Side Effects of interferon alfa-2b injection: A Synthesis of Findings from 23 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Interferon alfa-2b is a medication used to treat hepatitis C and other viral infections. Several studies have shown that interferon alfa-2b, either alone or in combination with other medications such as ribavirin, can be effective. For example, the study 3 found that combination therapy with interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin increased hepatitis C viral clearance tenfold in hepatitis C relapse patients and nearly threefold in previously untreated patients compared to alpha interferon monotherapy. Additionally, the study 11 showed that pegylated interferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b plus ribavirin combination therapy is effective and safe in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, interferon alfa-2b is a medication that carries a risk of side effects. Numerous studies have reported side effects including flu-like symptoms, neutropenia, psychiatric disorders, and anemia.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of interferon alfa-2b result from the drug's influence on the immune system. Interferon alfa-2b activates immune cells to combat viral infections, but this process can also have negative effects on the body. For instance, flu-like symptoms are believed to be caused by interferon alfa-2b activating immune cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. Psychiatric disorders are thought to occur because interferon alfa-2b affects neurotransmitters in the brain, which can cause symptoms like depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

Common Side Effects

Flu-like Symptoms

The studies 3 , 8 , 9 , 21 , 16 , 10 , and 13 reported the occurrence of flu-like symptoms during interferon alfa-2b treatment.

Neutropenia

The studies 3 and 2 reported the occurrence of neutropenia during interferon alfa-2b treatment.

Psychiatric Disorders

The studies 3 and 5 reported the occurrence of psychiatric disorders during interferon alfa-2b treatment.

Anemia

The study 3 reported the occurrence of anemia during interferon alfa-2b treatment.

Other Side Effects

Apart from these studies, the study 7 reported the occurrence of tongue discoloration during interferon alfa-2b treatment. The study 1 reported the occurrence of skin necrosis at the injection site during pegylated interferon alfa-2b treatment. These side effects may occur depending on the administration method and dosage of interferon alfa-2b.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Flu-like Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms can be alleviated with antipyretics and analgesics. Consult a doctor if symptoms are severe.

Neutropenia

Neutropenia is caused by a decrease in the number of white blood cells. White blood cells play an important role in protecting the body from infection. If neutropenia is suspected, consult a doctor.

Psychiatric Disorders

Psychiatric disorders can occur when interferon alfa-2b affects neurotransmitters in the brain. If psychiatric disorders are suspected, consult a doctor.

Anemia

Anemia is caused by a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Red blood cells play an important role in carrying oxygen in the blood. If anemia is suspected, consult a doctor.

Comparison of Studies

Common Points

Various studies have shown that interferon alfa-2b is effective in treating viral infections. In common, side effects such as flu-like symptoms, neutropenia, and psychiatric disorders have been reported.

Differences

The incidence and severity of side effects of interferon alfa-2b vary depending on the study. This is thought to be because the patient populations, administration methods, and dosages of interferon alfa-2b differ from study to study.

Notes on Application to Real Life

Interferon alfa-2b is an effective drug for treating viral infections, but it also carries the risk of side effects. When taking interferon alfa-2b, you should consult with your doctor and monitor the occurrence of side effects. Especially, side effects such as psychiatric disorders can have a significant impact on daily life. If you suspect a psychiatric disorder, consult your doctor.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of interferon alfa-2b is still insufficient. Especially, there are still many unknowns about long-term side effects. More research is needed in the future.

Future Research Directions

The development of new treatments to reduce the side effects of interferon alfa-2b is needed. Also, research is needed to elucidate the long-term side effects of interferon alfa-2b.

Conclusion

Interferon alfa-2b is an effective drug for treating viral infections, but it also carries the risk of side effects. When taking interferon alfa-2b, be sure to monitor the occurrence of side effects and consult with your doctor if necessary. Early detection of side effects can prevent serious consequences. Research on the safety of interferon alfa-2b should continue in the future.

Literature analysis of 23 papers
Positive Content
20
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
3
Article Type
6
1
1
2
23
1.

Cutaneous necrosis after injection of polyethylene glycol-modified interferon alfa.

Author: DalmauJoan, PimentelCarmen Lucia, PuigLuis, PeramiquelLaura, RoéEsther, AlomarAgustin

Longer half-life
Superior antiviral efficacy
Cutaneous necrosis
Dose modification required
Local cutaneous reactions

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b can cause local cutaneous reactions at sites of injection. These reactions can range from mild to severe and may require dose modification or treatment withdrawal.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

2.

Treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma with a combination of fluorouracil and recombinant interferon alfa-2b: preliminary data of a phase II study.

