The medications approved for treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection are:
Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A, Peg-Intron), alfa-2a (Pegasys), interferon alfacon-1 (Infergen): These medications fight hepatitis C by boosting the immune system, protecting healthy cells, and preventing the virus from reproducing. Pegylated interferon alfa-2b (Peg-Intron) is a long-acting medication that comes in powdered form. It is mixed and then taken by self-injection into the skin once a week. It should be taken on the same day each week. Store this medication at room temperature. It also comes in pre-mixed syringes, which should be refrigerated.
Pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) comes in single-dose vials and pre-mixed syringes that must be stored in the refrigerator. Do not leave Pegasys out more than 24 hours. This medication should not be stored in the freezer.
Interferon alfacon-1 (Infergen) comes in single-dose vials that must be stored in the refrigerator. It is self-injected three times per week.
Ribavirin (Rebetol, Copegus): Ribavirin works in combination with interferon to treat hepatitis C. The way ribavirin works is not exactly clear, but it is thought to prevent the hepatitis virus from multiplying. This medication comes in a capsule form and is taken twice a day. Ribavirin is taken in combination with interferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b.
Always take this medication with food. Ribavirin may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, do not take a double dose; skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose.
Important: Both men and women taking these medications MUST use two forms of birth control during therapy and for up to 6 months after stopping therapy. Rebetol and Copegus each caused serious birth defects in all animal studies.
What are the side effects of interferon treatment?
The most serious side effects of interferon treatment include the following:
- Mental health problems: Interferon may cause some patients to develop mood or behavioral problems. Some patients may have aggressive behavior. Some patients may develop thoughts about ending their lives (suicidal thoughts) and may attempt to do so. Former drug addicts may fall back into drug addiction or overdose.
- Blood problems: Many patients taking peg-interferon experience a drop in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. If the numbers of these blood cells are too low, you could be at risk for infection or bleeding.
- Body organ problems: Some patients may experience lung problems (such as difficulty breathing or pneumonia) and eye problems that can cause blurred vision or loss of vision.
Before these medications are prescribed
Before these medications are prescribed, please tell your health care provider if you:
- are a woman who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are planning to become pregnant
- are a man who is planning to start a family
- have a history of autoimmune hepatitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis (lupus), or any autoimmune disorder
- have an active heart disease or any heart problems
- have a history of depression, or if you are currently being treated for depression
- have past suicidal thoughts or attempts
- have been treated for other mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorder, or schizophrenia
- have a history of seizures
- have a history of kidney problems
Blood tests
You will have to have blood tests on a regular basis during your treatment for hepatitis C. Your doctor will be following how well you are responding to treatment and checking for various side effects. When your condition is stable, your doctor will often reduce the number and frequency of blood tests.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/4/2009...#10240
