Interferons for Chronic Hepatitis B
How It Works
Interferon is a man-made copy of a protein that your body makes in response to infection. It helps the Reference immune system Opens New Window fight disease and may slow or stop the growth of the Reference hepatitis B Opens New Window virus in your body.
Interferon is given as a shot 3 times a week. A slow release form of interferon, pegylated interferon (also known as peginterferon), is given as a shot once a week. Peginterferon is used more often than interferon to treat hepatitis B. Treatment with interferons can last 4 months to 1 year.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
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