Are side effects worse with PEG interferon vs. regular interferon?
• Patients say the side effects are the same as regular interferon, but they tolerate the PEG more easily because there is only one weekly shot (instead of 3 shots a week). Because PEG interferon lasts longer in the body, any side effects can be more severe, such as depression. With PEG, there is also a 10-15% increased incidence of pulmonary problems, such as pneumonitis. You need to have a good relationship with your doctors and be sure to tell them all of your symptoms to avoid problems. Should I consider PEG interferon with a history of chronic HBV for 10 years, normal liver enzymes, e-antigen positive, normal liver biopsy 10 years ago, and DNA that is slowly increasing after being on Adefovir for two years (viral load was in the billions before treatment – went down to 182,000 – and now it is rising and up to 2 million)? • Need to remember that people who respond best to interferon have signs of liver inflammation, which is confirmed by an elevated ALT – without signs of inflammat
