Interferon boosts the immune system to attack liver cells infected with hepatitis C virus
and inhibits viral replication.
Ribavirin has a broad-spectrum of antiviral activity
and inhibits replication and infectivity of the virus.
There can be many side effects associated with interferon, some of which include flu-like symptoms, nausea, depression, injection site reactions and lowering of certain blood counts. Ribavirin can cause anemia, fatigue, headache and skin rash.