Author: WehH J, PlatzD, BraumannD, BuggischP, SchmiegelW H, DrescherS, KleebergU R, MüllerleileU, Crone-MünzebrockW, HoffmanR

Effective treatment
Severe side effects

A combination of interferon alfa-2b and fluorouracil was effective but toxic in treating metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Partial remission was achieved in 31% of patients, stable disease in 28%, and progressive disease in 37%. Severe side effects occurred in about one-third of patients, including leukopenia, diarrhea, mucositis, and septic complications.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

[Major psychiatric side effects of interferon alpha-2b].

Author: HeeringaM, HonkoopP, de ManR A, FeenstraJ, SmitsC M

Psychiatric symptoms

This report details six cases of serious psychiatric symptoms, including depression and psychosis, observed during the use of interferon alpha-2b. These events occurred 12-24 weeks after starting treatment and in most cases resolved after stopping the medication.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Dutch

6.

Peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin compared with interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin for treatment of HIV/HCV co-infected patients.

Author: LagunoMontserrat, MurillasJavier, BlancoJosé Luis, MartínezEsteban, MiquelRosa, Sánchez-TapiasJosé M, BargalloXavier, García-CriadoAngeles, de LazzariElisa, LarrousseMaría, LeónAgathe, LoncáMontserrat, MilinkovicAna, GatellJosep M, MallolasJosep

Improved SVR rate
Side effects
Treatment discontinuation

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b (PEG-INF) + ribavirin (RBV) was significantly more effective than interferon alfa-2b (IFN) + RBV for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in HIV co-infected patients, especially those with genotype 1 or 4.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Tongue hyperpigmentation resulting from peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin treatment in a patient with chronic hepatitis C.

Author: GhoshSouvik, DusejaAjay, DhimanRadha Krishan, ChawlaYogesh Kumar

Tongue hyperpigmentation

Tongue hyperpigmentation has been reported as a side effect of combination therapy with peginterferon alfa (PEG-INF) and ribavirin in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Intralesional interferon alfa-2b treatment of condylomata acuminata previously resistant to podophyllum resin application.

Author: BootJ M, BlogF B, StolzE

Condylomata acuminata treatment
Flu-like symptoms

Interferon alfa-2b was effective in treating condylomata acuminata. 6 out of 10 patients who completed the study had complete clearance of the warts. The most common side effect was influenza-like symptoms.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

Intralesional interferon therapy for basal cell carcinoma.

Author: CornellR C, GreenwayH T, TuckerS B, EdwardsL, AshworthS, VanceJ C, TannerD J, TaylorE L, SmilesK A, PeetsE A

Effective treatment of basal cell carcinoma
Tumor-free remission
Flu-like symptoms

Interferon alfa-2b, injected directly into basal cell carcinomas, was found to be an effective treatment, with an 86% cure rate compared to a 29% cure rate in the placebo group. Side effects, mainly flu-like symptoms, were mild and transient. One year after treatment, 81% of interferon recipients and 20% of those given the placebo remained tumor free.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

10.

Treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma with a combination of low-dose interferon alfa-2b and retinoids.

Author: KnoblerR M, TrautingerF, RadaszkiewiczT, KokoschkaE M, MickscheM

Complete remission
Partial remission
Negligible side effects

Low-dose interferon alfa-2b combined with a retinoid showed promising results in treating cutaneous T cell lymphoma, with minimal side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author: DruytsEric, ThorlundKristian, WuPing, KantersSteve, YayaSanni, CooperCurtis L, MillsEdward J

Viral response
Alopecia
Anemia
Leukopenia
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia

This meta-analysis examined the efficacy and safety of peg-IFN alfa-2a and peg-IFN alfa-2b plus RBV in children and adolescents with chronic HCV. Results indicated that 70% of subjects achieved EVR and 58% achieved SVR. The treatment was associated with some hematologic and dermatologic adverse events, but it was considered safe and effective.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

12.

Use of recombinant interferon alfa-2b in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Author: ChimentiS, PerisK, Di CristofaroS, FargnoliM C, TorloneG

BCC treatment
Fatigue
Fever
Headache
Nausea

Intra- and perilesional injections of interferon alfa-2b were effective in treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC), with a complete response rate of 67.1% and a partial response rate of 23.6%. Side effects were reversible with the use of paracetamol.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

The effect of an intralesional sustained-release formulation of interferon alfa-2b on basal cell carcinomas.

