Does interferon cause hair loss?

Does interferon cause hair loss?

Your hair may become thin, brittle, or may fall out. This typically begins two to three weeks after treatment starts. This hair loss can be all body hair, including pubic, underarm, legs/arms, eyelashes, and nose hairs.

What are the side effects of pegylated interferon?

The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking PEG Interferon alfa-2b:

• Flu-like symptoms (headache, muscle aches, tiredness and fever) usually lessen after the first few weeks of treatment.
• Fatigue.
• Injection site reactions (bruising, itching, irritation).
• Poor appetite.
• Nausea.

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 the difference between peginterferon alfa-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. But alfa-2b has a rapid absorption and a wider distribution in the body.

How long does it take for interferon to work?

Occurs within 1-2 hours of treatment, may last up to 24 hours (over time the intensity of these symptoms decreases depending on the dose, how it is given, and the schedule of administration). Fatigue , drowsiness. Low blood counts . Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.

Does ribavirin cause hair loss?

Ribavirin is reported to cause photoallergic reactions. We report two cases of alopecia universalis, with complete hair loss extended to the whole body, secondary to PEG-interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Does Pegasys cause hair loss?

temporary hair loss, skin rash, tooth and gum problems, or. injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching, or dryness).

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.

How does interferon alfa 2a work?

This medication is the same as a protein that your body naturally produces (interferon). In the body, it is thought to work by affecting cell function/growth and the body’s natural defenses (immune system) in many ways. Adding more interferon may help your body fight off cancer or virus infections.

How does pegylated interferon work?

Pegylation of the interferon increases the amount of time the interferon remains in the body by increasing the size of the interferon molecule. Increasing molecule size slows the absorption, prolongs the half-life, and decreases the rate of interferon clearance.

Is peginterferon the same as interferon?

Overview. 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.

Who should not handle ribavirin?

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. Ribavirin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 3 years old. Ribavirin tablets are not approved for use by anyone younger than 5 years old.

What is the difference between peginterferon alfa 2A and 2B?

Differences Between Peginterferon Alfa 2a and 2b. Interferon is a drug that mimics a protein in the body that the immune system uses to destroy viruses. Pegylated interferon is a modified form of the drug that is able to stay in the body longer, which provides better treatment.

Is pegylated interferon alfa-2b effective in solid tumors?

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b treatment for patients with solid tumors: a phase I/II study Pegylated IFNalpha-2b was active and well tolerated in patients with metastatic solid tumors, including RCC, at doses up to 6.0 micro g/kg/wk.

What is pegylated interferon plus ribavirin used for?

Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C Peginterferon alfa-2a and peginterferon alfa-2b have been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults who have compensated liver disease and have not been previously treated with interferon alfa.

What is peginterferon alfa-2a used for?

Peginterferon alfa-2a is made from human proteins that help the body fight viral infections. Peginterferon alfa-2a is used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C in adults, and to treat chronic hepatitis C in children who are at least 5 years old.