long term affects of interferon

[azena]

I have been off interferon for 4 years and to this day I still have side affects..FM, dry cough, off balance, tierdness, itch,mood swings. I also think it's a bit of brain damage because I find myself stopping and stareing some times what is with that...plus it hard for me to pick things up sometimes like it's a mind over matter thing. My lastest battle now is I have been fighting these symtoms with my eyes first it started with dry eyes a year ago and now I can hardly see myself in the mirror in the morning. To top it off i just got glasses a year ago and now they aren't working....Is there anyone else out there that has been left with these side affects for years?

[Fedup12345]

Warning, I took interferon 6 years ago and am very sorry that I did. I am now suffering from depression, muscle aches, blurred vision, and extreme mood swings by the hour. No one knew that this could happen back then. BEWARE before you opt for this treatment.

[otterwatcher]

I successfully completed treatment in April 2007 and to this day still suffer side effects-lack of concentration-I know that staring thing well!-muscle aches-I feel like I'm walking through treacle,fatigue,depression,balance problems,lack of appetite and nausea so can relate to your comments! Eyesight was dreadful during treatment but has improved although I have swimming vision for an hour or so quite regularly.Oh well,at least I don't have hep c any more...

[Bill1954]

Make sure you discuss 'Sjogren's syndrome with your doctor regarding dry eyes.

Bill

[skersj]

I am on week 42 of treatment and recently saw eye dr because I couldn't see either. He said it was because of my dry eyes and to use over the counter Systane ointment at night, goggles that hold your eyes shut because eyes are partially open during sleep, Systane Ultra several times during day. He also prescibed Lotemax for 2 weeks to help the inflammation caused by dry eyes, This has improved my vision tremendously. He also prescribed Restasis which I don't use on treatment because they work through immune system. And he said no fan in bedroom. Hope this helps.

[SteveHepC]

I did the "treatment" 4 years ago and was a responder at 12 weeks, and relaspsed at 24 weeks........Geno 2. I don't notice any symptoms like you describe. I had a horrible time with treatment, but, after I stopped, it got better within weeks. Are you Hep C negative, are do you still have the dreaded dragon? My blood work is all good as far as enzymes are concerned. So I lead the kind of lifestyle that I would lead if I had no cronic liver disease. I have a cocktail and some wine every night, and it relaxes me and makes me forget about the stupid Hep C.