text: Interferon and ribavirin are two drugs licensed for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C.  \nIn therapeutic doses, interferon can be hard to tolerate because of the side-effects, with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headache and aches and, less regularly, low thyroid activity, arthritis, low platelet count and depression which can attain suicidal proportions. The most common side effects with ribavirin include Black, tarry stools;  bleeding gums;  blood in urine or stools;  chest pain ;  cough or hoarseness;  difficult or labored breathing;  fever or chills;  lower back or side pain;  painful or difficult urination;  pale skin;  pinpoint red spots on skin;  shortness of breath;  sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth;  tightness in chest;  troubled breathing with exertion ;  unusual bleeding or bruising;  unusual tiredness or weakness;  wheezing.  The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:\nMore common \nAcid or sour stomach;  belching;  discouragement;  dizziness;  feeling sad or empty;  feeling unusually cold;  heartburn;  indigestion ;  irritability;  itching skin;  lack of appetite;  loss of interest or pleasure;  lack or loss of strength ;  shivering;  stomach discomfort, upset, or pain;  tiredness;  trouble concentrating;  trouble sleeping  \nLess common \nChange in taste;  cough;  crying;  depersonalization;  difficulty in moving;  dysphoria;  euphoria;  fatigue;  fever;  gastrointestinal effects;  headache;  insomnia;  joint pain;  mental depression;  muscle aching or cramping;  muscle pains or stiffness ;  nervousness;  pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones;  paranoia;  quick to react or overreact emotionally;  rapidly changing moods;  rash;  shortness of breath;  stuffy or runny nose;  swollen joints;  vomiting  \nRare \nItching, redness, or swelling of eyes;  skin rash or irritation