This treatment is expensive, and most patients experience side effects of flu-like symptoms. However, these symptoms are reported to diminish with continued treatments until later in treatment, when fatigue, bone marrow suppression, and neuropsychiatric effects including apathy, irritability, depression, and cognitive changes have been noted. In some patients, side effects from alpha interferon can be severe, requiring dosage adjustments or cessation of therapy altogether. Combination therapy with alpha interferon and ribavirin has been approved by the FDA for treatment of chronic HCV infection in certain patients. Certain types of the virus, particularly genotype 1, are unfortunately less responsive to alpha interferon and to combination therapy.
Ribavirin can also produce significant side effects, including severe hemolytic anemia.
Ribavirin is also teratogenic, so patients must avoid becoming pregnant while on therapy. 1 Nurses must realize that the presence of detected antibodies to HCV indicates the presence of HCV infection. Standard precautions are necessary for all patients and are the appropriate form of protection when caring for patients HCV infection. A thorough patient history is important in identifying risk factors for viral hepatitis. Identify the patient's medications and alcohol or drug intake.