When Is Treatment Not Indicated?

Patients with chronic hepatitis B or C, with fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding from dilated veins in the esophagus (variceal bleeding), or mental confusion (encephalopathy) should be treated only in a clinical trial.

Others not suitable for treatment are those with symptomatic heart, lung or kidney disease, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or organ transplant recipients on prednisone, cyclosporine and FK-506 and patients on antidepressants or with a history of suicide attempts.

Interferon should not be given to women considering pregnancy, nor to the intended father. Patients with active substance abuse (alcohol or illegal drugs) should not be offered this therapy.