Masood Siddiq.
Spectrum of Side Effects of Combination Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C.
J Rawal Med Coll Jan ;5(2):68-2.

Background: To assess the spectrum of side effects of combination therapy (interferon and ribavirin) in HCV infection patients for better understanding and successful management of such cases in future. Methods: This study was conducted in Medicine Department of MH Rawalpindi on 51 non-cirrhotic HCV patients who were administered combination therapy. The patients were interviewed for various side effects experienced. Monitoring for anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia was done regularly while thyroid function tests were done if clinical examination so demanded. Results: The mean age of patients was 34 years with 65% males and 35% females. Severe adverse events for interferon were suicidal ideation and hyperthyroidism. Pruritis and anaemia were the main effects noted for ribavirin. The most frequent side effects for interferon were fever (88.23%), myalgias (45.9%), arthralgias (39.21%), fatigue (37.25%0, depression (50.98%), insomnia (45.5%), mild alopecia (56.86%0) and anorexia (33.33%) where as for ribavirin, pruritis (39.21%4), pharyngitis (39.2%) and dyspnoea (33.33%) were the most frequent effects noted. Rare side effects were hyperthyroidism, suicidal ideation (though both were also severe) besides tinnitus and erythema at injection site for interferon. Nausea and nasal congestion were rare side effects of ribavirin. Conclusion: The quality of life of patients was not good during treatment due to adverse effects but improved thereafter. After treatment almost all side effects disappeared. Close monitoring during treatment could prevent lot of physical and mental harm to the patient.

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