HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Ribaviran is a carcinogen

Support Forums
>
Hepatitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/29/2012 11:36 AM (GMT 0)
A reason to think twice before jumping right on the new treatment,

Ribavrian is considered a carcinogen (Google it if you want more info).

I've done treatment twice, that's plenty of Ribaviran.

Please, think long & hard before jumping right on Incivek. I, for one, wish I had waited another year for more actual

SVR results. If you are a 2 with no scarring, you can potentially wait for more data or better treatments.  

Posted 8/29/2012 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Ribavirin or Incivek is a carcinogen? Ribaviran is also in the "old" treatment...the "combo."

I believe there are risks with every drug. I Googled it and found that it is a POTENTIAL carcinogen and may cause birth defects. I don't believe any reputable doctor would prescribe this (or other potentially dangerous drugs) to a pregnant woman. Gary, if you've tried treatment with this and it didn't work for you, it's understandable that you would not want to try it again in any form. However, don't use scare tactics to prevent those who need it and could achieve an SVR by using it, to run the other way. As always, discuss possible side effects with your doctor.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 8/29/2012 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
I suppose I should quit taking my prograf (anti rejection med) because it makes me more likely to get skin cancer or lymphoma, ups my cholesterol, and sucks calcium from my bones. By not taking that I could avoid the side effects of the meds. On the other side, my liver would suffer rejection and I'd die. Taking meds that might have side effects, but could cure you, is preferable to the alternative. No one is forcing anyone to take anything. You look at your options and make a decision. It's your life. We have people here that would rather die slowly, than go through a transplant. You had 2 bad experiences, I didn't. I was sick, but now I'm clear. Without it, my new liver would have been compromised.I've never hesitated to do whatever I could do to get well.
Posted 8/29/2012 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with David.  My azathioprine is on the list of carcinogens, not a potential carcinogen...a known one.  It increases my risk for developing lymphoma and melanoma.  As I've told many AIHers...it's an increased risk, not a guarantee.  At that, it's usually 20 yrs down the road.  With no treatment, my AIH would kill me in 5-10 yrs.  So I am living a pretty darn normal life taking my carcinogen daily.  Smoking is carcinogenic as well and yet not all smokers get cancer.  I'm not condoning smoking...I am anti-smoking but my point is, you weigh your risks.  Most chemo therapies are carcinogens but I bet you won't say no to one if it means you can be cancer free now...it's a risk that is well worth it.

As patients, you make your pros and cons list and discuss everything with your doctor.  I chose treatment because had I not, I would already be dead.  I don't have the option of getting off my meds either so I just wear plenty sunscreen, have my bloods checked regularly and lead a fairly healthy life. 

In my opinion, living is carcinogenic so why add more worry to life? wink

Posted 8/30/2012 8:08 AM (GMT 0)
ditto David & Dany!!! Ditto big time to Connie... yes no scare tactics... one person's experience isn't necessarily another's and may save their lives!!!!
Sandia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply