One of the therapies used to treat injuries caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is alpha interferon. According to a study, most patients who used this drug either eliminated their warts or saw a reduction greater than 50%.
Alpha interferon is administered in various ways, such as intravenously, muscle injection, subcutaneous injection, or injected directly onto the lesion. The method of administration and dosage should be prescribed by a physician.
If you carry HPV, the following information will help you understand which drugs you can use to treat the virus and prevent complications.
Índice
What is alpha interferon and why is it used for HPV?
Alpha interferon is a drug known as a biological response modifier. It helps strengthen the immune system, enabling the body to fight against bacteria, viruses like HPV, and cancer cells.
This protein is produced by the body in small amounts, and increasing its levels activates the immune system.
This drug is used to treat:
- genital warts caused by HPV,
- chronic hepatitis C or B infection,
- hairy cell leukemia,
- Kaposi’s sarcoma,
- malignant melanoma,
among others.
An important aspect to consider is that alpha interferon does not prevent the spread of these diseases or the complications from these infections; it only helps fight them.
Given that the immune system plays a crucial role in the body’s fight against HPV, alpha interferon is an excellent option for treating genital warts caused by this virus.
How to use alpha interferon for HPV
Alpha interferon comes as a powder in a vial and can be applied subcutaneously, intravenously, intramuscularly, or intralesionally. The recommended dose for treating genital warts due to HPV is to inject the lesion three times a week, taking a 3-week break before starting again.
While this drug is approved for its efficacy in treating warts caused by HPV, you should not self-medicate. Depending on a physical examination and your medical history, the doctor will determine whether or not you can use it.
Side effects of alpha interferon
Some of the most common side effects of alpha interferon are:
- flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, loss of appetite),
- fatigue,
- leukopenia or neutropenia,
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- mood disorders,
- anemia,
and rashes.
Recommendations when using alpha interferon for HPV
- Follow the doctor’s instructions and do not try to increase the dose. Remember, like other drugs, it has side effects and overdose reactions.
- Do not inject the medication into an area of the skin that is irritated, inflamed, red, bruised, scarred, and especially if it’s infected. If the injection is intralesional, ensure it is placed at the center of the wart.
- Dispose of the syringes used to apply alpha interferon; do not reuse anything. Remember, HPV is highly contagious.
- Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking to avoid any reaction with interferon. If you experience any reaction, do not hesitate to consult your doctor to adjust the dosage or change the treatment if deemed necessary.
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
I wish you great success in your recovery!
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547867/
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a690006.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/interferon-alfa-2b-injection-route/side-effects/drg-20071328?p=1
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Wilson. Dr. Amy Wilson, born in the United States, obtained her medical degree from Lincoln University School of Medicine. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she’s dedicated 15 years to women’s health, becoming a distinguished gynecologist and serving in various U.S. medical institutions.