How to manage side effects from interferon and ribavirin treatment?

Boy can I identify with all that you're saying. It's crippling at times. Even though I got a transplant, I know that these side effects are the interferon because the aches and brain fog, plus low grade fever and sweats are ALL too familiar.
You're right. After 11 months, you know exactly how you're going to feel. I've read some about it, wanting to write an article. There have been no long term studies done. We're just floating around out here trying to make sense of the whole thing.
I hope you're Hep C free. There are many who went through it all and didn't clear the virus. Talk about a double whammy.
Does your doctor advise you to take occasional tylenol for the pain and fever? What are you doing to cope, if you don't mind me asking.
I'm so glad you spoke up and asked. Sitting here brain foggy with joint aches this morning, and it's good to know we're not alone. I look forward to chatting more.
xo Karen

Thank you for reaching out. Everything you described is exactly how I still feel after almost 9 years post interferon.
There are a few articles out about those who have personally went through interferon and now living post lives with all the symptoms we describe.
I personally was very concerned in 2016 thinking I was having MS symptoms. I went in for testing and found that I have severe peripheral Neuropathy and low grade RA. All of which I have asked my liver doctor about. Although no exact study can say interferon did this to my body, I can tell you I never had one of these painful symptoms prior to taking interferon. That leads me to believe that yes in my heart and MY opinion only that interferon has left me with lifetime side effects.
I am under treatment with a Neuropathy doctor now and am prescribed medication to help the electrical shocks that bring me to tears. That along with warm blankets and heat pads is what gets me through some nights.
I am sorry you too share this pain. Ask your doctor about doing further testing to see if you can't find something to help

Experience with interferon is way to understand others going through this, but your doctor is best at diagnosing and advising for care.
Please keep in touch and know you are not alone and not crazy by any means. This is REAL STUFF we are all experiencing.
My best

"Not without a FIGHT!~HCV~(c)"
Kimberly Morgan Bossley - Moderator

Thanks for your response, until recently it was suggested that my Lupus was caused by the interferon. On my last visit to my rheumatologist she said it was definitely caused the interferon. I assume there was some new studies. New medical studies.
At first I thought the symptoms were just normal health issues until the frequency of symptoms and patterns started. This all led me to Post Interferon Syndrome which explains a lot.

Hi Robbyd. I am so sorry you are experiencing side effects. I know we all were hopeful that once the virus was gone we would be pain free. Unfortunately, for many of us, it hasn’t worked out that way. I try to help myself feel better emotionally, by remembering the virus is gone and I likely don’t have to fear progression of the liver disease.

For me, even after getting my sustained viral response, I am left with muscle pain, joint pain, dry eyes, and fatigue. My doctors have told me that these issues may be caused by the interferon treatments, as well as having a virus activating the immune system for so many years. It stinks! But remember, the virus is gone and that is a great thing. I hope we all feel better one day. ~ Sue, Community Moderator