This is a big subject, and only covered very briefly here. More detail is available elsewhere on this site. Both Interferon and Ribavirin are very powerful drugs, and their use involves a variety of side effects which vary greatly in number and severity from patient to patient. Some fortunate patients experience very few side effects, and sail through treatment without problems. Others struggle, and in severe cases are unable to tolerate treatment and have to stop, usually without reaching a successful conclusion. There is no method of predicting the amount or severity of side effects for an individual patient prior to treatment.

Common side effects are:- Flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, joint pains, muscular pains, headaches, nausea, fatigue, mood/behavioral problems, depression, anemia (low red cell count), low white cell count, susceptability to infections, loss of libido.

Less common side effects are:- Shortness of breath, blurred vision, diarrhea, psoriasis, thyroid problems, heart problems, anorexia, abdominal pain, jaundice, rashes and skin problems, hair loss, sleep problems.

It should be stressed that the great majority of patients do not suffer severe side effects, but all the above (and more) have been attributed to this treatment.