TLDR Interferon and ribavirin can cause serious skin reactions and other health issues.
The review discussed adverse cutaneous drug reactions associated with interferon and ribavirin, used for chronic hepatitis C treatment. It highlighted various skin-related side effects, including eczema-like lesions, cutaneous necrosis, psoriasis exacerbation, alopecia areata, and vitiligo, as well as severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, it reported conditions such as lichen aureus, Grover’s disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, and others, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary assessment and monitoring for dermatologic side effects during therapy.
41 citations
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August 2007 in “European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology” A woman's total hair loss from hepatitis C treatment grew back after stopping the medication.
14 citations
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January 2006 in “Skinmed” A woman developed white patches on her skin and curly hair after hepatitis C treatment, likely due to the medication interferon alpha.
26 citations
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June 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Some patients receiving pegylated interferon alfa injections developed skin necrosis, requiring treatment adjustments or discontinuation.
27 citations
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April 2005 in “Journal of Chemotherapy” Some patients may experience temporary total hair loss from hepatitis C treatment with PEG-interferon and ribavirin.
60 citations
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September 2004 in “Pediatric Dermatology” A girl developed vitiligo and psoriasis after hepatitis B treatment, and stopping the treatment didn't help.
16 citations
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August 2002 in “Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research” A man developed excessive hair growth after treatment with interferon-alpha and ribavirin for hepatitis C.
35 citations
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January 2002 in “Dermatology” A woman's hair loss during treatment with specific hepatitis C drugs grew back after stopping the medication.
9 citations
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November 2012 in “Hepatology Research” A man lost all his hair permanently after hepatitis C treatment, a side effect not seen before.
6 citations
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October 2016 in “Journal of Chemotherapy” A man lost all his hair as a rare side effect after hepatitis C treatment.
3 citations
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March 2014 in “Annals of Hepatology” A man lost all his hair after stopping hepatitis C treatment and it didn't grow back.
January 2011 in “Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology” A woman's psoriasis improved after hepatitis C treatment with interferon, despite interferon's risk of worsening skin conditions.
September 2017 in “Journal of Dermatology & Cosmetology” Hepatitis C treatment may cause frontal fibrosing alopecia.
