Hep C - Coping with Treatment

With more and more people receiving treatment for hepatitis C, if you are about to start treatment it is possible that you know someone who has received treatment already, or you may know someone who knows someone etc. No matter how ‘it was’ for them (especially if they found it hard coping with the side effects), try to remember that everyone is different and the effects you might experience could be different to theirs.  

Anti-viral treatment is the best chance for anyone to clear the virus if taken as prescribed. We know that the side effects of treatment can be severe for some people but they do not appear all at once; some appear earlier and some later in treatment. A number of people may experience many side effects and are unable to carry out some tasks that they could beforehand, others may only experience a couple of side effects and continue with their day to day living as before.  If you are currently suffering with any side effects, the following ‘Hints and Tips’ may help you. It is important that you talk with your doctor or nurse specialist if you do experience any side effects that you find hard to cope with. 

Coping with flu-like symptoms: (Headaches, chills & muscle/joint pain).  These tend to be worse within 48hrs after the injection and can be more intense at the start of treatment, becoming more tolerant as treatment progresses.

• Taking Paracetamol or an alternative painkiller such as Ibuprofen can lower your temperature and ease aches and pains
• Take the injection on a day of the week that allows you time to recover i.e. Friday evening, allowing time to recover over the weekend
• Drinking plenty of water can help to reduce flu-like symptoms 

Skin problems: E.G. Itching and dry skin. If the problem occurs at the site of the injection remember to change the site each time you inject.

• Drink plenty of water as this will help to hydrate the skin
• Use body lotions or creams.  If the symptoms become worse, creams containing local anaesthetic can soothe the skin
• Washing with tepid water rather than hot water can reduce skin problems
• Use soaps with a high fat/oil content
• In severe cases your doctor may prescribe a short course of hydrocortisone cream

Fatigue and trouble sleeping: Having a sleep routine may help to relax you.

• Ensure your bedroom is dark
• Make sure that the bedroom is not too cold or too hot
• Choose a regular time to go to bed
• Try not to read or watch TV before going to sleep
• Take short rests during the day so you don’t overtire yourself
• Try and do some gentle exercise such as Yoga or Tia Chi during the day, this may encourage restful sleep 

In some cases, if trouble sleeping persists your doctor may prescribe sleeping tablets. 

Emotional Problems: (Mood swings, anxiety, depression). Depression (if you develop it) is more likely to occur in the first 24 weeks of treatment rather than later on. Signs of emotional problems can include: Low energy, lack of interest, weight loss, changes in sleep pattern, mood swings, breaking into tears for no obvious reason.

• Anti depressants may be prescribed to help with any depressive symptoms
• Yoga or other relaxation techniques may help 

Let your doctor or nurse specialist know if any depressive symptoms worsen. 

Hair loss: Slight hair loss or hair thinning may occur after 3 months of treatment. Hair tends to grow back after therapy has ended.

• Use mild shampoos
• Avoid vigorous brushing and excessive heat when drying hair
• Avoid dying and perms as the hair is fragile and can break easily with such treatments

Loss of appetite and nausea: It is important to follow a balanced diet and to eat enough to prevent losing too much weight during treatment.

• Eat before taking your medication
• Avoid foods that make you feel sick
• Eat small amounts more frequently rather than a few large meals
• Eat the foods you feel like eating
• Peppermint tea can be helpful in combating nausea
• Try to follow a well balanced diet containing food from each of the food groups

Always check with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or before taking nutritional supplements or vitamins