Banderas Pharm Flashcards
Some antivirals target DNA polymerase. How do these drugs selectively target viral DNA polymerase instead of host DNA polymerase?
They’re not selective; instead, they take advantage of the much more rapid viral nucleic acid synthesis vs. host, so viral inhibition > host
Some viruses manifest symptoms only after most replication has already occurred. What is an appropriate antiviral therapy for these cases?
Chemoprohphylaxis
What stage of viral events do hepatitis drugs target?
Repilication
What forms of hepatitis do we have immunizations for?
A and B
When do we receive hep A vax?
At 12 months; 2 dose series
When do we receive hep B vax?
At birth; 3 dose series
If a baby is born to a mother who is HBsAg+, how do we prevent hep B infection in the infant?
Administer the first of the 3 dose Hep B series at birth, along with HBIG
What is given to a seropositive transplant patient to prevent hepatitis infection?
Nucleotide analog drugs for HBV and HCV
HBIG provides protection for how long?
3-6 months
A healthcare provider had pre-employment Hep B titers drawn and they came back at 9 milli-IU/mL. At work, they had an exposure to a patient with unknown Hep B status. What steps should be taken for the provider?
The provider should have completed a vaccine course before patient care, since titer needs to be 10+ to be considered immune.
The exposure to a patient with unknown status should be considered a positive exposure.
The provider should be given HBIG and their vax series should be completed.
They would be considered a “non-responder” if titer does not exceed 10 milli-IU/mL after 2 complete series are given.
How is Hep A treated?
Supportive therapy
Why are we unable to cure Hep B with current therapies?
Hep B has a relaxed circular DNA genome until entering hepatic cells, where it enters the nucleus and converts to a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which cannot currently be targeted.
What is a major difference between Hep B and Hep C that allows us to cure Hep C but not B?
Hep C (ssRNA+) replicates in the cytoplasm and does not establish latency.
Hep B converts to cccDNA when it enters the cell nucleus, and we are unable to target it.
How do we treat acute Hep B?
Usually we do not treat acute Hep B, as most (95%) patients will clear it naturally.
Some progress to chronic Hep B. Those we treat with nucleoside analogs.
What are the two classes of drugs that are used to treat chronic Hep B?
Peg-interferon or nucleoside analog drugs
Patients who are being started on immunosuppressants should be started on what kind prophylactic therapy to prevent chronic Hepatitis B?
Begin nucleoside analogs 1 week before starting immunosuppressants
Continue for one year after immunosuppressant therapy ends
What two types of patients receive prophylactic treatment with nucleoside analogs?
Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
Seropositive patients undergoing liver transplant
Compare the pros and cons of peg-interferon and nucleotide analogs in the treatment of Hep B
Peg-intererons:
Pro: finite (but long, 48 week) course. No resistance because it does not target viral enzyme (instead bolsters immune response).
Con: Not well tolerated - more AEs; and subQ administration
Nucleotide analogs:
Pro: Well tolerated and easy PO administration
Con: Have to take indefinitely and reliably, and there is a risk of resistance because we’re targeting viral enzymes.
What is the (general) MOA of peg-interferon?
Targets host cells and acts similarly to cytokines, binding receptors to stimulate endogenous antiviral response; specifically, inducing interferon-specific genes.
What are the AEs of peg-interferon? What is its most limiting effect?
- Flu like symptoms with each administration
- Bone marrow suppression, leading to leukopenia or thrombocytopenia
- Thyroid disease
- ***CNS effects: depression, fatigue, seizures < this is the most limiting effect; some providers Rx antidepressants with peg-interferon
What is the target of the nucleot(s)ide analogs used to treat Hep B?
DNA polymerase in the relaxed circular DNA.
It does not target the cccDNA in the nucleus, which is why we need life-long therapy.
What enzyme mutates resulting in resistance to the nucleot(s)ide analogs used to treat Hep B?
DNA polymerase
What labs should be monitored while treating a patient with peg-interferon for Hep B?
CBC every few months
Thyroid panel every few months
*Monitor neuropsych effects
Patients on nucleot(s)ide analogs should be monitored for what metabolic AE?
Lactic acidosis