Serious Side Effects of Combination Therapy for Hepatitis C

A few of the rare, but serious, side effects that may occur with combination therapy for hepatitis C include violent behavior, severe depression, and thoughts of hurting yourself or other people. Vision changes may also occur in some people on this therapy.

There are some serious side effects that can occur while you are on combination therapy for
 hepatitis C. These side effects are less common than some of the milder side effects, but they can be very serious.
 
These serious side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Severe depression
  • Aggressive or violent behavior
  • Hallucinations
  • Suicidal thoughts and attempted or successful suicide
  • Thoughts of hurting other people.
     
These severe side effects are rare, and happen in less than 1 percent of all people taking the therapy.
 
It is also possible to experience changes in your vision while taking peginterferon and ribavirin. You should be sure not to drive if you feel uncomfortable with your vision level.
 
It is important to let your healthcare provider know immediately if you begin to have any of these serious side effects. You may need to have your level of medicine changed or completely stop the treatment.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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