The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of induction dose PEG-Intron in combination with Rebetol will enhance the elimination of Hepatitis C in treatment naïve patients with genotype 1 and 4.~Currently PEG-Interferon alfa-2b plus Ribavirin results in a sustained response in 54-61% of patients with Hepatitis C. Those with genotype 1and 4 and high viral loads are the most likely to have a less favorable response. The administration of induction dose interferon in combination with Ribavirin may yield an improved sustained response rate in these more difficult to treat patients with chronic Hepatitis C.
The purpose of this study is to see which of two doses of PEG (polyethylene glycol) interferon alfa-2b in combination with Ribavirin for 48 weeks is more effective at elimination of hepatitis C.~The primary objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of Induction PEG-Interferon alfa-2b (PEG-Intron) and Ribavirin (Rebetol) to standard PEG-Interferon alfa-2b (PEG-Intron) and Ribavirin (Rebetol) in patients with chronic hepatitis C.