Pegylated Interferons and treatment?

[NickG]

While reading all the postings, I noticed there were quite a few statements that people should wait for the approval of Peg-Interferons to start treatment..I believe Pegylated Interferon was approved by the FDA for monotherapy in January 2001. The application to use Ribovarin in combination was submitted to the FDA in Feb, 2001. I noticed a comment that "current" therapy could cause mutations in the HCV virus.
My wife has had HCV for 30 years and has only become symptomatic within the lst year, i.e. severe weight loss, complete loss of appetite, lethargy, memory problems. We are fortunate to have good doctors, and good health ins. Her Primary Care Dr. told her last week (after the last battery of tests) she needs to start treatment immediately. She is Genotype 3, so has a pretty good chance. Can't she start on Peg-Interferon without first going through the Alpha? She is very weak, and is seriously depressed (taking Paxil, but that is doing nothing). I do not think she can handle the side effects very well, as she has a history of Bi-Polar M/D (currently controlled) and it seems that the peg-Interferon is a better option.
So, isn't it available as treatment for "naive" patients?