Indications
Interferon Alfa-2a is an injectable medicine made by biotechnology that copies a natural immune protein. It has been used for chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C, and for some blood and other cancers such as hairy cell leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia, certain lymphomas, Kaposi’s sarcoma, advanced kidney cancer and malignant melanoma. Specialist doctors decide whether it is suitable.
How It Works
Interferons are messengers the body releases when it detects a virus or abnormal cells. Interferon Alfa-2a switches on defence genes inside cells that block viruses from multiplying, slows the growth of some cancer cells, and boosts immune cells that attack infected or cancerous cells.
Dosage and Administration
It is given by injection under the skin or into a muscle. The dose, schedule and length of treatment depend on the condition and are set by the specialist, as prescribed. The first injections are usually given by a doctor or nurse; patients may later be trained to inject at home. Taking Paracetamol at the time of injection can ease flu-like symptoms if the doctor agrees.
Interactions
- Theophylline: blood levels may rise; monitoring needed.
- Telbivudine: increased risk of nerve damage; avoid the combination.
- Medicines that suppress the bone marrow, such as Zidovudine or cancer chemotherapy: higher risk of low blood counts.
- Sedatives, strong painkillers and alcohol: may add to drowsiness and mood effects.
Contraindications
- Allergy to interferons or any ingredient.
- Severe heart disease, severe liver disease or decompensated cirrhosis, or severe kidney disease.
- Uncontrolled seizures, or a history of severe depression or other serious psychiatric illness.
- Autoimmune hepatitis or other active autoimmune disease, and after organ transplant (other than in special circumstances).
- Uncontrolled thyroid disease.
Side Effects
Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, aches, headache, tiredness) are very common, especially early on. Others include loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, weight loss, hair thinning, skin rash, injection site reactions, low blood counts, changes in liver tests, thyroid problems, irritability, poor sleep and depression.
Get urgent medical help if you have thoughts of suicide, severe depression or confusion, chest pain or irregular heartbeat, signs of infection such as high fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, sudden vision changes, severe stomach pain, or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Not recommended in pregnancy unless clearly needed; effective contraception is advised during treatment. If combined with Ribavirin for hepatitis, pregnancy must be strictly avoided by both female patients and female partners of male patients, during and for months after treatment. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Precautions and Warnings
- Regular blood counts, liver, kidney and thyroid tests are needed.
- Mood must be watched closely; tell your doctor about any history of depression.
- Eye checks may be needed, particularly in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Drink plenty of fluids; it may cause tiredness that affects driving.
Overdose
Too much may cause severe tiredness, drowsiness and flu-like symptoms, and in serious cases low blood counts or confusion. Contact your doctor or hospital at once.
Therapeutic Class
Immunomodulator, antiviral and anticancer agent (interferon)
Storage
Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep in the original pack to protect from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.