March 28, 2008

SAVANNAH, Ga.---Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, has canceled several tour dates to continue treatments for hepatitis C.

The 60-year old Allman began treatments with interferon six months ago. That involves taking a weekly injection of interferon, along with anti-viral tablets. The medication battles hepatitis C but has side effects that can cause nausea and exhaustion.

Hepatitis C is not spread by sexual contract, but by other causes.
Those infected include drug users who share needles. People who received blood tranfusions before potential donors were closely screened may also contract the disease. Sometimes shared tattoo needles can lead to the disease too.

Allman is resting at his home in Savannah. He said he's getting better but is still very tired. He was a notorious substance abuser for several years, but has been clean since the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

If untreated, hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer, liver failure or cirrhosis.
The common treatment course is usually 24 or 48 weeks.

Many of those infected with the virus have no symptoms.

If you would like more information about hepatitis C, visit the web site linked below.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.