Nausea

[Sandi150]

Has anyone experienced an increase in nausea and flu like symptoms following completion of six month treatment with Interferon and Ribavirin?  My husband is only 3 days post treatment and feels worse than he did at any point during treatment.  

Any input would be appreciated.  Have a call in to the Dr., but would appreciate any info on actual experience with this.

Albert12

[Diane12855]

My husband has had some kind of bug twice in the past 3 weeks... both of them hit him in the stomach. It is strange for this time of year, but there must be something going around.

BTW, my husband isn't doing tx, I am.

I hope your husband gets better soon.

[Bill1954]

The doc has a good point. A few of days ago, I was very ill for 24-36 hours, and haven’t been on treatment for going on two years now; I assume I had intestinal flu or something similar. Your hubby’s white blood cells are very likely suppressed as a result of the interferon, and might be more susceptible to a seasonal infection?  Be sure to follow up if he’s still sick in a few days, but I imagine he’ll recover as his blood reorganizes from treatment. Best to you both,

--Bill

[Sandi150]

Thank you both for your input.  Yes, 1 week since last shot and 3 days since last riba.  My concern was not that his symptoms remained, but that they changed and worsened 3 days post riba (no nausea during treatment to speak of and terrible nausea 3 days post).  Dr. thought he may have the flu as she did not think that this was typical.  My thoughts are that everyone reacts differently post treatment and we just need to ride this out.

[nygirl7]

The meds are not nearly out of his system...that can take quite some time you have to realize. Three days out of treatment you mean a week and 3 days since his last shot and 3 days since his last riba?  Riba has a LONG half life - interferon not nearly as long.  About 2-3 weeks later that interferon will be long gone but the riba can take longer.....

Try gingerale and crackers that does sometimes help. Good luck.

[Bill1954]

Hi Sandy,

Sorry to hear your husband had a rough time with his treatment. He’ll probably continue to feel poorly for 2-3 weeks, possibly longer. The pegylated interferon will stay in his system for a while, and even after it’s metabolized it takes time for his blood values to return to normal.

What he’s dealing with at 3 days post is very typical; but do let the doctor know. Is he taking any antiemetics to help with the nausea? Some people get relief from ginger root; try brewing ginger into a tea and see it that helps.

Good luck—

Bill