Avonex
side effects, nutrient depletions, herbal interactions and health notes:
Data provided by Applied Health
• May cause anorexia, and changes in weight.1
• Anemia and a susceptibility to infections is possible.2
• N-acetyl cysteine may enhance interferon's effectiveness if used together in the treatment of hepatitis C.3
• The Japanese herbal compound Sho-saiko-to has been shown to cause pneumonitis in patients on interferon therapy with hepatitis. It may be advisable to avoid combining interferon and this herbal product.4
• The active ingredient of licorice (glycyrrhizin) may enhance the effectiveness of interferon in the treatment of hepatitis.5
References1 Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
2 Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
2 Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
3 Beloqui O, Prieto J, Sua’rez B, et al. N-Acetyl cysteine enhances the response to interferon-alpha in chronic hepatitis C: A pilot study. J Interferon Res 1993;13:279-82
4 Ishizaki T, Sasaki F, Ameshima S, et al. Pneumonitis during interferon and/or herbal drug therapy in patients with chronic active hepatitis. Eur Respir J 1996;9:2691-96
4 Sugiyama H, Nagai M, Kotajima F, et al. A case of interstitial pneumonia with chronic hepatitis C following interferon-alpha and sho-saiko-to therapy. Arerugi 1995;44:711-14 [in Japanese].
5 Abe Y, Ueda T, Kato T, et al. Effectiveness of interferon, glycyrrhizin combination therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Nippon Rinsho 1994;52:1817-22 ( Japanese].
5 Fujisawa K. Interferon therapy in hepatitis C virus induced chronic hepatitis: Clinical significance of pretreatment with glycyrhizin. Trop Gastroenterol 1991;12:176-79.
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Disclaimers
The information in Drug Watch is provided as a courtesy to NewsTarget readers by Applied Health Solutions in cooperation with Healthway Solutions. Although the information is presented with scientific references, we do not wish to imply that this represents a comprehensive list of considerations about any specific drug, herb or nutrient. Nor should this information be considered a substitute for the advice of your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare practitioner. Please read the disclaimer about the intentions and limitations of the information provided on these pages. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs and nutritional supplements that you are taking if they are recommending a new medication. Copyright © 2007 by Applied Health Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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