Side Effects of peginterferon alfa-2b (peg-intron): A Synthesis of Findings from 20 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Findings

Peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin is a standard therapy for adults with chronic hepatitis C. 17 , 5 , 13 A pilot study on children and adolescents showed that this combination treatment was well tolerated and had encouraging results. 17 However, the treatment is not approved for children and further studies are needed. 17

Reasons for Side Effects

Peginterferon alfa-2b side effects are thought to occur because interferon affects the immune system. 17 , 20 Interferon activates immune cells to fight viral infections, but this process can cause side effects. 17 , 20

Common Side Effects

Leucopenia

Peginterferon alfa-2b administration may cause leucopenia. 17 , 20 This is because interferon suppresses hematopoiesis in the bone marrow. 17 , 20

Thyroid Autoantibodies and Dysfunction

Peginterferon alfa-2b administration may cause thyroid autoantibodies and dysfunction. 17 This is because interferon affects the immune system of the thyroid gland. 17

Psychiatric Symptoms

Peginterferon alfa-2b administration may cause psychiatric symptoms such as depression. 16 , 10 This is because interferon affects neurotransmitters in the brain. 16 , 10

Side Effects Management

Managing Leucopenia

To manage leucopenia, the interferon dose may be reduced or temporarily stopped. 20 Drugs to increase white blood cell count may also be administered. 20

Managing Thyroid Autoantibodies and Dysfunction

To manage thyroid autoantibodies and dysfunction, thyroid hormone supplementation may be administered. 17

Managing Psychiatric Symptoms

To manage psychiatric symptoms, antidepressants may be administered. 16 , 10 It is also important to consult a psychiatrist. 16 , 10

Research Comparison

Research Similarities

Many studies have shown that peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin is effective in treating chronic hepatitis C. 17 , 5 , 13 These studies have also reported several side effects, including leucopenia, thyroid autoantibodies and dysfunction, and psychiatric symptoms such as depression. 17 , 16 , 10

Research Differences

The incidence and severity of side effects vary from study to study. 17 , 16 , 10 This could be due to factors such as the patient's age, gender, liver condition, and dosage. 17 , 16 , 10

Real-Life Application Considerations

Peginterferon alfa-2b is an effective medication for treating chronic hepatitis C, but it also carries a risk of side effects. 17 Therefore, it is important to discuss your medical condition and the risk of side effects with your doctor before receiving treatment. 17 Regular checkups with your doctor are also essential to monitor for side effects and their severity during treatment. 17

Current Research Limitations

The side effects of peginterferon alfa-2b are not yet fully understood. 17 Furthermore, many studies are small or focus on specific patient populations, so generalizations should be made with caution. 17

Future Research Directions

To better understand the side effects of peginterferon alfa-2b, large-scale clinical trials are needed. 17 Further research is also required on the causes and prevention of side effects. 17

Conclusion

Peginterferon alfa-2b is an effective medication for treating chronic hepatitis C, but it also carries a risk of side effects. 17 Managing side effects can lead to treatment continuation and improved outcomes. 20 It is important to discuss your medical condition and the risk of side effects with your doctor before receiving treatment and to have regular checkups with your doctor during treatment. 17

Literature analysis of 20 papers
Positive Content
17
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
3
Article Type
5
1
0
1
20
2.

Comparative efficacy, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic activity, and interferon stimulated gene expression of different interferon formulations in HIV/HCV genotype-1 infected patients.

Author: OsinusiAnu, BonDimitra, NelsonAmy, LeeYu-Jin, PooniaSeerat, ShivakumarBhavana, CaiShu Yi, WoodBrad, HaagmansBart, LempickiRichard, HerrmannEva, SnellerMichael, PolisMichael, MasurHenry, KottililShyam

Blunted host response
Modest antiviral effect

This study compared the safety, tolerability, viral kinetics, and host responses of three different interferon formulations in patients coinfected with HIV and HCV. The study found that all three formulations exhibited comparable safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles, suggesting that different interferon formulations may be equally effective in this population.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., IntramuralFunding provided by the NIH for research projects within the NIH.

