Information about Interferon Alfa 2A

Generic Name : Interferon Alfa 2A
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Interferon Alfa 2A are provided here.

Pronunciation : IN-ter-FEER-on ALfa

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Interferon Alfa 2A, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Trade Names/Brand Names of Interferon Alfa 2A

India :

Alferon Vial, Inron-A Inj, Intalfa Vial, Lg Intermax Alpha Inj, Amp, Vial, Zavinex Inj.

International :

Roferon-A

Why is Interferon Alfa 2A Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is prescribed for hairy cell leukemia (blood cancer), AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (type of cancer that develops in connective tissues), recurrent or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (cancer of white blood cells), hepatitis C, non-Hodgin’s lymphoma. It is an immuno modulator. It may work directly against tumor cells and viruses and help the immune system fight them.

When should Interferon Alfa 2A not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity, liver or heart disease, epilepsy, pregnancy.

What is the dosage of Interferon Alfa 2A?

SC/IM- Renal cell carcinoma- In an escalating dose of 3 million u 3 times/day over 10 to 12 weeks. Maintenance: 18 to 36 million 3times/week.
Hairy Cell Leukemia- Adults -IM/SC- Induction: 3million units/day, for 16 to 24weeks; Maintenance: 3million units 3times/week.
AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma- Adults- IM/SC- Induction: 36 million units/day, for 10 to 12 weeks. Alternative induction: 3 million units for 3 days, then 9 million units for 3days, then 18 million units for 3days, then 36 million units daily for a total of 10 to 12 weeks.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia-Adults-IM/SC- 9 million units/day. Alternative regimen : 3 million units/day for 3 days, then 6 million units/day for 3 days, then 9 million units/day for the duration of therapy.
Chronic myeloid leukemia- SC/IM- 3 million units daily over 8 to 12 weeks.
Hepatitis C- SC/IM- 6 million units 3 times a week.
non-Hodgin’s lymphoma- SC/IM- 6 MIU/m ² from 22 to 26 of each 28 days cycle.

How should Interferon Alfa 2A be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection, to be administered either under the skin or into the muscle by a healthcare provider.

What are the warnings and precautions for Interferon Alfa 2A?

•Caution needed for patients with history of depression, seizures, compromised central nervous system function, heart disease, hypo or hyperthyroidism, diabetes, patients with impaired renal function, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It may case dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

It may cause high or low blood sugar, patients' may experience with the following symptoms: Increased thirst, headache, difficulty in concentrating, blurred vision, frequent urination, fatigue (weak, tired feeling), weight loss, vaginal and skin infections, decreased vision, nervousness, sweating, intense hunger, trembling, weakness, palpitations, and trouble speaking. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What are the side effects of Interferon Alfa 2A?

Most Common- Flu-like syndrome, elevated liver function tests and severe infections.
Central Nervous System- Dizziness, depression, tongue tingling, sleep disorder, confusion, ringing in the ear, brain disease, seizures, lack of co-ordination, suicidal tendencies and stroke.
Heart- Swelling of legs, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, palpitations and chest pain.
Skin- Rash, transient hair loss or thinning of the hair and excessive sweating or night sweats.
Endocrine- Low or high thyroid hormone and increased or decreased blood sugar level.
Gastrointestinal- Moderate potential for nausea and vomiting, taste loss, diarrhea, dry mouth, gum inflammation, loss of appetite, weight loss and inflammation of colon and /or pancreas.
Blood- Decrease in white blood cells and platelets, leading to risk of infection and bleeding.
Hypersensitivity- Severe allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.
Musculoskeletal- Severe muscle pain in chronic myelogenous leukemia patients.
Genitourinary- Protein in urine and acute kidney failure.
Respiratory- Difficulty in breathing, cough, inflammation of nose and/or pharynx and drying of the oropharynx.
Eye- Visual disturbances and eye pain.

What are the other precautions for Interferon Alfa 2A?

Monitor blood counts, blood sugar, blood pressure levels; heart, liver, kidney, thyroid and lung functions regularly while taking this medication.

What are the storage conditions for Interferon Alfa 2A?

Injection: Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze it.

Schedule : H
Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.