| [ Summary ] |
Recently, several reports have investigated the side effects of interferon (IFN) therapy on chronic hepatitis C patients. Chronic hepatitis C patients were always treated with 3 to 10 MIU a day of IFN-alpha, which was administrated for 16 to 24 weeks. Almost all patients had fevers, and other flu-like symptoms. Some patients had thyroid function abnormalities, interstitial pneumonia, glucose intolerance, psychiatric complications, interferon-associated retinopathy, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disorders. These side effects were mild in almost all patients, but many patients needed some medication to counteract side effects and complications. A few of the patients discontinued IFN treatment because of the side effects. So we must in form patients about possible side effects before starting IFN therapy and attend to patients' complications. Furthermore, careful follow ups allow IFN treatment to be continued. |