How is hepatitis C treated?
Current FDA approved treatments for HCV include monotherapy with interferon α: Infergen, Intron-A, Roferon-A, Peg-Intron, and Pegasys, and combination therapy for use in patients who have never had any interferon therapy and patients who have relapsed following interferon therapy with Ribavirin.Side effects caused by interferon and pegylated interferon monotherapy therapy can include “flu-like” symptoms, depression, headache, and decreased appetite. The “flu-like” symptoms can be minimized by taking acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol). In addition, interferon may depress the bone marrow leading to reduced levels of white blood cells and platelets.Side effects with combination therapy are the same as those for monotherapy with a few additional risks. Combination therapy may decrease levels of red blood cells. Frequent blood tests are needed to monitor white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and liver enzymes.
