[kashh]

Hi All

My mother has Hep C and it was diagnosed last year in March. After the diagnosis, doctor put her on Interferone injections as treatment. Let me mention here that she is 60 years old, is diabetic and suffers from depression since 30 years and is on medication for the same.

Interferone made her condition worse and as side effects, her blood count decreased drastically and her depression was increased big time, so much that she was almost suicidal. However, she somehow completed the course of 6 month but sadly her Hep C was not cured.

Now the doctor has put her on Pagasus Interferone which are much stronger and has more side effects than the normal Interferone. She is very scared and totally refuses to take these injections.

I am very worried about the side effects considering her medical condition and age. Can anyone please share their experiences and knowledge of Pagasus injections' side effects?

[JudyKayTee]

Here is all the info, straight from the manufacturer: Hepatitis C Treatment-PEGASYS® (Peginterferon alfa-2a)

Yes, the side effects look horrible. No treatment at all appears to be even worse.

"PEGASYS is a medicine used to treat some adults who have viral hepatitis C or hepatitis B who show signs of liver damage with no prior treatment with interferon. PEGASYS is also used in patients coinfected with hepatitis C and HIV. PEGASYS works to reduce the amount of virus in your blood, helping your body fight the virus.

Most Serious Side Effects for PEGASYS
PEGASYS (Peginterferon alfa-2a), like other alpha interferons, can cause fatal or make life-threatening problems worse (like mental, immune system, heart, liver, lung, intestinal and infections). Your doctor should monitor you during regular visits. If you show signs or symptoms of these conditions, your doctor may stop your medication. In most patients, these conditions get better after you stop taking PEGASYS (see medication guide for more information and warnings)."

There are also several discussion sites on the subject.

Have you talked to your Pharmacist about this medication - or your mother's Physician, at length?

[kashh]

Thanks JudyKayTee

The site is very helpful and does show some very vital info.

Yes we have had discussions with many doctors. They say that my mum needs to cure her depression and bring her diabetes to a normal level. Diabetes is controllable but the depression is not curable at this stage. We have tried but to no avail. Now the doctor is saying that if we are to continue with the Pegasys treatment, the side effects will occur. Now its our decision but my mother is scared. And I think I am equally scared too.

[parttime]

Hep C Discussion Forum

Kash, here's a site with people that are or have dealt with this issue.

To post, you will be required to register, but it's free. Good luck

[JudyKayTee]

Hep C Discussion Forum

Kash, here's a site with people that are or have dealt with this issue.

to post, you will be required to register, but it's free. Good luck

Here is my concern and why I didn't post a discussion site - unless you know started, sponsors, participates in a discussion site the info can be something less than 100% correct.

I would stick with medical professionals, personally.

And to the OP - yes, I'd be concerned, too. Your mother is very much between a rock and a hard place. I wish I had a magic answer.

[miguelx5]

Dear Kashh, I am a 57 years old male that just finished my treatment with PEGASYS and Rebavirin. I am not a expert or a Doctor but I can tell you that it is not easy! It lower your red cell count and you are always so tried even to eat, I have even lost my job because of my treatment so it get you very depressed because all you are going through. The most important thing is that you must be very mentally tough and always believe that you will be OK! I use to inject myself once a week and had to take 6 pills of Rebavirin per day and at the end when I had about 4 injections left I didn't want to do it anymore and had to push myself to do it. You have a hard job which is to get her to be very positive, easiers said that done! I will pray for your mom to have the mental power to deal with it, I know what it is and it's not easy. Because of the illness I am unemployed and fighting with VA and unemployment which is enough to depress anyone. God bless your mom and be there for her!