Interferon is a protein that occurs naturally in the body. Its main task is to stimulate the immune system to fight pathogens. Scientists decided to use this property of interferon and began to produce it as a medicine. Unfortunately, the use of interferon entails numerous side effects that worsen the quality of life of a significant proportion of patients. Check how interferon works and what side effects it can have.

Contents:

  1. Interferon - what does it look like?
  2. Interferon - how does it work?
  3. Interferon - side effects
  4. Interferon - contraindications

Interferonis a protein that occurs naturally in the body. Its main task is to stimulate the immune system to fight pathogens. Scientists decided to use this property of interferon and began to produce it by genetic engineering as a drug.

Interferon is present in the body in small amounts. After an injection, the amount of interferon in the body increases significantly. It was then discovered that interferon also had other properties - it slows down or stops the process of multiplication of cancer cells.

In addition, interferon can properly shape the response of the immune system, which is used in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases. There are several types of interferon, butalpha interferonis responsible for the high degree of protection against pathogens and neoplasms. In medicine,beta interferonandgamma interferon .

Interferon - what does it look like?

Interferon is a white powder that must be mixed with a solvent to make up a solution for injection. It is available in ampoules containing a ready-made solution, in syringes or in special pens.

Interferon - how does it work?

Interferon alfa is used to treat chronic hepatitis B (hepatitis B) and hepatitis C (hepatitis C). In the latter case, interferon alfa (in combination with another specific agent - ribavirin) is administered to patients who have been confirmed to be infected with HCV genotype 3.

Patients with genotype 1 or 4 HCV receive innovative interferon-free therapy, which in Polandis reimbursed from July 2015. Modern therapy eliminates HCV in 90-100 percent. sick. Meanwhile, interferon in combination with ribavirin is able to cure 50-60 percent of hepatitis C. patients.

Interferon alpha is also used in the treatment of cancers of the blood and lymphatic system:

  • multiple myeloma
  • certain types of lymphomas and leukemias
  • advanced stage kidney cancer
  • melanoma

Interferon beta, on the other hand, is the primary drug that is used to treat relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The exact action of interferon beta is unknown, but it is suspected that the drug inhibits the overreaction of the immune system and the inflammatory responses that lead to the destruction of the myelin sheaths of the nerve fibers, leading to the symptoms of MS. Thus, it reduces the number of relapses. Unfortunately, interferon beta only helps 35 percent. patients with MS.

In contrast, gamma interferon is used ( although rarely) in the treatment of chronic, congenital granulomatous disease (congenital immunodeficiency).

Interferon - side effects

The use of interferon brings about numerous side effects, which almost always worsen the patient's quality of life. Most of them disappear after the end (or suspension) of therapy.

  • flu-like symptoms:
    • chills
    • fever
    • articular pain
    • headaches
    • weakness
    • nausea
  • digestive symptoms:
    • taste disturbance
    • anorexia
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • diarrhea / constipation
    • stomach ache
  • weight loss
  • itching and dry skin
  • rash
  • chest pain
  • sensory impairment
  • paresthesias
  • tremors
  • conjunctivitis
  • eye pain
  • visual disturbance
  • tinnitus
  • vertigo
  • hair loss
  • menstrual disorders or amenorrhea
  • fertility disorders
  • nervous system symptoms:
    • irritability
    • apathy
    • insomnia
    • disorientation
    • memory impairment
    • emotional instability
    • severe depression

The use of interferon has been associated with the development of many diseases, such as:

  • aplastic anemia
  • sarcoidosis
  • diabetes
  • hyperthyroidism
  • hypothyroidism
  • bronchitis
  • rhinitis
  • sinusitis

In rare cases pneumonia, sepsis or suicidal thoughts may occur.

Interferon - contraindications

  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • liver disease
    • severe hepatic impairment
    • decompensated cirrhosis
    • autoimmune hepatitis
  • mental illnesses (especially depression, suicide intentions)
  • severe cardiovascular diseases
  • severe kidney failure
  • thyroid disease

Interferon should be used with caution in people with autoimmune diseases, psoriasis and sarcoidosis.

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Immune system