What is interferon alpha 2b used for?
What is interferon alpha 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 mechanism of action for interferon alfa-2b?
It binds to and activates human type 1 interferon receptors causing them to dimerize. This activates the JAK/STAT pathway. Activation of the JAK/STAT pathway increases expression of multiple genes in multiple tissues involved in the innate antiviral response.
What is the primary action of interferon alfa?
11.6 Interferon-α IFN-α is an antiviral cytokine of the type I IFN innate immune response of most cell types. IFN-α exhibits anti-viral activity via the induction of protective genes that inhibit viral replication and impede viral dissemination.
How do interferons work?
Interferon is secreted by cells in response to stimulation by a virus or other foreign substance, but it does not directly inhibit the virus’s multiplication. Rather, it stimulates the infected cells and those nearby to produce proteins that prevent the virus from replicating within them.
What is interferon alfa and how does it work in the management of HBV infection?
The exact mechanism of how interferon affects hepatitis B is unknown. It thought to act on various parts of the HBV lifecycle as well as augmenting cell mediated immunity. IFN-α inhibits HBV replication by decreasing RNA transcription, occurring from covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) (9).
How does interferon gamma work?
IFN‐γ is primarily secreted by activated T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and can promote macrophage activation, mediate antiviral and antibacterial immunity, enhance antigen presentation, orchestrate activation of the innate immune system, coordinate lymphocyte–endothelium interaction, regulate Th1/Th2 balance.
Is interferon alpha 2b chemotherapy?
Interferon-alfa2b is different than a chemotherapy drug; it is actually a natural part of your body’s immune system. It is known as a cytokine, which are chemicals normally secreted by cells called leukocytes in response to a virus, bacteria, or other foreign intruders.
How do you administer interferon?
This medication is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin as directed by your doctor. Rotate the injection site each time you inject this medication to prevent soreness. It may also be given by injection into a vein or directly into a lesion, usually by a health care professional.
What is the role of interferons in innate immunity?
Interferons were first described as an antiviral factor that interferes with viral replication in mammalian cells (10). They are secreted from infected cells and activate innate immune response that promotes not only cytokine production but also natural killer cell functions and antigen presentation (11, 12).
Is interferon a drug?
Interferons are man-made versions of proteins your body makes. These drugs work with your immune system to help it find and attack viruses and cancer. They can stop virus and cancer cells from growing and spreading, and prevent other cells from getting infected.
What is interferon alfa-2b used to treat?
Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma caused by AIDS, and certain types of genital warts. Interferon alfa-2b is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C in adults, and to treat chronic hepatitis B in children who are at least 1 year old.
How do you administer interinterferon alfa-2b?
Interferon alfa-2b is injected into a muscle, under the skin, as an infusion into a vein, or directly into a genital wart. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Can you take interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin together?
Interferon alfa-2b is sometimes used in combination with ribavirin. Both men and women using ribavirin should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Ribavirin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or death to an unborn baby if the mother or father is using interferon alfa-2b.
Can I take interferon alfa-2b If I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine. The powder form of interferon alfa-2b is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease.