Pharm
Interferon alfa
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Interferon alfa
, Interferon-alfa
Mechanism
Inhibits viral replication in virus infected cells
Indications
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis B
Dosing
Dose: 3 MU SQ three times per week for 6-12 months
Efficacy
Sustained response in 10-30% of cases
Improved response rates with:
Low levels of Viremia
Absence of
Cirrhosis
Absence of
Hepatitis C
Genotype
Ib
Early response to
Interferon
Low total body iron
Synergistic effect when combined with
Ribavirin
Adverse Effects
Transient Flu-like symptoms (>50%)
Fever
and chills
Headache
Myalgia
Nausea
Diarrhea
Initial: Decreased cell lines
Decreased
Granulocyte
s
Thrombocytopenia
Later
Fatigue
Major Depression
Alopecia
Rash
Retina
l
Hemorrhage
s
Autoimmune
Thyroid
disease
Management of adverse effects
Initial flu-like symptoms
Acetaminophen
(
Tylenol
)
Hemolytic Anemia
Decrease dosage or discontinue
Interferon
Monitoring
Discontinue
Interferon
criteria
Liver Function Test
s not normalized by 12 weeks
References
Lau (1997) Gastroenterology 113:1660-7 [PubMed]
(1999) Med Lett Drugs Ther 41(1054):53-4 [PubMed]
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