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Managing the Side Effects of Therapy

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Chronic Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract

The cornerstone of hepatitis C antiviral therapy is subcutaneously injected pegylated interferon α and oral ribavirin. Interferon is well noted for multiple side effects that negatively influence physical well-being and mental health. Almost all patients experience fatigue and anorexia. Most patients report mood volatility and some degree of depressive symptoms. Approximately 5–10% develop clinical depression. Ribavirin contributes additional side effects including fatigue, rash, cough, and hemolytic anemia. Life-threatening and fatal treatment-related toxicities occurring with hepatitis C therapy are well recognized but rare. These can be avoided by careful, frequent monitoring while on treatment and aggressive measures to manage these complications before they progress. Side effects may necessitate medication dose reduction, and in some cases, mandate premature treatment interruption. However, most treatment-related complications can be managed by interventions, including pharmaceutical remedies, directed to the specific side effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, G12-501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L6

    Curtis Cooper MD, FRCPC

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  1. Curtis Cooper MD, FRCPC
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Correspondence to Curtis Cooper MD, FRCPC .

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  1. Bon Secours Health System, Liver Institute of Virginia, McManus Blvd., Suite 313 12720, Newport News, 23602, Virginia, USA

    Mitchell L. Shiffman

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Cooper, C. (2012). Managing the Side Effects of Therapy. In: Shiffman, M. (eds) Chronic Hepatitis C Virus. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1192-5_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1192-5_14

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