These patients might have a better response if treated longer. Yes, patients who are successfully treated have a much better prognosis than untreated patients or patients who fail therapy. The risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer, the need for liver transplant and death from liver disease is much lower in successfully treated patients. Patients have been followed for 13 years with no return of the virus and excellent health. Yes, nearly all patients have side effects including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and joint pains.
Ribavirin causes anemia.
Rare deaths from treatment have been reported. A standard course of treatment lasts 48 weeks. Interferon injections are self-administered either daily or three times per week. Ribavirin is taken by mouth twice per day. Yes if a patient has severe side effects or if their red blood cell count, white blood cell count or platelet count fall excessively they will have their dose reduced or stopped as indicated by the clinical situation.