Flu-like symptoms, weight loss and fatigue

Flu-like symptoms (fever, aches and pains, headache, chills, nausea) are common side effects of interferon.

They usually appear 2 to 24 hours after an injection, and tend to lessen over time.

Taking the PEG interferon injection in the evening helps, as does a low dose of paracetamol (or ibuprophen or aspirin—not recommended for people with cirrhosis) and anti-nausea medication.

Warm baths can help with muscle pain. Drinking plenty of water and juice helps to lessen flu-like symptoms and keep you hydrated.

Weight loss often occurs during HCV treatment, because people may lose their appetite, have diarrhoea, and/or feel nauseated.

If possible, eat many small, light meals to keep energy up.

Dronabinol (a derivative from marijuana), available as a pill, may help to stimulate appetite.

If you loose more than 1kg a week, this should be treated more aggressively.

If you have diarrhoea your doctor should check for other causes.

Diet advice (including bananas, apples, rice, cereals and toast) can help.

Anti-diarrhoea medication such as loperamide may help.

Fatigue (feeling tired) is also common.

Napping and regular but light exercise, when possible, can help. Some doctors treat fatigue with the antidepressant ethylphenidate (Ritalin).

The flu-like side effects were strong for the first three weeks. After this they became more like a tense headache that I could manage with painkillers and an early night. I did develop aenemia which has been difficult and made me very weak and dizzy.