liver drugs

Question 1

Viral Immunizations

Answer 1

Virus

• Non-living and contain only a few strands of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), an outer protein coat, and a few viral enzymes
• Require a host cell for replication and transmission
• Recognized as foreign and normally trigger an immune response
• Active Immunity
• Active immunity is defined as immunity to a pathogen that develops after being exposed to the infection
• Passive immunity
• Occurs when preformed antibodies are transferred or “donated” from one person to another

Question 2

Hepatitis B Immune globulin (HyperHep B)

Answer 2

Indication: Prophylactic therapy for infants and individuals who have been exposed to hepatitis B
-Desired effect: Passive immunity against hepatitis B

Question 3

Interferon therapy

Answer 3

-Interferon: type of cytokine secreted by T cells in response to antigens to protect uninfected cells
Secreted by macrophages and lymphocytes
2 main functions
-Slow the spread of viral infection
-Enhance the activity of existing leukocytes
E.g., modulation of immune functions e.g., phagocytosis and enhancing cytotoxic activity of T cells
-2 main classes: alpha and beta
Alpha: widest therapeutic application
Beta: primarily reserved for treatment of severe MS

Question 4

Interferon alpha-2b

Answer 4

-Classification: biological response modifier with anti-viral properties
-Indication: Hepatitis C infection
Mechanism of action
-Binds to uninfected cells and signals them to secrete immunomodulatory and antiviral proteins and enhances the activity of existing leukocytes.
-Desired effect
-Absence of Hepatitis C virus
-Adverse effects
Flu-like syndrome of fever, chills, dizziness, fatigue
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and with prolonged therapy immunosuppression and hepatotoxicity

Question 5

Ribavirin

Answer 5

-Indication: Hepatitis C infection
-Mechanism of action
-Inhibition of viral RNA and synthesis
-Desired effect
-Absence of Hepatitis C infection
-Adverse effects
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating
-given w/ interferon to treat hepatitis C infections

Question 6

Harvoni (ledipasvir & sofosbuvir – combination drug)

Answer 6

-Indication: Chronic hepatitis C virus
-Mechanism of action
-Inhibits viral replication
-Desired effect
Hepatitis C RNA reduction
-Adverse effects
-Fatigue, headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea