Table 2. Absolute and Relative Contraindications for Treatment of Hepatitis C²

Absolute Contraindications^*	Relative Contraindications^{^†}
Major uncontrolled depressive illness^{^‡}	Failed prior treatment (nonresponders and relapsers)
Untreated thyroid disease^{^‡}	Current users of illicit drugs or alcohol who are willing to participate in a substance abuse program or alcohol support program
Solid-organ transplant (renal, heart, or lung)	Evidence of either no or mild fibrosis on liver biopsy
Autoimmune hepatitis or other autoimmune condition known to be exacerbated by peginterferon and ribavirin	Acute hepatitis C
Pregnant or unwilling to comply with adequate contraception	Coinfection with HIV
Severe concurrent medical disease such as severe hypertension, heart failure, significant coronary heart disease, poorly controlled diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease	Younger than 18 years of age
Age <2 years	Chronic renal disease (either requiring or not requiring hemodialysis)
Known hypersensitivity to drugs used to treat hepatitis C virus	Decompensated cirrhosis
	Liver transplant recipients

↵* Therapy is currently contraindicated.
↵† Therapy should be individualized.
↵‡ Treatment may be considered after depression and thyroid disease are medically stable.
HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus.