Most people with Hep C in the US have genotype 1. Some people have genotype 2 or 3. Genotype 1 is harder to treat than genotypes 2 or 3. The usual treatment for Hep C has been a combination of the drugs interferon and ribavirin. Interferon has to be injected under the skin three times a week, and ribavirin is a pill taken twice a day.
Ribavirin can cause severe birth defects.
Women should not use it for at least six months before they become pregnant, or during pregnancy. Men should not use ribavirin for at least six months before they get a woman pregnant. Pegylated interferon stays in the blood longer. Only one injection is needed each week. Pegylated interferon seems to be stronger than the original form.