Alpha interferon

What medicine is Interferon Alfa-2A?

What is interferon alfa-2a for?

This drug is generally used to treat various cancers, such as leukemia, melanoma, and AIDS related to Kaposi's sarcoma. This drug is also used to treat viral infections, such as chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, and condyloma acuminata. This drug is the same as a natural protein produced in the body (interferon). It is thought that this drug works by affecting cell function or growth as well as the body's natural defenses (immune system) in various ways. Adding interferon can help your body fight cancer or viral infections.

How do I use Interferon Alfa-2A?

This medication is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin as directed by a doctor. Reverse the injection each time you give this medication to prevent pain. This medication can also be given by injection into a vein or directly into a wound, usually by a professional nurse.

If you are using this medication at home for yourself, be aware of all preparations and instructions for use from your professional nurse. Do not shake the drug because it will decrease the effectiveness of the drug. Before use, check this product for particles or discoloration. If there are lumps, do not use the drug. Learn how to store and dispose of medical supplies safely. Never use a syringe repeatedly (single use only). Multidose-pen can be used repeatedly. This medication is best used at night before bed to reduce side effects.

Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

The dosage is based on the medical condition and the body's response to therapy. Do not change the dose or frequency of use of this medication without your doctor's approval. Use this remedy regularly for the best benefits. To help you remember, take the medication at the same time each night so that the dose is scheduled.

Different brands of Interferon Alfa have different doses in the blood. This drug is available in various kinds, namely powder in bottles, solution in bottles, and multidose-pen. How the product is used depends on the type of product you are using. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Don't switch brands without your doctor's permission.

How do I store Interferon Alfa-2A?

This medicine should be stored in the refrigerator. Take the medicine 1 hour before use from the refrigerator, put it in a dry, clean place at room temperature. Follow all instructions given by your health care provider for preparing the medicine. Let the solution warm before use. Do not use the medicine if it has been out of the refrigerator for 24 hours or more or if it has been in the refrigerator for more than 30 days.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Interferon Alfa-2A dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of interferon alfa-2a for adults?

Follow the dosage that has been determined by the doctor or according to what is written on the medicine package.

What is the dosage of Interferon Alfa-2A for children?

Follow the dosage that has been determined by the doctor or according to what is written on the medicine package.

In what dosage is Interferon Alfa-2A available?

Solution for injection 6 million units / ml, 0.5 ml single use with a syringe that has not been filled (3 million units / syringe)

Solution for injection 12 million units / ml, 0.5 ml single use with an unfilled syringe (6 million units / syringe)

Solution for injection 18 million units / ml, 0.5 ml single use with a syringe that has not been filled (9 million units / syringe)

Interferon Alfa-2A side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to interferon alfa-2a?

SIDE EFFECTS: Reactions at the injection site (pain / swelling / redness), headache, fatigue, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, mood changes, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches may occur, especially when you first start taking this medicine. These symptoms usually last about 1 day after injection and will develop or disappear after a few weeks of use. You can reduce side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and taking a fever / pain reliever such as Acetaminophen before each dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tooth and gum problems sometimes occur during treatment. Dry mouth can make this side effect worse. Prevent dry mouth by drinking lots of water. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and check your teeth regularly. If you experience vomiting during treatment, rinse your mouth afterward to reduce tooth and gum problems.

Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth will return after treatment ends.

Keep in mind that doctors have prescribed this medication for the benefit of being outweighed by the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug do not experience serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects, such as: feeling too hot or cold (more than those around you), fast or irregular heartbeat, increased thirst, increased urination, menstrual changes (absent, delayed, or irregular menstruation), numbness / tingling in the hands or feet, swelling especially of the face, hands, feet, difficulty sleeping, difficulty walking, changes in vision (blurred, partial loss), easy bleeding / bruising, persistent nausea / vomiting, signs of infection (eg, fever, persistent sore throat), abdominal pain, dark urine, black stools, yellowing eyes or skin.

Get medical help right away if any of the very serious side effects occur: chest pain, seizures, weakness on one side of the body, speech problems.

This medication may cause serious mental / mood changes that may get worse during treatment or after the last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts, irritability, or aggressive behavior. If this happens, you are advised to undergo therapy and psychiatric monitoring during and after treatment with this medicine.

Very serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching / swelling (especially of the face / tongue / throat), dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interferon Alfa-2A Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using interferon alfa-2a?

Before giving Interferon Alfa, you should:

• contact your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Interferon Alfa or any other drugs.
• contact your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription / nonprescription drugs you are using, especially antibiotics and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney or liver disease, asthma, depression, psychiatric disorders, or diabetes.
• call your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using Interferon Alfa, contact your doctor.
• You should not change the brand of Interferon without telling your doctor

Is Interferon Alfa-2A safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not sufficient research to determine the risks of using the medication in women during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This medicine falls into the risk category of pregnancy D.

A = no risk, B = no risk in several studies, C = there may be a risk, D = tested positive for risk, X = contraindicated, N = unknown

Stop breastfeeding or stop medication.

Interferon Alfa-2A Drug Interactions

What medicines might interact with interferon alfa-2a?

Drug interactions can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

• AZT because of the increased risk of bone marrow problems
• Interleukin-2 because of the increased risk of kidney problems or high blood sugar
• Fluorouracil or theophylline because the risk of side effects is increased with Interferon Alfa-2A solutions

Can food or alcohol interact with Interferon Alfa-2A?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Interferon Alfa-2A?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• if you have ever had heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat, heart attack, blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or high blood triglyceride levels
• if you have a history of autoimmune diseases (eg Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis), kidney problems, liver problems (for example, hepatitis B), breathing or lung problems, stomach or intestinal problems (eg inflammation), thyroid problems, diabetes, seizures, problems pancreas, or eye or vision problems (eg retinopathy)
• if you have low white blood cell or platelet levels, anemia, or a history of bone marrow problems, bleeding problems, or an organ transplant
• if you have excessive sleepiness or have trouble sleeping
• if you have an infection, including smallpox or HIV, or you have a history of herpes simplex
• if you have a history of mental or mood problems (for example, depression), suicidal thoughts, or alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence.

Interferon Alfa-2A overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.