What are the side effects of interferon?

Generally, interferon is a cytokine with multiple biological functions and is commonly used in clinical settings to treat various diseases. Its side effects include fever, fatigue, hair loss, gastrointestinal discomfort, and bone marrow suppression, among others. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Fever

Interferon stimulates the body's immune system, activating immune cells to release endogenous pyrogens such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor. These substances act on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, shifting the body's temperature set point upward, thereby causing fever.

2. Fatigue

The immune response triggered by interferon consumes significant amounts of the body's energy and nutrients. It may also affect muscle cell metabolism and function, leading to decreased muscle contractility. Additionally, it might interfere with normal nervous system function and neural conduction, resulting in a sensation of overall fatigue and tiredness. The severity may vary depending on individual differences and medication dosage.

3. Hair Loss

Hair follicle cells are among the most actively proliferating cells in the human body. Interferon may inhibit the mitosis of hair follicle cells, affecting hair growth and renewal, which can make hair brittle and prone to breakage, eventually leading to hair loss. This typically becomes noticeable after a period of medication use.

4. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Interferon may directly irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing mucosal inflammation and damage. It can also affect the neural regulation of the gastrointestinal tract, disrupting peristalsis and secretion of digestive fluids, leading to gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or constipation. These reactions may impact the patient's nutritional intake and overall physical condition.

5. Bone Marrow Suppression

Interferon acts on bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells, inhibiting their proliferation and differentiation, thereby affecting blood cell production and resulting in reduced levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. A decrease in white blood cells weakens the body's immune defenses and increases the risk of infection; reduced red blood cells can lead to anemia; and a decrease in platelets may result in a tendency to bleed, such as petechiae or ecchymoses on the skin.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and consume more foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to replenish nutrients depleted by drug side effects and to enhance the body's resistance.