side affects of interferon

Is Interferon used to arrest Hep C.? If so is it successful and what are the side affects.  If it is arrested does that stop the progression?

[illo]

To my understanding, and anyone correct me if I'm wrong, everyone has natural Interferon in their bodies.  Interferon is supposed to stop the replication of  viruses.  Some people don't make enough to do this naturally then HCV becomes chronic.  Ribavirin, on the other hand, stops RNA replication, where the virus hides out in the blood cells. HCV is a strand of RNA virus.  They both do different things.  Hope I said this correctly and succinctly

[andiamo]

Interferon is used in combination with Ribaviron and in experimental trials with protease inhibitors.  In combination with Riba, about 50% achieve a sustained response and the virus is eliminated.

It has severe side effects in some people, but not all.  You can find lots of information about the standard treatment (interferon and riba) by searching google.  Also, many people here will be glad to share their experience with you.

I have severe emotional side effects that include insomnia, irratibility and some bouts of depression that come and go.  I can deal with it though and so can most people.

[GrandmaA]

Nausea is one of the side effects of Ribavirin. You have to take it with fat. I have 10 almonds in the morning after my cereal and I have ice cream at night after dinner.

The older you get the less natural interferon your body makes.