What is pegylated interferon?

Pegylated interferon is an interferon molecule with polyethylene glycol (PEG) attached to it. Adding PEG to the interferon molecule allows interferon to slowly release to the body, thus extending its action. While Interferon itself requires a dosage three times a week, pegylated interferon requires a dosage only once a week.

Interferon is a protein made by the body. When an infection is present, the body increases the production of interferon to combat invasive virus or bacteria. In some diseases such as hepatitis, interferon injection increases the body's ability to fight infection. Interferon does not attack the virus directly. Rather, it helps the immune system of the body to fight against a foreign organism, prevent the virus from reproduction, eliminate infected cells and prevent infecting healthy cells. Interferon does not respond with PEG and PEG does not change interferon efficiency. Pegylated interferon is used to treat acute and chronic infection of hepatitis C. Usually combinedwith Ribavirin. Dosage once a week provides a permanent response. Pegylated interferon has been shown to be more effective against hepatitis C virus compared to non -free interferon.

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pegylated interferon is associated with a number of side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are symptoms similar to influenza, such as fever, chills and muscle pain. Other common side effects include nausea and vomiting, headache, irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite and fluctuating blood sugar that could lead to diabetes. Skin rashes and dry and itchy skin are also common side effects.

Serious side effects were reported in conjunction with pegylated interferon therapy. These side effects are depression, mental confusion, infections and problems with blood pressure, heart, liver, lungs, immune system, thyroid and eyes. Rarely the suicide between the people whoThey were given pegylated interferon therapy.

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pegylated interferon was also associated with a decrease in neutrophils, a type of white blood cells and plates that help to clot blood. These serious side effects may require a dose reduction. Most side effects disappear when this therapy ends.

Although pegylated interferon plus ribavirin is an effective treatment of hepatitis C, pegylated interferon does not have the same effect on each person. The effectiveness of treatment depends on a particular strain of hepatitis C virus. In addition, treatment is less effective in African Americans than in people of other ethnicities.