Should I take inteferon?

15 months ago my HCV number was 176,000.  A recent blood test has 12,700,000.  The doctor has recommended interferon.  He states that there is a 90% success rate and that it will take me about 6 months.  I am 52 years old, generally healthy and have never had hepatitus (hepatitis) related treatment before.

1.  Is interferon the best process for recovery?    

2.  If not, what other options are available?

3.  What can happen if I don't do the interferon?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

1) If you are a candidate for interferon, it would be recommended that this medication (probably in combination with ribaviron) be considered for treatment.  The combination would be the best possibility for recovery.  

2) Other options would depend on what was first used.  If standard interferon was used and it didn't work, then another for of interferon (known as peg-interferon) can be considered.  If peg-interferon was initially used and it doesn't work, you can consider enrollment into a study, or observation.

3) If you don't take the interferon, the hepatitis C will persist.  You would thus be at increased risk for cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.  

It should go without saying that you should abstain from alcohol while you have the virus.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[lonnisue]

My sister(age 50) just recently comleted a 6 months course of the Peg-interferon for treatment of hep-c. Her viral load is 0 now and the docs have told her she added about 5 years to her life expectantcy but I have to say that she nearly wasted away from the side affects of the interferon.
She became anorexic, she had severe problems with her red blood cell counts (required transfusing), had numerous infections and finally before she stopped she went into renal failure.
She is a brittle diabetic and has just about all of the issues related to that disease which probably made the interferon harder on her yet.
We almost lost her.
I am not sure about what would happen if you went without the treatments or opted for another one, it would depend on your health and physiology, but If I wqere you I would research the interferon treatments thouroughly-try tofind others who have had themetcc.
Good luck

[tori14]

A related discussion, liver problems was started.