Fatigue With Hepatitis C Combination Therapy

Many people experience fatigue while taking combination therapy for their hepatitis C. They may also have difficulty concentrating and remembering things. Both peginterferon and ribavirin can contribute to feeling tired and having very little energy. Doing light to moderate exercise and getting plenty of rest can be helpful in overcoming fatigue.

Hepatitis C Medications

Feeling tired or weak is a common side effect of

hepatitis C combination therapy. Hepatitis C combination therapy may also cause people to have very little energy. People with fatigue may also find that they:

Have a poor memory
Have difficulty concentrating
Are irritable
Do not feel like being active.

Both the peginterferon and the ribavirin can make you feel this way.

To help improve your energy level, you may want to try:

Drinking at least 10 to 16 glasses a day of water, clear juices, or other drinks that do not have caffeine in them
Going to bed one hour earlier than usual
Not working overtime at work
Doing light to moderate exercise, such as walking, for 30 minutes a day
Taking your injection a few hours before bedtime.

Getting enough rest is an important part of overcoming fatigue. If you have trouble sleeping, you can talk to your healthcare provider about taking a sleeping pill.

By doing these things, you may be able to improve the way you feel.

Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;