What is the difference between peginterferon alfa 2a and 2b?
The main difference between these two pegylated interferons is in the dosing. Alfa-2a is used as a fixed weekly dose. Alfa-2b is used as a weekly dose based on the weight of the patient. There are other differences between the two drugs, but they are mostly technical and are used by the prescribing physician.
Does interferon cause liver damage?
Interferon beta is a well known cause of mild hepatic injury that occasionally can lead to severe liver injury with jaundice.
Is peginterferon the same as interferon?
Overview. Pegylated interferon, usually called peginterferon, is a chemically modified form of the standard interferon that treats hepatitis C and rarely hepatitis B. The difference between interferon and peginterferon is the PEG, which stands for a molecule called polyethylene glycol.
How does interferon alfa 2a work?
This medication is the same as a protein that your body naturally produces (interferon). In the body, it is thought to work by affecting cell function/growth and the body’s natural defenses (immune system) in many ways. Adding more interferon may help your body fight off cancer or virus infections.
What does peginterferon alfa-2a do?
Peginterferon alfa-2a is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage.
How does interferon alfa-2a work?
What is interferon alfa-2a used for?
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).
Is Pegasys chemotherapy?
IFN-alpha2a has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of hepatitis C and is commercially available. However the use of IFN-alpha2a in this study is investigational. The commercial prepartion of IFN-alpha2a(Pegasys) will be used in this study….Pegasys® in Patients With Myeloproliferative Diseases.
| Last Update Posted: | November 19, 2021 |
| Last Verified: | November 2021 |
Can Pegasys cause liver damage?
PEGASYS can cause serious side effects including: blood problems, thyroid problems, blood sugar problems, serious eye problems, serious liver problems, worsening of liver problems including liver failure and death, lung problems, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the intestines, serious allergic reactions …
Is peginterferon an immunosuppressant?
Yes, Plegridy is an immunosuppressant because it affects how the immune system works. It is thought to work by stopping the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath.
Can peginterferon alfa-2a cause dizziness?
Peginterferon alfa-2a used together with ribavirin may affect your child’s growth. Your doctor may need to check your child’s height and weight during and after treatment with these medicines. This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally.
What’s the difference between peginterferon alfa 2A and 2B?
Peginterferon-alfa-2a and -2b are the two types of pegylated interferons widely available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. However, peginterferon-alpha-2a has a very restricted volume of distribution, longer half-life, and reduced clearance, and hence, it can be given once weekly, independent of the body weight.
How is peginterferon alfa-2b used in the treatment of hepatitis C?
Peginterferon alfa-2b is utilized in the treatment of Hepatitis C and Melanoma. Similar to Peginterferon alfa-2a, Peginterferon alfa-2b is given as a combined drug with ribavirin during the treatment of Hepatitis C. During the condition of melanoma, it is given as a chemotherapeutic once the surgery is completed.
What’s the difference between Alfa 2A and alfa 2b?
The main difference between these two pegylated interferons is in the dosing. Alfa-2a is used as a fixed weekly dose. Alfa-2b is used as a weekly dose based on the weight of the patient. There are other differences between the two drugs, but they are mostly technical and are used by the prescribing physician.
How does interferon alpha 2a work in the body?
In the process of pegylation, interferon alpha 2A conjugates with the polyethene glycol which increases the duration in which the drug stays in the body. The interferon alpha 2A binds to the interferon receptor molecule to activate MHC class I molecules against viral agents.