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Interferon
Interferons are proteins made by the human immune system for fighting viral infections and regulating cell function. Three types of interferons are used as drugs: interferon alpha, interferon beta, and interferon gamma. They are used by injection to treat viral infections, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, some cancers, and other diseases.
The information in this article pertains to interferon in general. The interactions reported here may not apply to all the Also Indexed As terms. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these drugs.
At the time of writing, this product had no well-known interactions with food, supplements, or other compounds. Follow manufacturer instructions for safe use.
Also indexed as:
- Actimmune,
- Alferon N,
- Avonex,
- Betaseron,
- Infergen,
- interferon,
- interferon alfa-2a,
- interferon alfa-2b,
- interferon alfacon-1,
- interferon alfa-n1,
- interferon alfa-n3,
- interferon beta-1a,
- interferon beta-1b,
- interferon gamma-1b,
- intron,
- Intron A,
- Rebif,
- Roferon,
- Roferon-A,
- Wellferon
About this treatment
Interactions with Vitamins
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
One preliminary trial found that adding 600 mg NAC three times per day to interferon therapy for people with chronic hepatitis C led to improvement in their conditions not seen with interferon alone. However, other preliminary and double-blind trials have failed to confirm the efficacy of this approach. At the present time, sufficient evidence is lacking to support the use of this drug-nutrient combination in persons with hepatitis.
Thymus peptides
Peptides or short proteins derived from the immune organ known as the thymus gland have been investigated in combination with interferon therapy for people with hepatitis B and C. One study found that adding thymus humoral factor-gamma 2 to interferon therapy prevented decreases in white blood cell counts sometimes seen with interferon alone, and also seemed to improve the efficacy of interferon against hepatitis B. Thymus humoral factor-gamma 2 must be administered by injection, requiring consultation with a doctor. It is not known whether orally administered thymus extracts would be useful in combination with interferon.
Interactions with Herbs
Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense)
Bupleurum is the major constituent of a Japanese Kampo (herbal) medicine formula called sho-saiko-to. This formula has been used alone or with interferon to treat hepatitis. Eighty or more cases of drug-induced pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) have been associated with the use of sho-saiko-to alone or with interferon. Until more is known, sho-saiko-to should not be combined with interferon.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Injections of the licorice compound glycyrrhizin are commonly used to treat hepatitis in Japan. The combination of glycyrrhizin and interferon may be more effective than interferon alone. Injectable glycyrrhizin is available from some physicians. So far, human studies have not used orally administered licorice extracts in conjunction with interferon.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. The Aisle7 knowledgebase does not contain every possible interaction.
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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