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Dealing with side effects
Everybody is different when it comes to side effects. Some people have no side effects at all, while others may have some and may be bothered by them more than other people.
Most side effects can be managed with the help of your healthcare providers.
Here are some easy ways to help with side effects. Click on the name of a side effect to read more about it.
| Side effect | What to do |
If you feel depressed, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Antidepressant drugs can help and are generally safe for your liver. Depression and personality change usually go away 2-4 weeks after treatment is over. | |
Rinse your mouth with water frequently, especially after meals. Suck on sugar-free candies like peppermints to produce more saliva. | |
Rest as much as possible. | |
Drink plenty of water. Apply heat or ice packs (wrapped in a towel) to areas where you ache. Since flu-like symptoms are linked to peg-interferon, timing your peg-interferon injection close to bedtime may let you sleep through the worst of the discomfort. | |
This is usually temporary and not severe; in the meantime, avoid hair chemicals (dyes, colours) and heat (blow dryers and straighteners). | |
Drink plenty of water. Pain relievers or other headache medications may help; ask your doctor or nurse if these are right for you. | |
Use moisturizers and drink plenty of water. | |
Avoid dairy (milk, cheese) and drink lots of water. | |
Eat smaller but more frequent meals throughout the day. Drink clear fruit juices for the extra calories. | |
Lowered platelet count (thrombocytopenia) | The doctor will check for this by doing blood tests and tell you what to do to improve your condition. |
Try bland food (not spicy or greasy) and eat small meals frequently through the day. Ask your doctor about anti-nausea medication. | |
Use a different place each time you inject. It may be easiest and least painful to rotate the sites between your stomach and your thighs. | |
Eat simple food that is not spicy, salty or acidic. Avoid really hot drinks or food. Avoid food that is crunchy or hard. Rinse your mouth for one minute with a solution of one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. | |
Use non-metallic cookware such as glass. Eat with wooden, plastic or porcelain cutlery. Rinse your mouth before eating with either club soda, warm salt water or a mouthwash made with a half teaspoon of salt, half teaspoon baking soda and one cup of warm water. Eat foods at room temperature. |
You can find other tips on the Dealing with symptoms page.
Report anything else to your doctor, especially if you have severe fatigue, shortness of breath, “palpitations” (feeling like your heart is racing) or headaches that won't go away.
Revised 2011.