Author: EdwardsL, TuckerS B, PeredniaD, SmilesK A, TaylorE L, TannerD J, PeetsE

Basal cell carcinoma cure
Side effects

Interferon alfa-2b is effective in treating basal cell carcinomas but requires multiple injections. This study evaluated a sustained-release protamine zinc chelate interferon alfa-2b formulation. Eighty percent of evaluable tumors treated with three injections and 52% treated with one injection were cured histologically. The sustained-release formulation shows promise as a practical treatment option.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

Effectiveness of 48 weeks Interferon alfa-2b in combination with ribavirin as initial treatment of chronic hepatitis.

Author: KhokharNasir

Sustained viral response
Well tolerated

Forty-eight weeks combination treatment with Interferon alfa 2-b and Ribavirin has given 79.5% sustained viral response in chronic hepatitis C patients and treatment was well tolerated.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

15.

Randomized phase II trial of high-dose interleukin-2 either alone or in combination with interferon alfa-2b in advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Author: AtkinsM B, SparanoJ, FisherR I, WeissG R, MargolinK A, FinkK I, RubinsteinL, LouieA, MierJ W, GucalpR

Renal cell carcinoma treatment
Hypotension

Both IL-2 and IL-2/IFN therapy have activity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. In particular, therapy with high-dose IL-2 alone produces meaningful and durable responses with manageable and reversible toxicity.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Clinical Trial, Phase IIA Phase II trial is a trial that further evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose safety has been confirmed to some extent in a Phase I trial, in a small number of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

16.

Randomized controlled trial of interferon treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Author: LlovetJ M, SalaM, CastellsL, SuarezY, VilanaR, BianchiL, AyusoC, VargasV, RodésJ, BruixJ

Side effects
Treatment discontinuation

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of interferon alfa-2b (IFN) in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study found that IFN was not well tolerated and did not improve survival or tumor progression rates in patients with cirrhosis and advanced HCC.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

A Phase 3 clinical trial validating the potency and safety of an innovative, extra-long-acting interferon in chronic hepatitis C.

Author: ChenChi-Yi, ChuangWan-Long, QinAlbert, ZhangWen-Hua, ZhuLi-Ying, ZhangGuo-Qiang, ChenJyh-Jou, LoChing-Chu, ZhouXinmin, MaoXiaorong, ShangJia, KuoHsing-Tao, XieWen, ChenChien-Hung, LoGin-Ho, JunDae W, DangShuangsuo, TsaiChan-Yen, WangTing-Fang, LaiHsin-Hui, TsengKuan-Chiao, HuangYi-Wen, ChenPei-Jer

Clinical activity
Good tolerability

This abstract describes a Phase 3 clinical trial investigating the potency and safety of ropeginterferon alfa-2b, a novel mono-pegylated, extra-long-acting interferon, for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis. The study aims to validate the findings from previous Phase 2 trials demonstrating good tolerability and clinical activity of this agent in chronic hepatitis B or C treatment. The trial aims to further assess the efficacy and safety of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in a larger, Phase 3 setting.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

Topical interferon therapy in uveitic macular edema.

Author: KawaliAnkush, SanjaySrinivasan, MohanAshwin, MahendradasPadmamalini, ShettyRohit

Topical IFN safety
UME treatment
Limited efficacy

Topical IFN therapy in QID doses is safe but may have limited role in UME. Larger studies are recommended to further assess efficacy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

[Interferon alfa-2b treatment in selected cases of recurrent conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia].

Author: Toledano FernándezN, García SáenzS, Díaz ValleD, Arteaga SánchezA, Segura BedmarM, Lorenzo GiménezS, Cortés LambeaL

Treat recurrent CIN

This study evaluated the effectiveness of topical and combined topical and subconjunctival interferon alfa 2b (IFN alfa 2b) in treating recurrent conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in patients who are resistant or intolerant to topical mitomycin C (MMC).

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Spanish

21.

Treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas by intralesional interferon alfa-2b therapy.

Author: EdwardsL, BermanB, RapiniR P, WhitingD A, TyringS, GreenwayH T, EyreS P, TannerD J, TaylorE L, PeetsE

Effective treatment

Intralesional recombinant interferon alfa-2b was effective in treating actinically induced, primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in 36 patients.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with recombinant interferon alfa-2b.

Author: PiazzaM, OrlandoR, TosoneG, TiseoD, ConteM C, MinerviniF, SantoroG, ScordinoF, VitaleD

Effective treatment
Increased response rate
Side effects

This study compared two interferon alfa-2b treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis C. A higher dose (6 million units three times a week) for 12 months resulted in a higher percentage of patients with long-term improvement compared to a lower dose (3 million units for two months followed by 1.5 million units for 10 months). The higher dose group also had a higher rate of normalized liver enzymes that remained normal after treatment. Side effects were generally moderate and resolved on their own.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

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