| Hep C Continued Interferon Interferon is a protien naturally produced in our bodies to fight viruses. The medication alpha interferon is a synthetic reproduction used to try to arrest or stop HCV from causing any more damage to the liver. It cannot repair the damage already done nor does it cure HCV. In the past year they have started treatments of a combination of interferon and ribivirin in those patients where interferon alone has not done any good. They are having nominal success with this treatment combination but... it is still not a cure and treatment is still at a high monetary cost. Side effects of Interferon: Flu - like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches) fatigue depression loss of appetitie nausea/vomiting/diarrhea thinning hair/dry itchy skin Interferon is not recommended for everybody diagnosed with HCV or Hepatitis B, it is recommended for people who have had the virus for longer than six months or whose liver enzymes (AST & ALT) greater than twice normal . Treatments are self-injections (like diabetics use ) but only 3 times a week and last (for HCV) twelve months IF a person is responding to the treatment; if they are not the treat ment is stopped. That's all the info I have for now. I update when I do hear of anything new. If you want more information check www.hepnet.com or contact the American Liver Foundation. Update on info: Doctor's are now saying that there is a less than 6% chance Hep C can be sexually transmitted... still wise to use protection. |