Does interferon cause anxiety?

The reported incidence of anxiety disorders induced by interferon ranges between 1.4 and 3.3% [16]. In some cases, these disorders are regarded as preexistent to interferon therapy, while in others anxiety is a clinical feature of the depressive episode.

Can interferon cause thyroid problems?

Thyroid disease is a frequent side effect of interferon (IFN)-α therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other disorders, and the clinical approach to this complication is often carried out by personal judgment rather than by defined guidelines.

Can interferon cause hyperthyroidism?

The important immunomodulatory properties of IFN are due to its ability to induce autoimmune phenomena; however, that effect can result in patients developing autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism [16].

Is Intron A discontinued?

Merck has discontinued all presentations of Intron A solution for injection. Merck has discontinued all presentations of Intron A powder for injection.

Does interferon cause insomnia?

Although neuropsychiatric symptoms of IFN vary, affective disorders such as depression are most frequent, followed by cognitive disorders including delirium. Others include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, mania, delusion, hallucina- tion, and change to aggressive personality.

Why does interferon cause depression?

This neurotoxic challenge causes a reduction in the density of serotonergic and adrenergic neuron, and loss of neurons in the hippocampus. These neurochemical and neurohistological changes predispose to depression [28, 44, 47-49].

How does interferon alpha cause hypothyroidism?

Immune mediated effects of interferon-alpha IFNα receptor activation results in activation of the JAK-STAT pathway (82), leading to activation of a large number of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) including cytokine and adhesion molecule genes (83;84). These combined effects can induce thyroid autoimmunity.

Is interferon discontinued?

At the end of June 2020, Roche, the supplier of interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A) stopped making this medicine globally.

Why is Intron A being discontinued?

Intron A Discontinued Based on an evaluation of clinical use and the availability of alternative therapies, Merck is discontinuing recombinant interferon alfa-2b (Intron A), in all strengths. Supply availability should continue over the next 1-2 years depending on product formulation and dose strength.

Does interferon cause weight loss?

Interferon can cause permanent damage to the thyroid gland, resulting in body-wide issues. Some of the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction include: increased or decreased energy levels. drastic weight gain or weight loss.

What are the uses of interferon alfa-2a?

Uses of Interferon Alfa-2a: 1 It is used to treat cancer. 2 It is used to treat hepatitis B and C infections. 3 It is used to treat advanced HIV -associated Kaposi’s sarcoma . 4 It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What is the pH of interferon alfa-2a?

Subcutaneous (SC) administration of 1.0 mL delivers 180 µg of drug product (expressed as the amount of interferon alfa-2a), 8.0 mg sodium chloride, 0.05 mg polysorbate 80, 10.0 mg benzyl alcohol, 2.62 mg sodium acetate trihydrate, and 0.05 mg acetic acid. The solution is colorless to light yellow and the pH is 6.0 ± 0.01.

What are the side effects of alpha interferons?

Alpha interferons may cause mental health problems or make them worse. Suicide or suicidal thoughts, thoughts of hurting others, depression, forceful actions, hallucinations, and other mood or behavior problems have happened during treatment and within 6 months after the last dose. Relapse of drug addiction has also happened.

What should I do if I am allergic to interferon alfa-2a?

If you are allergic to interferon alfa-2a; any part of interferon alfa-2a; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.