Question 1

what are interferon alpha-2a and pegylated interferon alfa-2a (pegasys)?

Accepted Answer

2 versions 1 drug: They are the same drug except that the pegylation makes that drug longer acting, so it can be given less often.

Question 2

what's the difference between the ms drugs avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone?

Accepted Answer

# OF INJECTIONS: Both Avonex and Copaxone are drugs of the 90's, and have helped numerous pts.  Copaxone is injected daily, does have injection rxtns, yet is considered safer for pregnancy.  Avonex is injected once weekly, but can cause flu rxtns, depression, thyroid and liver issues, and is not safe for pregnancy.  Both are modestly effective, but many newer agents have better outcomes (tysabri, gilenya, (fingolimod) etc).

Question 3

how are the ms drugs avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone distinguished from each other?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: Avonex (interferon beta 1a) is an interferon, given into the muscle once weekly, and copaxone, injected under skin daily, is a polymer.  But why use needles, as we have 3 oral agents, and all are as potent or more potent than Avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone.

Question 4

need info on interferon alfa-2b?

Accepted Answer

Google it: Since i don't know what specific information you need, it is difficult to answer in a concise manner given the limitation of our responses. Honestly i would "google it" as there are a lot of medical and non medical topics that might help you. If you have further specific questions, i would be happy to answer.

Question 5

why are you on intron a (interferon alfa 2b)?

Accepted Answer

Interferon alpha: Is a treatment for chronic hepatitis c and is also occasionally used in certain types of lymphoma and leukemia.

Question 6

interferon alpha-2a is used for what coniditon?

Accepted Answer

Interferon: Interferon alfa-2a in pegylated form (brand name is either Pegasys (peginterferon alfa 2a) or peg-intron) is used for hepatitis c infection. This is a long acting interferon, which means it is taken once week. 
Standard or non-pegylated interferon is an old interferon also used to be to treat hepatitis c infection. This is usually taken three times a week. This interferon is not used widely since 2001/2002.

Question 7

what food should i avoid while using interferon?

Accepted Answer

Food: I assume you are taking interferon for hepatitis c infection. There is really nothing special to avoid while using interferon. But make sure you are well hydrated, drink plenty of fluids. Try to avoid any spicy food, since it can cause upset stomach (interferon  can also cause upset stomach). Avoid alcohol completely.

Question 8

what is the definition or description of: interferon?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating immunity: Interferons are a diverse group of proteins that belong to a class of glycoproteins known as cytokines.  Interferons were first discovered for their ability to block viral replication within host cells. They also have been found to activate immune cells for many disease processes.  There are several classes of interferons, types i, ii and iii, depending on what cells they activate.

Question 9

how can one deal with the side effects of interferon?

Accepted Answer

See your doctor: Without knowing your specific symptoms, i would contact your doctor to help. Interferon has many side effects and the best way to deal with them is to discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor who is treating you. They can prescribe medications that help with certain symptoms.

Question 10

how do the interferons protect the body against viruses?

Accepted Answer

Toxic to viruses: Interferons are directly toxic to viruses; i cannot comment on the exact mechanism, however.

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Doctor answers about:

Interferon alfa 2a medication

A member asked:

What are interferon alpha-2a and pegylated interferon alfa-2a (pegasys)?

A member asked:

What's the difference between the ms drugs avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone?

A member asked:

How are the ms drugs avonex (interferon beta 1a) and copaxone distinguished from each other?

A member asked:

Need info on interferon alfa-2b?

A member asked:

Why are you on intron a (interferon alfa 2b)?

A member asked:

Interferon alpha-2a is used for what coniditon?

A member asked:

What food should i avoid while using interferon?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: interferon?

A member asked:

How can one deal with the side effects of interferon?

A member asked:

How do the interferons protect the body against viruses?

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