eot now, and am doing better all the time.
~Sandi