JPG Magazine: MsB

Thursday, January 17, 2008

the other thing

I'm also doing a low dose of interferon to keep the hep-c at bay until a liver shows up with my name on it. about a 50/50 on that. And of course I have all the physical crapolla that comes along with it.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of PEGASYS and COPEGUS are:

  • Flu-like symptoms (including fever, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches)
  • Tiredness
  • Upset stomach (like nausea, taste changes, diarrhea)
  • Blood sugar problems (may lead to diabetes)
  • Skin problems (like rash, dry or itchy skin, redness and swelling at injection site)
  • Hair loss (temporary)
  • Trouble sleeping

The most serious side effects of PEGASYS and COPEGUS are:


  • Mental health problems (such as irritability, depression, anxiety, aggressiveness, trouble with drug addiction or overdose, thoughts about suicide, suicide attempts, suicide and thoughts about homicide)
  • Blood problems (like a drop in blood cells leading to increased risk for infections, bleeding and/or heart or circulatory problems)
  • Infections (which sometimes cause death)
  • Lung problems (like trouble breathing, pneumonia)
  • Eye problems (like blurred vision, loss of vision)
  • Autoimmune problems (such as psoriasis, thyroid problems)
  • Heart problems (including chest pain and, rarely, a heart attack)
  • Liver problems (rarely, liver function worsens). Patients with both the hepatitis C virus and HIV can have an increased chance of having liver failure during PEGASYS treatment. Change in a blood test that measures liver inflammation occurs more often in patients with hepatitis B. If you have a rise in this blood test you may need to be watched more closely with additional blood tests.
Lucky me, I have most of this. but it is getting less annoying with time. Mostly I'm depressed. Antidepressants are not an option for me. some of my dear friends that remember back to days of old and my run in with the antidepressants. OOOOOOOOO.

I hate to whine, so when I'm in this self - centered mememe mode, I just don't post.

but I want people to hear about Hep-c. I want people to know that it's out there and most people don't even know they have it. 1 in 10.

Heres a link for more information and what we can do about Hepatitis C.

American Liver Foundation

5 comments:

Mary P Jones (MPJ) said...

Hugs, msb.

asha said...

On the other hand, it gives you a better chance of living to a ripe old age. Be easy on yourself. Best of luck.

joy said...

I want you to feel better. I want it a lot. So humor me, ok? Let's get you fixed up.

Anonymous said...

I want you to feel better, too. Alas, yet another thing I am powerless over (over which I am powerless) -- you, too.
I think this IS when you should write though. It may be healing in some small way. And I like to know whats happening with you, so....humor me, can't you?
Love to you woman!

Tabitha.Montgomery said...

This is your blog ..whine if you want to!
Hep C has hit close to home in my life MSB with people I have cared for..I appreciate you sharing.

I posted again if you ever feel like stopping by for a cupcake..
please feel free.

Tab xo