Interferons
Some medications that may be prescribed to treat hepatitis B are interferons. This treatment method usually lasts from 24 to 48 weeks or around six to twelve months. However, it comes with long-term side effects due to these prolonged treatments. In some cases, adverse reactions may develop and worsen with continued use. Some common side effects that may come from the extended duration of its use are swelling in the area of injection, flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and low WBC.
It’s also possible for interferons to cause appetite loss, muscle pain, mood swings, and itchy skin. In addition, they can boost the production of specific antibodies, which are cells responsible for fighting off invading. Unfortunately, too much of them may destroy healthy cells, causing various autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Some symptoms may include increased or decreased energy levels, fatigue, rashes, infrequent urination, and retaining water.
You must immediately reach out to your doctor if these symptoms present during the interferon treatment. They’ll be able to assess whether or not the medication is responsible for the side effects and make necessary changes to the treatment.
