Is it true that the treatment for hepatitis C is worse than the disease?

As with any medical treatment the potential benefits must be weighed against the existence of side-effects.  This is an important ongoing conversation that you must have with your doctor.

Side Effects of Interferon.  

Most persons on Interferon have flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, fast heart rate) early in treatment, but these lessen with continued treatment, and can be reduced by taking acetaminophen before treatment.

Later side effects of Interferon may include

• tiredness
• hair loss
• low blood count
• trouble with thinking
• moodiness
• depression

Severe side effects of Interferon are rare (seen in less than 2 out of 100 persons). These include

• thyroid disease
• depression with suicidal thoughts
• seizures
• acute heart or kidney failure
• eye and lung problems
• hearing loss
• blood infection

An important side effect of interferon is worsening of liver disease with treatment, which can be severe and even fatal.  

Deaths have occurred (although rarely) due to liver failure or blood infection, mostly in persons with cirrhosis.  Interferon dosage must be reduced in up to 40 out of 100 persons because of severity of side effects, and treatment must be stopped in up to 15 out of 100 persons. Pregnant women should not be treated with interferon. Some side effects may be reduced by giving interferon at night or lowering the dosage of the drug.

Side Effects of Ribavirin

People on ribavirin can have serious anemia (low red blood cell count) which can be a serious problem for persons with conditions that cause anemia, such as kidney failure. In these persons, combination therapy should be avoided or attempts should be made to correct the anemia. Anemia caused by ribavirin can be life-threatening for persons with certain types of heart or blood vessel disease. Ribavirin causes birth defects and pregnancy should be avoided during treatment. Patients and their healthcare providers should carefully review the product manufacturer information prior to treatment.