What is alfa-2a used for?

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.

What is the difference between interferon alpha 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.

What are the side effects of interferon alfa-2a?

Injection site reactions (pain/swelling/redness), headache, tiredness, diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, taste changes, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What is the mechanism of action of interferon alfa-2a?

Peginterferon alfa-2a induces the body’s innate antiviral response Label. Peginterferon alfa-2a is derived from recombinant human interferon’s alfa-2a moeity Label. It binds to and activates human type 1 interferon receptors causing them to dimerize. This activates the JAK/STAT pathway.

What is the brand name for interferon?

Interferon alpha is the generic name for the trade name drugs Intron® A, Roferon®-A. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade names Intron® A, Roferon®-A or other names such as IFN-alpha and alpha interferon when referring to the generic drug name interferon alfa.

What is interferon alfa-2b used for?

Interferon alfa-2b injection is used to treat hepatitis B and C, lymphoma (lymph node cancer), malignant melanoma (skin cancer), genital warts, hairy cell leukemia (blood cell cancer), and Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-related tumor). Interferons are substances produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors.

What is interferon alfa 2b used for?

Is interferon alpha 2b available in USA?

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Powder for Solution.

Does interferon suppress the immune system?

There are at least two types of interferon. Along with their antiviral properties, they have recently been shown to exert a suppressive effect on the humoral and cellular immune response; they affect both B and T lymphocytes.