Language : English

3.

Randomized trial comparing dose reduction and growth factor supplementation for management of hematological side effects in HIV/hepatitis C virus patients receiving pegylated-interferon and ribavirin.

Author: TalalAndrew H, LiuRuei-Chi, ZeremskiMarija, DimovaRositsa, DoveLorna, PearceDaniel, HassaneinTarek, DoonquahLeleka, AboulafiaDavid, RodriguezJorge, BonillaHector, GalpinJeffrey, AbergJudy A, JohnstonBarbara, GlesbyMarshall J, JacobsonIra M

Hematologic disorder management

This study compared the effectiveness of intervening with hematologic growth factors versus dose reductions for managing treatment-induced hematologic disorders in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients receiving pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV).

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.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

4.

Adjuvant therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b versus observation in resected stage III melanoma: a phase III randomized controlled trial of health-related quality of life and symptoms by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group.

Author: BottomleyAndrew, CoensCorneel, SuciuStefan, SantinamiMario, KruitWillem, TestoriAlessandro, MarsdenJeremy, PuntCornelis, SalèsFrançois, GoreMartin, MackieRona, KusicZvonko, DummerReinhard, PatelPoulam, SchadendorfDirk, SpatzAlain, KeilholzUlrich, EggermontAlexander

Melanoma treatment
Side effects

Adjuvant pegylated IFN-alpha-2b therapy for stage III melanoma is associated with significant side effects, which necessitates an evaluation of the impact on health-related quality of life.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
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

6.

Incidence of neutropenia and infections during combination treatment of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b plus ribavirin.

Author: AntoniniM G, BabudieriS, MaidaI, BaigueraC, ZaniniB, FenuL, DettoriG, MannoD, MuraM S, CarosiG, PuotiM

No correlation between neutropenia and infections
Infection
Neutropenia

The incidence of neutropenia and infection during treatment with pegylated interferons and ribavirin was not correlated.

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

7.

Peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin for the treatment of hepatitis C recurrence following combined liver and kidney transplantation.

Author: SchmitzVolker, KiesslingAnja, BahraMarcus, PuhlGero, KahlAndreas, BergThomas, NeuhausRuth, NeuhausPeter, NeumannUlf

SVR in HCV recurrence
Anemia
HCV related liver graft failure
Neutropenia

Peginterferon-alfa2b was safe and effective in achieving SVR in HCV recurrence after combined kidney and liver transplantation.

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

Language : English

8.

Individualized treatment duration for hepatitis C genotype 1 patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Author: MangiaAlessandra, MinervaNicola, BaccaDonato, CozzolongoRaffaele, RicciGiovanni L, CarrettaVito, VinelliFrancesco, ScottoGaetano, MontaltoGiuseppe, RomanoMario, CristofaroGiuseppe, MottolaLeonardo, SpiritoFulvio, AndriulliAngelo

hepatitis C treatment

A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of standard 48-week treatment versus variable treatment duration (24, 48, or 72 weeks) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 patients based on HCV RNA levels. The study found no significant difference in sustained virologic response (SVR) rates between the two treatment groups (45.1% for standard vs. 48.8% for variable).

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

9.

Comparison of low-dose pegylated interferon versus standard high-dose pegylated interferon in combination with ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C with genotype 3: an Indian experience.

Author: SoodAjit, MidhaVandana, HissarSyed, KumarManoj, SuneethaPothakamuri V, BansalManu, SoodNina, SakhujaPuja, SarinShiv K

Hepatitis C treatment

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of two different regimens of peg-IFN alfa-2b, in combination with ribavirin, in genotype 3 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

10.

Sustained virological response in the antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C: is there a predictive value of interferon-induced depression?

