Everything to Know About drug Peginterferon alfa-2b

We have all heard of Hepatitis. It is a disease of the liver, a vital organ in the body. A condition where there is swelling or inflammation of the liver is called Hepatitis. While the most common cause of Hepatitis is a virus, there could be other contributory factors like alcohol consumption, co-morbidities, and some infections or medical conditions.

Hepatitis is classified mainly into five types; Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and Hepatitis E. If it is resolved within six months it is termed as acute, anything longer than that is a chronic condition. A chronic condition is dangerous as it may cause severe damage to the liver causing scarring of the liver.

A chronic condition of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may not show any symptoms until liver function is worsened. A broad spectrum of symptoms can be exhibited by patients. While some people show no symptoms, others may have some common symptoms like fatigue, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, pale stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and yellow skin and eyes.

It is crucial to treat Hepatitis and nip it in the bud as chronic Hepatitis could lead to complications like liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver.

If you feel unwell it is always a good idea to visit your doctor. If the doctor suspects Hepatitis, some antiviral medications can help treat the disease. In Hepatitis B and C, the function of the natural killer cell is impaired. It can be treated with antiviral medications. Peginterferon alfa-2b is a type of medicine that can drive the antiviral response and be beneficial.

What is Peginterferon alfa-2b?

Peginterferon alfa-2b is used in combination therapy to treat chronic Hepatitis C, cancer, and some genital warts. A form of recombinant interferon, it is mostly used in combination with Ribavirin. Although the use of the same has declined after the development of Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs). Peginterferon alfa-2b is not a cure for Hepatitis C but prevents any complications of Hepatitis C such as cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, and liver failure, by decreasing the amount of virus. The work of the Interferons is to reduce the number of viruses in the body.

Precautions Before taking Peginterferon alfa-2b

It is necessary to discuss the risks associated with any drug before you start the therapy. It tells the doctor whether the drug is safe for you. Medicines interact with the food you eat and anything that you consume. It is vital to inform your doctor about all your over-the-counter and prescribed medications to avoid any adverse effects due to drug-drug interaction.

Some warnings and precautions are listed below.

· Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially your personal or family history.

· Tell him if you are hypersensitive to interferon alfa.

· Tell him about any cardiac disorder, liver disease, or kidney disorder, you may have.

· Also, talk about any skin issues you may be facing.

· Tell the doctor if your partner (in the case of men) or you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

· It is crucial to take this medicine under the strict consultation of a doctor. In case you missed any dose, it is advised to take it as soon as possible but avoid double doses.

· Take special care of your teeth and maintain good dental hygiene.

· Never alter the doses without medical consultation

· Take regular health check-ups while using Peginterferon alfa-2b

How is Peginterferon alfa-2b available?

Peginterferon alfa-2b is available in powder vials and single-dose injection pens.

The most preferred method is injecting it under the skin. The injection must be prepared just before taking it.

It is taken on the same day, once a week. (e.g., Every Tuesday of the week)

The dose is different for adults, pregnant ladies, and children.

Peginterferon alfa-2b is popularly sold under the brand name ‘Sylatron’.

Side effects of Peginterferon alfa-2b

Like any other drug Peginterferon alfa-2b may cause some side effects in some individuals. It provides relief to most patients, but it also comes with its risks and side effects.

The common side effects are as follows

· Bruising at the spot of injection

· Noticeable redness, swelling, itching, or irritation at the injected spot

· Pain in the spot of injection

· Nausea/ Vomiting

· Loss of appetite

· Diarrhoea

· Heartburn

· Weight loss

· Headache

· Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

· Dizziness

· Confusion

· Hair loss or thinning

· Feeling cold all the time

· Feeling hot most times

· Dry mouth

· Sweating

· Flushing

· Runny nose

Some patients may experience severe side effects. In case you have side effects like the ones mentioned below, you should call your doctor and seek medical help at the earliest.

· Rash

· Urticaria

· Swelling of the hands, legs, face, or any body part

· Hoarseness

· Fast heartbeat

· Pale skin

· Lower back pain

· Thoughts about hurting yourself

· Aggressiveness

Is there a way to know if Peginterferon alfa-2b suits you?

Well, MEDNAwise pharmacogenetic testing is the perfect way to know if Peginterferon alfa-2b suits you. It is crucial to get the correct medication to manage any disease. In the past doctors have followed a trial method to find the correct drug and correct dose for the patient. Today, MEDNAwise helps the doctor find the perfect match of medicine for any disease.

Pharmacogenetic testing tests your unique genes and since genes influence the reaction of the body to any drug, the test can exactly tell you which drug would be the most effective for your unique self. MEDNAwise tests study your DNA and tell you about your risk of any adverse drug reaction beforehand. The doctors can prescribe the best and most effective medicine and speed up the treatment.

MEDNAwise test tells your genetic response to 70+ drugs in different medical specialties. It is a valuable tool for your future doctor visits too. A simple spit-swab test, MEDNAwise can be taken from the comfort of your home. A detailed report is provided that tells you about your genetic risks to any adverse drug reaction covering varied medical specialties and drugs. Your doctor could help you with the recommendations. Dealing with diseases can be difficult, but with MEDNAwise pharmacogenetic testing, making the correct choice for treatment is easy. Make your life healthy, sing up for the MEDNAwise pharmacogenetic testing today!