title: [Side effects of interferon alfa].
abstract: Interferons are a class of glycoproteins whose properties include antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects. Immunotherapy with interferons is used in a variety of diseases, such as haemato-oncological disorders, solid tumours, viral hepatitis and multiple sclerosis. Due to their involvement in the regulation of a large number of physiological functions, many different side effects can occur. Flu-like syndromes, gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, pain, increased susceptibility to infections, thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric side effects occur frequently with alfa-interferon. Side effects frequently necessitate interruption and dose reduction. Severe or even life-threatening side effects are not frequent but do occur. Patient education is an important promotor of patient compliance, as are proper detection and symptomatic treatment of the side effects.
authors.affiliation: Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis, afd. Interne Specialismen, Zwijndrecht.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Berk
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: van Gool
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bannink
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Kruit
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000075202:Contraindications; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010349:Patient Compliance
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha
vernacular_title: Bijwerkingen van interferon alfa.