Safety of peginterferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
BACKGROUND
Combination of 'pegylated' interferons (IFNs) plus ribavirin, the standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), is frequently associated with side effects. Anticipation, recognition and proper management of these side effects are important to ensure compliance with therapy and achievement of sustained virologic response.


OBJECTIVE
To illustrate the side effect profile of pegIFN-alpha in the treatment of CHC.


METHODS
Studies and abstracts were identified through a computerized, English language literature search. Key search terms included peginterferon and CHC. Information available only in abstract form was retrieved from national and international hepatology associations.


RESULTS
Most adverse events occurring with combination therapy can be anticipated and managed appropriately; therefore, premature discontinuation of therapy owing to side effects is not required in most patients.
Hashemi
Nikroo
N
Thomas Jefferson University, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Rossi
Simona
S
Navarro
Victor J
VJ
Herrine
Steven K
SK
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D055118:Medication Adherence; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a