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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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