interfuron

Question

If interfuron was such a good drug to fight Hep-C why are they trying to find so many alteraitives?

ahavs0308 · Accepted Answer

Interferon has been the 'best' option the last 30 years to combat Hep C. The main reason (IMO) they are seeking new treatments is because all of the side effects that come along with the interferon. Generally(In my experience) a lot of people are mid-age that find out they have Hep C and the interferon can be very hard on their bodies. 

I did 6months of the interferon and it wasn't too bad. But I was also young and healthy still. The new drugs are mostly oral (Or in conjunction with the interferon) and they have minimal side effects in comparison to the interferon. And the cure rates seem to be pretty promising. They are giving those with Genotype 1 more hope than before, and a shorter course of treatment that isn't as hard on the body.

Advocate1955 · Answer

As others have said, Interferon has some very difficult side effects that either prevent some individuals from treating, cause them to discontinue treatment too soon, or scare them from trying to treat.  Additionally, some people do not respond to interferon.  My husband is one of those people.  He has treated 3 times with different interferon based treatments, all of which failed.  We don't know if that is because of a resistant strain of Hep C virus, or his genetics, or both, but he probably won't be able to do another interferon based treatment.
Glad to hear that interferon and riba worked for you and you are SVR.  Great news!
Advocate1955

mopar1 · Answer

Thank you this place has always been good with keeping up with things

mopar1 · Answer

Thank You for your reply just trying to keep up with all the new drugs iust brought more questions Thanks

orphanedhawk · Answer

Until recently, interferon has been the only known way to get rid of the virus.
I lost my liver to hep C and almost lost my life. Interferon killed the virus.
Although it saved me, there is no question that it is a difficult strong drug and better treatment with less potential side effects will mean more people getting treated and having an easier time of it.

can-do-man · Answer

That's understandable, any time one has to take harsh drugs over a long period of time the risk can be there. I will say while some do have problems post treatment for as long I have been here the majority seems not to. Glad to hear you are now SVR. And I thought doing 134 weeks over a four year period was a lot. But back then it was are only option.

There is a forum that does have people that seem to have post treatment issues you might want to check out... I'd like to add I am now four years post treatment and SVR and so far so good. Hang in there.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Hepatitis-C-Post-Treatment-Issues/show/1670

mopar1 · Answer

thanks for your reply I did over 10 years of treatment untill svr in 2000
I wonder of the long term side effects

mopar1 · Answer

I did 3 6mo treatment and then 1mil units 3x week for almost 9 years untill rebatrol? combo ddid the job I always wonder what the long term side effects of this long treatment.

can-do-man · Answer

Past treatment for genotype 1's with SOC (Interferon and Riba) had a cure rate of around 38%, even lower in cirrhotics. Now with newer drugs that keep coming out we are in the 90% cure rate.

interfuron

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