If the virus level is very low, or undetectable, it is much less likely that the HCV infection will cause illness. The standard treatment for hepatitis C is alpha-interferon which is given by injection. Rare cases of severe depression leading to suicide have been reported. Side effects can lessen over time, as the body gets used to the treatment. Another drug used to treat hepatitic C is ribavirin, which is a pill.
Ribavirin has fewer side effects than alpha-interferon.
The most common side effect is low red blood cells, a condition called anemia. Symptoms of anemia are tiredness and dizziness. If anemia does occur, the dose of ribavirin can be reduced. Treatment with ribavirin can help lower HCV levels, but they go right back up when treatment is stopped. Recent studies have shown better results when alpha-interferon is combined with ribavirin.