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Starting Interferon.. any suggestions to decrease side effects
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Starting Interferon.. any suggestions to decrease side effects

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Starting Interferon.. any suggestions to decrease side effects

  • Post
    • January 16, 2011 at 7:56 pm
    ockelly
    Participant

      We just heard that my husband TJ (st 3b) did not qualify for the DERMA clinical trial so he is going to start Interferon next week.  Any suggestions for pre-medicating or general suggestions that might decrease his side effects??

      Thanks,  Kelly

      We just heard that my husband TJ (st 3b) did not qualify for the DERMA clinical trial so he is going to start Interferon next week.  Any suggestions for pre-medicating or general suggestions that might decrease his side effects??

      Thanks,  Kelly

    Viewing 7 reply threads
    • Replies
        • January 16, 2011 at 8:59 pm
        joy_
        Participant

          Hi Kelly,

          Sorry he didn't qualify for the trial.  On Interferon, he needs to drink A LOT of water.  Also taking Benedryl & Tylenol helps some.  They also gave my husband these with his infusions.  My husband had every side-effect in the book to an extreme degree (doctors said worst they had seen).  Hopefully TJ will tolerate it well.  Many people do!

          A couple of other tips…  If he gets the rigger chills, bundle him up in as many blankets as it takes to warm up (maybe even keep one in the dryer).  My husband found that drinking Gatorade made him feel a little better.  Also kept ginger ale on hand for nausea.  Can't think of any others off hand, but if you have any questions or anything please feel free to email me.

          There are tons of others here who have been through it who will probably chime in with good tips.

          Wishing you guys the best!

          Tracy

          wife to Bill, stage IIIc

          • January 16, 2011 at 8:59 pm
          joy_
          Participant

            Hi Kelly,

            Sorry he didn't qualify for the trial.  On Interferon, he needs to drink A LOT of water.  Also taking Benedryl & Tylenol helps some.  They also gave my husband these with his infusions.  My husband had every side-effect in the book to an extreme degree (doctors said worst they had seen).  Hopefully TJ will tolerate it well.  Many people do!

            A couple of other tips…  If he gets the rigger chills, bundle him up in as many blankets as it takes to warm up (maybe even keep one in the dryer).  My husband found that drinking Gatorade made him feel a little better.  Also kept ginger ale on hand for nausea.  Can't think of any others off hand, but if you have any questions or anything please feel free to email me.

            There are tons of others here who have been through it who will probably chime in with good tips.

            Wishing you guys the best!

            Tracy

            wife to Bill, stage IIIc

            • January 16, 2011 at 9:14 pm
            James from Sydney
            Participant

              Hi Kelly, the nurses giving our son Interferon told him to eat bananas they help with controling levels in the liver, i think its something to do with the potassium. Lots of fluid, gatorade, and if possible take the IV dose in the afternoon so he can go home eat an early dinner and sleep it off.

              best wishes

              James

              • January 16, 2011 at 9:14 pm
              James from Sydney
              Participant

                Hi Kelly, the nurses giving our son Interferon told him to eat bananas they help with controling levels in the liver, i think its something to do with the potassium. Lots of fluid, gatorade, and if possible take the IV dose in the afternoon so he can go home eat an early dinner and sleep it off.

                best wishes

                James

                • January 17, 2011 at 2:50 pm
                Melanoma Mom
                Participant

                  Our son had the typical side effects after the first two doses and it was heartbreaking and horrible. The third day our Pediatric Oncologist added Demerol via the IV, given at the end of the administration of Interferon. The side effects NEVER returned! We have him Tylenol during the dose, Advil two hours later and then Tylenol again two hours after that. I believe the Demerol was the key to taking care of the fever and shakes. Not sure why, but it was a miracle change for us! 

                  • January 17, 2011 at 2:50 pm
                  Melanoma Mom
                  Participant

                    Our son had the typical side effects after the first two doses and it was heartbreaking and horrible. The third day our Pediatric Oncologist added Demerol via the IV, given at the end of the administration of Interferon. The side effects NEVER returned! We have him Tylenol during the dose, Advil two hours later and then Tylenol again two hours after that. I believe the Demerol was the key to taking care of the fever and shakes. Not sure why, but it was a miracle change for us! 

                    • January 18, 2011 at 12:59 pm
                    Phil S
                    Participant

                      Kelly    My husband is in his ninth month of interferon and doing well.  He did have chills and fever the first night of high dose and that was handled with medication at home.  That was the only time of those kind of symptoms.  Mostly, he has struggled with fatigue and weight loss. So, he sleeps whenever he can, late mornings on weekends,etc.  He also drinks Whey Protein drinks that I make with fresh fruit to try to keep his weight level.  Also, he doesn't go to the gym and exercise anymore, but he does cut our wood for heating, and I think outdoor air and some exercise does help his fatigue. Good luck to you and your husband, and I hope he has minimal difficulties on interferon.  Valerie (Phil's wife)

                      • January 18, 2011 at 12:59 pm
                      Phil S
                      Participant

                        Kelly    My husband is in his ninth month of interferon and doing well.  He did have chills and fever the first night of high dose and that was handled with medication at home.  That was the only time of those kind of symptoms.  Mostly, he has struggled with fatigue and weight loss. So, he sleeps whenever he can, late mornings on weekends,etc.  He also drinks Whey Protein drinks that I make with fresh fruit to try to keep his weight level.  Also, he doesn't go to the gym and exercise anymore, but he does cut our wood for heating, and I think outdoor air and some exercise does help his fatigue. Good luck to you and your husband, and I hope he has minimal difficulties on interferon.  Valerie (Phil's wife)

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