What is interferon alfa-2b used for?
Interferon alfa-2b is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. Interferon alfa-2b works to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) by decreasing the amount virus in the body.
What is the drug interferon?
Interferons are man-made versions of proteins your body makes. These drugs work with your immune system to help it find and attack viruses and cancer. They can stop virus and cancer cells from growing and spreading, and prevent other cells from getting infected.
Who makes interferon?
Two drug companies manufacture pegylated interferon. Roche Products Ltd make Pegasys (interferon alpha 2A) and MSD make PegIntron (interferon alpha 2B).
Where is interferon injected?
This medication is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin as directed by your doctor. Rotate the injection site each time you inject this medication to prevent soreness. It may also be given by injection into a vein or directly into a lesion, usually by a health care professional.
Is interferon a medicine?
This medication is used to treat various cancers (e.g., leukemia, melanoma, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma). It is also used to treat virus infections (e.g., chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, condylomata acuminata). This medication is the same as a protein that your body naturally produces (interferon).
How does interferon act against viruses?
Interferon is secreted by cells in response to stimulation by a virus or other foreign substance, but it does not directly inhibit the virus’s multiplication. Rather, it stimulates the infected cells and those nearby to produce proteins that prevent the virus from replicating within them.
Is interferon used for Covid?
Interferon beta has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Laboratory studies have shown that the normal type 1 interferon response is suppressed after infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
What is another name for interferon?
Interferon alpha is the generic name for the trade name drugs Intron® A, Roferon®-A. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade names Intron® A, Roferon®-A or other names such as IFN-alpha and alpha interferon when referring to the generic drug name interferon alfa.
What stimulates interferon production?
Abstract. Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by a variety of cells in the inflammatory response to infections. Their production is triggered by the immune system in response to pathogens or cytokines.