Safety and Tolerability of Pegylated Interferon (PEG-IFN) Alfa-2a in HIV Infected People

Inclusion Criteria: HIV infected CD4 count of 300 cells/ml or greater within 30 days of study entry HIV viral load of 5000 copies/ml or greater within 30 days of study entry Received ART previously but have currently interrupted treatment within 12 weeks prior to study entry OR ART naive Willing to delay initiation or re-initiation of antiretroviral medications for the duration of the study Agree to use acceptable forms of contraception Exclusion Criteria: Previous use of interferon alfa Known allergy or sensitivity to PEG-IFN alfa-2a or its formulation Active drug or alcohol abuse that would interfere with the study Acute therapy for a serious infection within 30 days of study entry Use of non-protocol-specified immunomodulatory therapy within 60 days of study entry Active immunization within 30 days of study entry History of severe psychiatric disease such as major depression, suicidal attempt, hospitalization for psychiatric disease, or a period of disability due to psychiatric disease History of poorly controlled thyroid disease, including history of elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with elevated antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and any clinical manifestations of thyroid disease History of clinically significant heart disease that could be worsened by acute anemia History of severe seizure disorder or current anticonvulsant use Hepatitis C antibody positive within 60 days prior to study entry Hepatitis B surface antigen positive within 60 days prior to study entry Known sensitivity to E. coli derived products, such as filgrastim Any past evidence of chronic liver disease Any past or current evidence of immunologically-mediated disease Evidence of chronic pulmonary disease Severe eye problems due to diabetes, hypertension, cytomegalovirus infection, or macular degeneration History of major organ transplantation with an existing functional graft History or other evidence of severe illness, cancer, or other conditions that would make the patient unsuitable for the study Hemoglobin abnormalities or any other cause of or tendency for breakdown of red blood cells Any medical condition that would prevent successful completion of the study Use of certain medications Pregnant or breastfeeding