Author: SchäferArne, ScheurlenMichael, WeissbrichBenedikt, SchöttkerKatrin, KrausMichael R

Improved HCV treatment outcomes
Depression

Interferon-induced depressive symptoms in patients with chronic hepatitis C are not linked to the efficacy of antiviral treatment.

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

11.

Histological benefit of retreatment by pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin in patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus infection posttransplantation.

Author: BizollonT, PradatP, MabrutJ-Y, RadenneS, DucerfC, BaulieuxJ, SouquetJ C, TrepoC

Fibrosis improvement
HCV treatment
Side effects

This study evaluated the efficacy of pegylated interferon/ribavirin in patients who did not respond to previous posttransplant recurrent HCV treatment with IFN/ribavirin combination. While 30% of patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR), the treatment was associated with side effects and did not always lead to HCV eradication.

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.

Language : English

12.

Treatment of patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation with peginterferon alfa-2B plus ribavirin.

Author: NeumannUlf, PuhlGero, BahraMarcus, BergThomas, LangrehrJan Michael, NeuhausRuth, NeuhausPeter

HCV treatment
Graft loss

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin treatment for recurrent hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation. The study also analyzed the impact of antiviral treatment on the histological course of recurrent hepatitis.

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.

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b (peg-intron) plus ribavirin (rebetol) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a local experience.

Author: SeowE L, Robert DingP H

Chronic hepatitis C treatment
Anemia
Leukopenia
Thrombocytopenia

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin was found to be efficacious and safe in treating chronic hepatitis C, with a sustained virological response of 39.10% in naïve 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.

Language : English

14.

[Epidemic outbreak of acute hepatitis C--clinical course, histology and effectiveness of therapy].

Author: CianciaraJanusz, JabłońskaJoanna, HorbanAndrzej, Walewska-ZieleckaBozena

HCV infection prevention

An epidemic outbreak of HCV infection was observed in a center of nonconventional therapy, and pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin treatment showed efficacy in preventing progression to chronic infection in 6 out of 10 patients.

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

Language : Polish

15.

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

16.

Psychiatric side effects of pegylated interferon alfa-2b as compared to conventional interferon alfa-2b in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Author: KrausMichael-R, SchäferArne, CsefHerbert, ScheurlenMichael

Peginterferon tolerability
Depressive symptoms

Peginterferon alfa-2b and conventional interferon alfa-2b were found to be equally effective in treating chronic hepatitis C. However, peginterferon alfa-2b was associated with a higher frequency of depression and anger/hostility symptoms.

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.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

17.

Peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin treatment in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C.

Author: WirthStefan, Pieper-BoustaniHeidrun, LangThomas, BallauffAntje, KullmerUlrike, GernerPatrick, WintermeyerPhilip, JenkeAndreas

Hepatitis C treatment
Leucopenia
Thyroid dysfunction

Peginterferon alfa-2b combined with ribavirin is effective and well tolerated in children with chronic hepatitis C. This combination therapy resulted in a sustained viral response in 48% of patients. The most common side effects were leucopenia, thyroid autoantibodies, and thyroid dysfunction.

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

18.

PEGylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus-related systemic vasculitis.

Author: CacoubPatrice, SaadounDavid, LimalNicolas, SeneDamien, LidoveOlivier, PietteJean-Charles

HCV-related MC vasculitis treatment

This trial investigated the efficacy of therapy with PEGylated interferon alfa-2b (PEG-IFN alfa-2b) plus ribavirin in patients with HCV-related type II mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) vasculitis.

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

Language : English

19.

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

20.

Side effects of therapy of hepatitis C and their management.

Author: FriedMichael W

Hepatitis C treatment
Anemia
Fatigue
Hematologic abnormalities
Influenza-like symptoms
Neuropsychiatric symptoms
Neutropenia

Interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C has well-described side effects, including fatigue, influenza-like symptoms, hematologic abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Pegylated interferons have a similar side-effect profile, although the frequency of certain events may vary.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

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