What to Expect

No one can predict how hepatitis C will progress within each individual person. We also cannot predict how each patient will respond to hepatitis C therapy. However, there are some general guidelines we can offer about what to expect as a caregiver for a hepatitis C patient.

What side effects are most common?

Almost everyone who undergoes treatment experiences some side effects. There's no way to predict how you'll react to treatment, as side effects can vary from person to person. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of hepatitis C treatment and ways of managing side effects.

Physical effects of treatment:

The most common physical effects of treatment are flu-like symptoms. Your friend may experience fatigue, fever, muscle pains, general body aches, chills, and nausea. Other physical effects are:

• A metallic taste in the mouth. Food may taste different.
• Mild hair thinning and dry, itchy skin.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• A slowing of bone marrow production, used to help the body fight infection. If the doctor notices this, he or she may reduce the interferon dose, or give your friend a brief break from it.
• Serious birth defects, or even death to an unborn child. If your friend is female, she should not begin treatment if she is pregnant, and she should not become pregnant during treatment and for six months after treatment ends. If your friend is male, he should not impregnate his partner during treatment or for six months after treatment ends.
• Serious liver damage if your friend drinks alcohol during treatment.

While your loved one is taking PEG-INTRON® (Peginterferon alfa-2b) Powder for Injection, you should call their doctor immediately if they develop any of these symptoms: new or worsening mental health problems such as thoughts about hurting or killing themselves or others, trouble breathing, chest pain, severe stomach or lower back pain, bloody diarrhea or bloody bowel movements, high fever, bruising, bleeding, or decreased vision.

Emotional effects of treatment:

Your friend's emotional well-being is important to getting through treatment and regaining his or her health. If your friend experiences any of the emotional side effects listed below, contact your friend's health care provider. You may want to hear other patients talk about the support they have received from their family and friends. Common side effects include:

• Depression. People suffering from depression eat or sleep much more or much less than usual, or gain or lose a lot of weight. Some people feel overwhelmingly tired. Depression can be very serious. Some find themselves thinking about death. If your friend experiences new or worsening mental health problems, their doctor should be contacted immediately.
• Impatience.
• Restlessness.
• Inability to relax.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Lack of enjoyment of things or activities he or she once enjoyed.

Be In Charge Provides Help for Caregivers Too. You can turn to The Be In Charge® Program for a vast amount of additional information and support as you manage your hepatitis C treatment. Sign up now for this tremendous support tool.

These issues will spring up during certain phases of your friend's treatment. For tips on what to expect during each phase, click on the links below.

To get started, please choose one of the following:   I have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, but haven't started treatment yet I am on treatment for hepatitis C     * Note: If you or someone you know may be at risk for hepatitis C, please visit www.peg-intron.com See Instructions   Select one of the choices above and click "Next"

What features would you like to see online in the future? Interactive Diary Therapy Calendar (that allows you to schedule and record your appointments) Newsletters archive Access the Be In Charge Directory, that is, to people who have completed treatment Your local weather information