Intron A

Generic Name: interferon alfa-2b ( IN ter FEER on AL fa 2b)
Brand Names: Intron A

What is Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?

Interferon alfa-2b is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.

Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma caused by AIDS, and certain types of genital warts.

Interferon alfa-2b is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C.

Interferon alfa-2b is often used in combination with another drug called ribavirin (Rebetol). Some of the information in this medication guide applies to the use of both drugs in this combination.

Interferon alfa-2b may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?

Interferon alfa-2b is often used in combination with another drug called ribavirin (Rebetol). Some of the information in this medication guide applies to the use of both drugs in this combination. Interferon alfa-2b may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon alfa-1b if you are pregnant, especially if you also take ribavirin (Rebetol). Use 2 forms of effective birth control while you are using this drug combination and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.

If a man fathers a child while using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 6 months after you stop using this drug combination..

You should not use interferon alfa-2b if you are allergic to interferons, or if you have autoimmune hepatitis, or severe liver problems from causes other than hepatitis B or C.

You should not use the combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you have an allergy to either drug, or if you have severe kidney disease, a blood cell disorder, if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your female sex partner is pregnant.

Before using interferon alfa-2b, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and about any other medications you use.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons, or if you have:

• autoimmune hepatitis; or

• severe liver problems from causes other than hepatitis B or C.

You should not use the combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you have:

• severe kidney disease;

• a blood cell disorder such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia;

• if you are allergic to interferons or ribavirin;

• if you are pregnant; or

• if you are a man and your female sex partner is pregnant.

Before using interferon alfa-2b, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• diabetes;

• cancer;

• bone marrow suppression;

• a bleeding disorder;

• a thyroid disorder;

• breathing problems such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);

• a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or drug or alcohol addiction;

• heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, or history of a heart attack or blood clots;

• an autoimmune disorder such as psoriasis, arthritis, or lupus;

• colitis or other intestinal disorder; or

• if you have recently received an organ transplant.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use interferon alfa-2b.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon alfa-1b if you are pregnant, especially if you also take ribavirin (Rebetol). The combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin can cause birth defects. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use 2 forms of effective birth control while you are using this drug combination and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.

If a man fathers a child while using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 6 months after you stop using this drug combination..

It is not known whether interferon alfa-2b passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Interferon alfa-2b is given as an injection into a muscle, under the skin, or directly into a genital wart. The medicine may also be given through a needle placed into a vein.

Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw your dose into a syringe or IV bag until you are ready to give yourself an injection.

Interferon alfa-2b powder medicine must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication. Do not use the mixture if it is not clear or light yellow, or if it has any particles in it. Throw it away and mix another dose.

The single-dose vial of interferon alfa-2b is for one use only. Throw the vial away after measuring your dose, even if there is still some medicine in it. Do not save it for later use. Do not change brands or generic forms of this medication without your doctor's advice. Not all brands, forms, and strengths of interferon alfa-2b are used to treat the same medical conditions. Always check your refills to make sure you have received the correct brand and type of medicine prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Interferon alfa-2b may cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Brush your teeth twice daily and have regular dental exams while you are using this medication.

Store interferon alfa-2b in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. After mixing the powder medicine with a diluent, you may store the mixture in the refrigerator but you must use it within 24 hours.

To reduce or prevent certain side effects, your doctor may recommend you take acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the time of your interferon alfa-2b injection. Follow your doctor's instructions about the correct dose. Never take more than 1000 milligrams of acetaminophen at one time.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an estramustine overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?

If you are being treated for hepatitis or genital warts, avoid having unprotected sex or sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Using interferon alfa-2b will not prevent you from passing these conditions to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing disease transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person. Avoid drinking alcohol if you are also taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) while using interferon alfa-2b.

Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using interferon alfa-2b and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe depression, aggressive behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others;

• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

• feeling like you might pass out;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• vision or hearing problems;

• urinating less than ususal or not at all;

• severe stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• cough with yellow or green mucus, feeling short of breath;

• chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance; or

• a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, spinning sensation;

• headache, tired feeling;

• muscle pain;

• nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;

• diarrhea;

• dry mouth;

• dry cough, sore throat;

• mild itching or skin rash;

• hair loss; or

• burning, bleeding, pain, itching, or skin changes where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• zidovudine (Retrovir);

• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theobid, Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, and others); or

• medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, such as sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with interferon alfa-2b. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about interferon alfa-2b.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with other, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.04. Revision Date: 02/13/2008 12:59:11 PM.

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