Other side effects

Tips on how to improve sleep and managing rash

Insomnia

Not sleeping well adds to the impact of other side effects, especially those related to your mood and how you feel.

Your doctor should know if this is a serious problem, so that sleeping pills can be an option.

Rash

HCV treatment can cause a rash, which is usually mild and ‘non-itchy’.

Tell your doctor about this, and if it becomes more serious, ask to be referred to a skin specialist.

Dry mouth

Interferon can make your mouth dry, and this can cause dental and gum problems.

Visit the dentist before, during, and after treatment. Using a soft tooth-brush reduces risk of bleeding gums, and brushing after each meal may help.

Breathlessness and coughing

If your feel breathless or develop a cough, again, tell your doctor. Breathlessness can be a symptom of anaemia.

Common treatments for cough are appropriate—drink more water, avoid smokey places and try over-the-counter cough syrups.

Irritability

Irritability can be common on HCV treatment—which is not surprising of you feel bad and have other side effects, so it is important that these are treated, especially if they affect your sleep.

Preparing your friends, family and support network can help. Avoiding stress and using relaxation techniques including exercise, meditation and deep breathing help some people.

Other complications

HCV treatment can also other diseases including thyroid (hormone regulating) or visual problems (blurred vision).

It is important to tell your doctor about any symptoms, and that the doctor pays attention to them.

All through this time I fixed my mind on getting to the end of the year and know that I could beat this infection even if I cant beat the HIV.