Uses of undefined

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B is indicated for the treatment of Chronic hepatitis C infection in patients above 18 years of age with compensated liver disease.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B injection is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under your skin). If this drug is recommended for you, it will be given by a doctor. Do not self-administer. The recommended dose is 1.5 micrograms/kg/week. Your doctor will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the condition because it differs from person to person.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

This Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B is contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity reactions. This medicine may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medicine should not be used in patients with decompensated liver disease. It is a serious condition where the liver is severely damaged and is no longer able to function properly, so it is highly advised to avoid taking this medicine.

Precautions

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min, as this indicates moderate to severe impairment of renal function. This can lead to slower clearance of the medication, which may increase the risk of toxicity and adverse effects. The dosage of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B should be reduced in these patients, and they should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity, such as fatigue, depression, or decreased white blood cell count. Therefore, the dose should be adjusted accordingly in patients with renal impairment. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. As this drug may cause harm to an unborn baby, it is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and one week after the last dose of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment, as this drug can impact the growth and development of the baby by passing into the breast milk.

Side Effects

The common side effects of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B  are headache, hair loss, muscle pain, insomnia, eye irritation, weight loss and loss of appetite. Other serious side effects include low or high BP, increased heart rate and depression. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.

Word Of Advice

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B can make you feel dizzy and weak. Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness, confusion, or tiredness while on treatment with this drug. This drug may affect liver function and blood cell counts, and regular monitoring is necessary to ensure that the medication is not causing any harm. This medicine can reduce the body's immune response, which may increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to avoid contact with people who are sick and it is advised to practice good hand hygiene. It is advised to keep the injection out of reach of children and pets. If medication is no longer needed or has expired, it should be disposed of properly and not kept in the household trash.

Frequently Asked Question

• Why is PEG added to interferon?
• By adding PEG, interferon alpha-2b has a longer half-life, meaning that it remains in the body for a longer period of time before being cleared. Also, it can reduce the immune response to the drug,  by decreasing the likelihood of adverse reactions.

• Can Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B be used in combination with other drugs?
• Yes, it is used in combination with the antiviral drug ribavirin. This combination therapy has been shown to be more effective in achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) than using Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B alone. 

• Does Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B cause hair loss?
• Thinning or loss of your hair will usually start within two to four weeks of your first dose of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B. You may also have thinning or loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, and other body hair. Consult your doctor if you have excessive hair loss. 

• What are the contraindications to Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B?
• This Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B is contraindicated in patients with decompensated liver disease. It is a serious condition where the liver is severely damaged and is no longer able to function properly, so it is highly advised to avoid taking this medicine.

• Which condition is treated by Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B?
• Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B is often used in combination with other antiviral medications to treat chronic hepatitis B and C infections.

• Does Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B weaken the immune system?
• No, Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B does not weaken the immune system, but rather helps it to work more efficiently against the virus.