Patients with chronic hepatitis B or C, with fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding from dilated veins in the esophagus (variceal bleeding), mental confusion (encephalopathy), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or organ transplant recipients on prednisone, cyclosporine and FK-506 are usually treated only in a clinical trial. Others not suitable for treatment are those with symptomatic heart, lung or kidney disease, and patients on antidepressants or with a history of attempted suicide. Interferon should not be given to women considering pregnancy within six months after treatment, nor to the intended father. It is feared that patients with active substance abuse (alcohol or illegal drugs) may not comply with treatment.
