What is the difference between interferon and pegylated interferon?
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.
Why is pegylated use with interferon?
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 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.
Why is PEGylation done?
In general, PEGylation improves drug solubility and decreases immunogenicity. PEGylation also increases drug stability and the retention time of the conjugates in blood, and reduces proteolysis and renal excretion, thereby allowing a reduced dosing frequency.
Is peginterferon an immunosuppressant?
Yes, Plegridy is an immunosuppressant because it affects how the immune system works. It is thought to work by stopping the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath.
When is ribavirin contraindicated?
Ribavirin therapy is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and in the male partners of women who are pregnant. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy during therapy and for 6 months after completion of treatment in both female patients and in female partners of male patients who are taking ribavirin therapy.
Is PEGASYS an immunotherapy?
Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys®) is an Immunotherapy Regimen for Polycythemia Vera.