Flu-like Symptoms With Hepatitis C Combination Therapy

It's common for people to experience flu-like symptoms while taking combination therapy for their hepatitis C. These flu-like symptoms are usually worse at the beginning of the therapy but get better over time. It may help to take an over-the-counter pain reliever with your bedtime injection. Drinking plenty of liquids can also help you feel better.

Hepatitis C Medications

Many people feel like they have

the flu after they begin combination therapy for hepatitis C. This can include:

Muscle aches
Chills
Sweats
Headaches
A fever
Feeling tired.

These symptoms are usually worse at the beginning of the therapy but get better over time. Many people will have these symptoms 6 to 12 hours after an injection. To help prevent or reduce these symptoms, you should take your injection a few hours before bedtime. This may help you to sleep through many of the flu-like symptoms.

You can also take 1 to 2 regular strength Tylenol^® every six hours for the first few days of the therapy. However, don't take more than 6 regular Tylenol in any 24-hour period. After the first few days, try to take one Tylenol when you administer your injection. If you have a fever or chills when you wake up in the morning, try taking one Aleve^® and one Tylenol with your bedtime injection.

Drinking 10 to 16 glasses of water, juice, or other clear caffeine-free liquids each day can also help you feel better.