The body’s immune system naturally produces proteins called interferons to help fight viral infections.1 This treatment involves injections of either pegylated interferon alfa, which is given just once weekly, or standard interferon alfa (IFN-a), which must be given three times a week.2,3 It has a direct effect against the virus but also boosts the activity of your own immune system.1
The main advantages of these treatments are that the virus cannot adapt to the medication, making it less effective (unlike with other drugs), and that the treatment is taken for a fixed period of time. In addition, although interferon treatment clears the virus in only a minority of patients, it is more likely to lead to long-term viral control over the condition than alternative drugs. Certain aspects of the disease are more likely to respond well to interferon treatment than others, and your doctor may discuss this with you.4
The disadvantages of treatment with interferon include the need for injections and frequent side effects.1