What is PEG interferon used for?

What is PEG interferon used for?

What is PEG interferon used for?

Peginterferon alfa-2a is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C, viral infections of the liver. It works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis virus in the body and helps your body’s natural defense (immune system) fight the infection.

Why is PEG added to interferon?

In these formulations, Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is added to make interferon last longer in the body. They are used to treat both hepatitis B, hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis. Pegylated interferon is contraindicated in patients with hyperbilirubinaemia.

What is the difference between pegylated interferon and interferon?

Pegylated interferon, usually called peginterferon, is a chemically modified form of the standard interferon that treats hepatitis C and rarely hepatitis B. The difference between interferon and peginterferon is the PEG, which stands for a molecule called polyethylene glycol.

Is interferon still used to treat Hep C?

End-stage liver disease due to chronic HCV infection is the leading cause of liver transplantation in the western world. The current standard therapy for hepatitis C consists of pegylated interferon-α (IFN-α), administered once weekly, plus daily oral ribavirin (RBV) for 24 to 48 weeks.

Is peg an interferon chemotherapy?

PEG Interferon – Chemotherapy Drugs – Chemocare.

What is a pegylated drug?

PEGylation is a pharmaceutical technology that involves the covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to a drug to improve its pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and immunological profiles, and thus, enhance its therapeutic effect.

What type of drug is pegylated interferon?

A covalent conjugate of recombinant interferon alpha and polyethylene glycol (PEG), used as an antiviral and antineoplastic agent.

What happens to PEG in the body?

PEG–protein conjugates A consequence of its low reactivity is that PEG does not exhibit toxicity in humans also because mammals do not have enzymes which are able to metabolize PEG. Therefore, once ingested or parenterally administered PEG remains intact until it is eliminated via urine or feces.