Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for the treatment of mild chronic hepatitis C

  • Technology appraisal guidance
  • TA106
  • Published: 
  • Last updated: 
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1 Recommendations

This guidance relates to mild chronic hepatitis C and is an extension of NICE's technology appraisal guidance on interferon alfa (pegylated and non-pegylated) and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (TA75). For people with moderate or severe disease, the guidance in TA75 still stands.

1.1

Combination therapy, comprising peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin or peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, is recommended, within the licensed indications of these drugs, for the treatment of mild chronic hepatitis C.

1.2

Monotherapy with peginterferon alfa-2a or peginterferon alfa-2b is recommended, within the licensed indications of these drugs, for the treatment of mild chronic hepatitis C for people who are unable to tolerate ribavirin, or for whom ribavirin is contraindicated.

1.3

The decision on whether a person with mild chronic hepatitis C should be treated immediately or should wait until the disease has reached a moderate stage ('watchful waiting') should be made by the person after fully informed consultation with the responsible clinician. The decision to treat need not depend on a liver biopsy to determine the stage of the disease if treatment is initiated immediately. However, a biopsy may be recommended by the clinician for other reasons or if a strategy of watchful waiting is chosen.