more about HepC

[annabanana]

My husband has HepC and stage 4 ckd (with only 1 kidney)...
I've read that one of the drugs for HepC is ribavirin and that someone with kidney failure can't take it.
When I questioned his neph about this, he said they would give him a lower dose.
Anybody know anything about this?
A.

[LightLizard]

i've yet to speak to a doctor that was clear about it, but in my experience, i was on interferon and ribavirin too, and it was after this treatment failed that my kidneys gave out. i think that it is well known in the medical community that ribavirin (and interferon as well as prednesone) destroy the kidneys, but i believe that the philosophy is about choosing the lesser of two evils; kidney failure over death. its no big deal to a doctor that someone has to go on dialysis to stay alive.

[annabanana]

I agree that it's no big deal to the doctors...I'd hate to have to make the decisions they do.

In my research I have found so much conflicting info---but mostly statements like: "More research is needed."
Yep...I'd say!

Wish the doctors had the oomph to say that, instead of pretending they know everything.