Interferon for chronic viral hepatitis

Article Abstract:

Interferon, a protein formed when cells are exposed to nucleic acids of viruses or other foreign microorganisms, is important in the body's natural defense mechanism, the immune system. Interferon also has antitumor activity. Artificially-produced alpha interferon is used to treat genital warts and certain cancers such as hairy-cell leukemia and Kaposi's sarcoma, which is associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Interferon may also be useful in treating chronic viral hepatitis, or chronic liver inflammation caused by viral infection. The antiviral effects of interferons are due to the activation of enzymes that inhibit the production of proteins and cause the breakdown of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA), resulting in the prevention of viral entry, survival and multiplication within the host cell. In a study of 200 patients with chronic hepatitis C, interferon improved levels of alanine aminotransferase in 50 percent of the patients, although half of the improved patients relapsed within six months of stopping the drug. Another study reported that six of eight patients who improved with interferon treatment were still in remission 6 to 30 months after discontinuing the drug. Among 39 patients with chronic hepatitis B, interferon eliminated the virus in 13 and improved liver function in 15 patients. Adverse effects of interferon include flu-like symptoms, toxic effects on the blood and thyroid, psychiatric symptoms, and hair loss. Alpha interferon appears to be effective in treating chronic hepatitis B and C, but relapse is common after stopping treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Interferon, Hepatitis

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Interferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved Rebetron, which is a combination of interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin. It is approved for use in treating chronic hepatitis C. Interferon alpha has been the drug of choice for hepatitis C. Interferon alpha plus ribavirin was effective in 30% to 50% of the patients in one study. This was true even in patients who had relapsed while taking interferon alpha. The number of side effects from the combination treatment is greater than from interferon alpha alone.

Interferon alpha, Ribavirin, Rebetron (Medication)

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Pegylated interferon (PEG-Intron) for chronic hepatitis C

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved PEG-Intron for the treatment of hepatitis C. This is a form of alpha interferon that lasts longer in the body. For that reason, it can be taken only once a week rather than three times a week.

Peg-Intron (Medication)

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