| Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Pegylated Alpha Interferons
If your doctor chooses to treat you with pegylated alpha interferons, make sure you ask the following questions:
- What are the risks and benefits of pegylated interferons versus non-pegylated interferons?
- Is the pegylated alpha interferon I'm receiving dosed by weight?
- How long does this pegylated alpha interferon stay in my body?
- What is the significance of the size of the peginterferon molecule?
- What important information do I need to know before starting any of these therapies?
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Pegylated alpha interferons are made by attaching a large water-soluble molecule called polyethylene glycol (abbreviated PEG) to the alpha interferon molecule. Attachment of PEG increases the size of the interferon so it takes longer for the body to get rid of it. It also helps protect the interferon molecule from getting broken down by the body's enzymes. One advantage to the longer lifetime in the body (referred to as half-life) is that the drug does not have to be taken as often. Regular alpha interferons are usually injected three times per week but pegylated alpha interferons only need to be taken once per week. Also, studies have shown that pegylated alpha interferons are more effective in producing a sustained viral response in patients with chronic hepatitis C than their nonpegylated counterparts.
Currently, there are two types of pegylated alpha interferons available: peginterferon alfa-2a and peginterferon alfa-2b. Although both these agents are effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, there are differences in size, pegylation type, half-life, route of clearance from the body, and dosing between these two pegylated alpha interferons. This is because the method of pegylation and the type of PEG molecule used in the process can affect how the interferon molecule behaves in the body and how it is cleared from the body.
A major difference between these two pegylated interferons is in the dosing. The dose of peginterferon alfa-2a is the same for all patients, regardless of weight or size. The dosing of peginterferon alfa-2b is individualized based on a person's weight.
Getting all the information you can about your hepatitis C therapy can help you understand how it will work and what to expect in terms of side effects and treatment results.
Alpha interferon-based therapy is not right for all patients with chronic hepatitis C. This treatment is associated with serious side effects including problems with pregnancy, mental health problems and suicide, heart, blood and/or body organ problems. Patients must discuss the possible benefits and side effects of treatment with their physician.
See also: Safety information on pegylated alpha interferons.
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