- Inhibits viral replication in virus infected cells
- Dose: 3 MU SQ three times per week for 6-12 months
- Sustained response in 10-30% of cases
- Improved response rates with:
- Low levels of Viremia
- Absence of Cirrhosis
- Absence of Hepatitis CGenotype Ib
- Early response to Interferon
- Low total body iron
- Synergistic effect when combined with Ribavirin
- Transient Flu-like symptoms (>50%)
- Initial: Decreased cell lines
- Decreased Granulocytes
- Thrombocytopenia
- Later
- Fatigue
- Major Depression
- Alopecia
- Rash
- Retinal Hemorrhages
- Autoimmune Thyroid disease
- Initial flu-like symptoms
-
Hemolytic Anemia
- Decrease dosage or discontinue Interferon
- Discontinue Interferon criteria
- Liver Function Tests not normalized by 12 weeks