Cutaneous necrosis complicating the injection of pegylated interferon alpha-2b in a patient with chronic hepatitis C.
Pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-alpha) is a formulation of recombinant human interferon conjugated with polyethylene-glycol. This preparation has a long half-life (compared with conventional IFN), which allows for once-weekly injection. Elimination half-life of PEG-IFN-alpha 2b is 22-60 hours (average, 35-40 hours). We report the development of a local necrotizing reaction complicating subcutaneous injection of PEG-IFN in a patient with hepatitis C. This case enhances the need of careful training in drug reconstitution and self injection, with as much variation as possible of the injection site.
Rosina
Paolo
P
Clinica Dermatologica Università di Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy. prosina@yahoo.com
Girolomoni
Giampiero
G
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012782:Shoulder; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b