Health Center
INTERFERON ALFA-2a (Roferon-A®) is a man-made protein. Natural interferons are produced to help the immune system fight viral infections and certain cancer growths. Interferon alfa-2a has similar actions to natural interferons and is used to treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, certain types of hepatitis, and leukemia or other cancers. Generic interferon alfa-2a injections are not available.
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
·autoimmune disease
·blood or bleeding disorders
·depression or mental disorders
·diabetes
·heart or lung disease
·kidney disease
·liver disease
·psoriasis
·seizures
·thyroid disease
·undergoing radiation therapy
·an unusual or allergic reaction to interferons, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
·pregnant or trying to get pregnant
·breast-feeding
Interferon alfa-2a is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. Injections of interferon alfa-2a can be given in the hospital or clinic, or by a home health-care nurse. If you are giving yourself the injections, make sure you follow the directions carefully. You can inject your dose at bedtime if you experience flu-like effects. Do not reuse syringes or needles. Dispose of needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
·theophylline
·zidovudine, AZT
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
The side effects you may experience with interferon alfa-2a therapy depend upon the dose, other types of medicine given at the same time, and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Uncommon:
·low blood counts - interferon alfa-2a may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
·signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
·signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
·signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness
Common:
·confusion
·depression
·difficulty breathing
·difficulty sleeping
·difficulty thinking or concentrating
·irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
·menstrual changes
·nervousness
·numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
·blurred vision
·changes in taste (metallic taste)
·cough
·diarrhea
·dry or sore mouth
·fever, chills
·hair loss
·headaches
·joint, leg, or back pain
·loss of appetite
·muscle aches
·nasal congestion
·nausea, vomiting
·sexual difficulties
·skin rash, itching
·tiredness
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular blood checks.
Do not change brands without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. Different brands of interferon can act differently in your body. Check with your pharmacist if your refills do not look like your original product.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how interferon alfa-2a affects you. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, increase confusion and lightheadedness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Interferon alfa-2a can cause flu-like symptoms and make you feel generally unwell. If you get a fever or sore throat that do not go away after the first few weeks of treatment, do not treat yourself. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you think you have an infection. Other signs of infection include cough, lower back or side pain, pain or difficulty passing urine.
Females who are able to have children should use effective birth control methods while receiving interferon alfa-2a.
Interferon alfa-2a can cause blood problems and may decrease your body's ability to fight certain types of infections or increase your risk to bruise or bleed. This may be more of a concern if you are receiving high doses or other chemotherapy agents with your interferon treatment. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have symptoms of a cold or flu that do not get better. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise, or injure yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick while receiving interferon alfa-2a because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving interferon alfa-2a.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while you are taking interferon alfa-2a.
Use disposable syringes only once. Place used syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in a refrigerator between 2 degrees and 8 degrees C (36 degrees and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused vials or syringes after the expiration date.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
[ Revised 4/5/00]
This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.
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