PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A
About PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A
PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A is an antiviral medicine used to treat viral infections. PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A is used in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B infection in patients with compensation liver disease and evidence of viral replication. It is also used along with other medicines in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in patients with compensation liver disease, cirrhosis, coinfection of HIV, and CD4 count > 100 cells/mm.
PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A contains Peginterferon alpha 2A, which belongs to the class of antiviral drugs. It works by blocking the activity of the virus DNA Polymerase enzyme in the liver cells.
PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A may cause certain side effects such as headache, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, irritability, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. It is a parenteral formulation and will be administered by a healthcare professional.
PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A is contraindicated in patients with autoimmune hepatitis, severe allergic reactions to another alpha interferon medicine, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (when taken in combination with ribavirin. Before receiving PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A, inform your doctor if you have any history of organ transplant, kidney disease, colitis, lung problems, diabetes, cancer, HIV infection, thyroid problems and increased triglyceride levels. Careful monitoring should be done for the patient during and after the treatment. PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A is not recommended for children below 5 years of age as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Uses of PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A
Medicinal Benefits
PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A contains Peginterferon alpha 2A, which is used in the treatment of hepatitis B and C infection. It works by blocking the activity of the hepatitis B and C virus DNA Polymerase enzyme in the liver cells, which is essential for the virus to grow. This causes DNA termination and, therefore, reduces the amount of virus in the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A
- Headache
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
- Myalgia
- Fever
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis B Virus Infection: It is a serious contagious infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus affecting the liver. It can be an acute (an infected person may be sick for only a few days) or chronic infection (it develops slowly but progresses to a serious lifelong infection). This infection spreads from person to person through blood contact (being pricked with a contaminated needle, using a razor), intimate contact with the infected person, direct contact with infected blood, or contact with any other personal items with leftovers of infected fluid or even from mother to baby during birth. PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A is used to treat HBV infection.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection: It is a contagious infection caused by the hepatitis C virus affecting the liver. This infection spreads from person to person through blood contact (being pricked with a contaminated needle or using a razor), intimate contact with the infected person, direct contact with infected blood, or contact with any other personal items with leftovers of infected fluid or even from mother to baby during birth. The symptoms may not appear immediately. Some may take between 2 to 12 weeks to appear. Few people may have mild to moderate symptoms such as dark urine, loss of appetite, fever, joint pain, or stomach discomfort. The complications of untreated chronic hepatitis C include liver cancer or liver cirrhosis (scarring).
FAQs
PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A contains Peginterferon alpha 2A, which works by blocking the activity of the virus DNA Polymerase enzyme in the liver cells and thus causes DNA termination.
Stopping treatment with PEGINTERFERON ALPHA 2A may worsen the infection condition. Close monitoring is necessary even after completion of the treatment course. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.
