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What is Pegylated Interferon?

Cheryl Pokalo Jones
Cheryl Pokalo Jones

Pegylated interferon is an interferon molecule with polyethylene glycol (PEG) attached to it. The addition of PEG to the interferon molecule enables the interferon to be released slowly into the body, thus prolonging its action. Whereas interferon alone requires dosing three times weekly, pegylated interferon requires dosing only once weekly.

Interferon is a protein manufactured by the body. When an infection is present, the body increases interferon production to fight the invading virus or bacteria. For some diseases, such as hepatitis, injecting interferon boosts the ability of the body to fight off the infection. Interferon does not attack the virus directly. Rather, it helps the body's immune system to fight the foreign organism, prevent the virus from reproducing, eliminate infected cells and prevent healthy cells from becoming infected.

Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of pegylated interferon.
Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of pegylated interferon.

The PEG portion of the molecule acts as a barrier around the interferon so that the body clears the interferon more slowly than it would clear nonpegylated interferon. Interferon does not react with PEG, and PEG does not alter the effectiveness of the interferon. Pegylated interferon is used for the treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis C infection. It is usually combined with ribavirin.

In rare cases, pegylated interferon can cause suicidal thoughts.
In rare cases, pegylated interferon can cause suicidal thoughts.

The primary benefit of this compound is the length of time it remains in the bloodstream, compared with nonpegylated interferon. Once-a-week dosing provides a sustained response. The compound has been shown to be more effective against hepatitis C virus compared with nonpegylated interferon.

Pegylated interferon is associated with a number of side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills and muscle aches. Other common side effects include nausea and vomiting, headache, irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite and fluctuating blood sugar levels that might lead to diabetes. Skin rashes and dry and itchy skin are also common side effects.

A fever and chills are the most common side effects of pegylated interferon.
A fever and chills are the most common side effects of pegylated interferon.

Serious side effects have been reported in association with this type of therapy. Side effects include depression, mental confusion, infection and problems with blood pressure, heart, liver, lungs, immune system, thyroid and eyes. Rarely, suicide has been reported among people receiving pegylated interferon therapy.

This compound has also been associated with decreases in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, and platelets, which help the blood to clot. These serious side effects might require dose reduction. Most side effects disappear when this therapy ends.

Pegylated interferon has less effectiveness when treating African Americans.
Pegylated interferon has less effectiveness when treating African Americans.

Although pegylated interferon plus ribavirin is an effective treatment for hepatitis C, pegylated interferon does not have the same effect in every person. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the particular strain of hepatitis C virus. For example, this treatment is more effective against strains 2 and 3 compared with strains 1a or 1b. Additionally, the treatment is less effective in African Americans than in people of other ethnicities.

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    • Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of pegylated interferon.
      By: Alliance
      Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of pegylated interferon.
    • In rare cases, pegylated interferon can cause suicidal thoughts.
      By: dragon_fang
      In rare cases, pegylated interferon can cause suicidal thoughts.
    • A fever and chills are the most common side effects of pegylated interferon.
      By: JackF
      A fever and chills are the most common side effects of pegylated interferon.
    • Pegylated interferon has less effectiveness when treating African Americans.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Pegylated interferon has less effectiveness when treating African Americans.
    • Side effects of pegylated interferon may include fatigue.
      By: Irina Fischer
      Side effects of pegylated interferon may include fatigue.
    • Side effects of pegylated interferon may include flu-like symptoms.
      By: Farina3000
      Side effects of pegylated interferon may include flu-like symptoms.
    • Skin rashes that cause dry and itchy skin may be a side effect of pegylated interferon.
      By: librakv
      Skin rashes that cause dry and itchy skin may be a side effect of pegylated interferon.