Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver that often becomes chronic. Pegylated interferon and ribavirin are considered the standard treatments for this infection. These prescription drugs have numerous side effects and patients must be alert for these adverse effects. While most adverse effects are mild, some are potentially life-threatening. The HCV Advocate explains that all side effects should be reported to a physician as soon as they are recognized.
Anemia
The HCV Advocate estimates that up to 22 percent of people undergoing hepatitis C treatment become anemic due to hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough red blood cells due to their rapid destruction. Symptoms of anemia include excessive tiredness, difficulty breathing, inability to tolerate exercise, pale skin and nail beds, cold hands and feet, dizziness upon standing, chills and chest pain. If untreated, it can lead to yellowed skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, cola-colored urine and heart attack. Medication is available to help offset hemolytic anemia during and after treatment for hepatitis C.
Suicidal Thoughts
The individual taking medicine for hepatitis C may develop suicidal thoughts or behavior. Family members and friends should be alert for these symptoms. It is also possible to become agitated, psychotic or manic during this time. These conditions can lead to risky behavior that is injurious to the patient or others. Antidepressants or other psychiatric drugs are sometimes prescribed to help manage the psychiatric side effects of hepatitis C treatment.
Neutropenia
Neutropenia, another potential danger of hepatitis C treatment, is a condition in which the level of a type of white blood cell falls too low for safety. These white blood cells help protect the body from infection. Rarely, a life-threatening infection will result. Patients with low neutrophil counts are encouraged to avoid situations in which infection is likely. Infections of the blood, kidney, lungs, bone, heart or other tissue are possible. Symptoms of infection include fever, fatigue, pain, inflammation, cough and unusual discharge. When severe neutropenia occurs, physicians may reduce the dosage of hepatitis C medication or add a new medication to boost the immune system.
Cardiac Arrest
The "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide" reports that the heart may stop pumping as a result of ribavirin use. This adverse effect is uncommon, but potentially lethal. Cardiac arrest requires emergency treatment for survival.
Apnea
Ribavirin may cause a cessation of breathing, called apnea. This may be a temporary condition, lasting for only a few seconds, or it may require emergency management. Ribavirin can also cause a less-severe deterioration in respiratory function, especially in patients susceptible to breathing difficulties.
Other Dangers
Pegylated interferon and ribavirin may cause other serious adverse effects, including severe pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, numbness and loss of balance. Careful self-monitoring and reporting of physical, mental and emotional changes can help prevent side effects from becoming serious.
References
- “2010 Lippincott’s Nursing Drug Guide”; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
- HCV Advocate: A Guide to Hepatitis C Treatment Side Effect Management
- Cleveland Clinic: Treatment of Uncomplicated Chronic HCV Infection
- Drugs.com: Pegasys Consumer Information
- Drugs.com: Ribavirin Prescribing Information
