Indications & Uses
Interon is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Interferon alfa-2a works against viruses and tumours, and it also acts on the immune system. It stops many RNA and DNA viruses from replicating. It has an antiproliferative effect too, which means it slows the growth of both normal and malignant cells. Interferon alfa-2a also lowers antibody formation by acting on B-lymphocytes, and it prevents delayed hypersensitivity from starting.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
For renal cell carcinoma, Interferon Alfa-2a is given in escalating doses. Start with 3 million unit 3 times a week for 1 week, then 9 million unit 3 times a week for 1 week, and after that 18 million unit 3 times a week for 3 to 12 months.
Chronic hepatitis B: 2.5 to 5 million unit/m2 3 times a week for 4 to 6 months. Chronic hepatitis C with ribavirin: 3 to 4.5 million unit 3 times a week for 6 months. As monotherapy, the dose is 3 million unit 3 times a week for 12 months.
Hairy cell leukaemia: 3 million unit a day for 16 to 24 weeks. Maintenance is 3 million unit 3 times a week, for up to 24 weeks.
AIDS related Kaposi's sarcoma: the dose is escalated, starting with 3 million unit a day for 3 days, then 9 million unit a day for 3 days, then 18 million unit a day for 3 days, and then 36 million unit a day (if tolerated) on days 10 to 84. After that, give the maximum tolerated dose (up to 36 million unit) 3 times a week.
Chronic myeloid leukaemia: the dose is escalated, starting with 3 million unit a day for 3 days, then 6 million unit a day for 3 days, and 9 million unit a day after that. For responders after 12 weeks, continue treatment until the haematological response is complete or for up to 18 months.
Follicular lymphoma, as an adjunct to chemotherapy: 6 million unit/m2/day on days 22 to 26 of each 28-day cycle.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: the dose is escalated, starting with 3 million unit a day for 3 days, then 9 million unit a day for 3 days, and then 18 million unit a day to complete 12 weeks of treatment. After that, responders get the maximum tolerated dose (up to 18 million unit) 3 times a week for at least 12 months.
Melanoma: 3 million unit 3 times a week for 18 months. Start treatment no later than 6 weeks after surgery.
Side Effects
Interferon can cause depressive illness, suicidal behaviour, irritability, insomnia and anxiety. Flu-like symptoms are common. Some people get headache, dizziness, paraesthesia, confusion, impaired concentration, or a change in taste or smell. Gastrointestinal disturbances can also happen. Dryness of the oropharynx, epistaxis, rhinitis, arrhythmia and sinusitis may occur. On the skin, there can be a reaction at the injection site, alopecia, rash, dry skin or pruritus. Conjunctivitis, menstrual irregularity and visual disturbances are also seen, along with coughing and dyspnoea. Other effects are myalgia, joint or bone pain, and arthritis or polyarthritis. Bone marrow depression can occur too.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Take care when using Interferon Alfa in people with a history of depression, and watch for signs of it. Regular neuropsychiatric monitoring should be done. Caution is also needed in seizure disorders and when CNS function is compromised, and in anyone with existing cardiac disease or a history of it. Check the CBC before therapy and again during it. Be careful in myelosuppression, or when myelosuppressive drugs are being used at the same time. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and DM also call for caution. Patients who already have an eye disorder (for example diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy) should have an ophthalmological exam. Patients with impaired renal function should be monitored.
Contraindications
Interferon Alfa-2a must not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to recombinant interferon alfa-2a or to any component of the preparation. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe pre-existing cardiac disease or any history of cardiac illness. No direct cardiotoxic effect has been demonstrated, but it is likely that the acute, self-limiting toxicities (e.g. fever, chills) frequently associated with administration of Interferon Alfa-2a may make pre-existing cardiac conditions worse. The other contraindications are severe renal, hepatic or myeloid dysfunction, seizure disorders and/or compromised central nervous system function, and chronic hepatitis with advanced, decompensated hepatic disease. It must also not be used in chronic hepatitis patients who are being or have recently been treated with immunosuppressive agents, excluding short-term "steroid withdrawal". The same applies to CML patients with an HLA-identical relative who are potential candidates for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in the immediate future, and to neonates, children up to 3 years, and premature infants. Interferon Alfa-2a solution for injection contains benzyl alcohol. There have been reports of permanent neuropsychiatric deficits and multiple system organ failure associated with benzyl alcohol.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy category: Interferon Alfa-2a should be given only if the benefit to the woman justifies the possible risk to the foetus. Animal tests do not show that Roferon-A is a teratogen, but harm to the foetus from use during pregnancy can't be excluded. When pregnant rhesus monkeys were given doses far above the recommended clinical dose in the early to mid foetal period, an abortifacient effect was seen.
Nursing mothers: It is not known whether Interferon Alfa-2a is secreted in human milk. A decision has to be made whether to suspend breast-feeding or to stop the medicine, taking into account how important the medicine is to the mother.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Interon 0.5 ml
What is Interon 0.5 ml SC Injection?
Interon 0.5 ml SC Injection is a medicine that contains Interferon Alfa-2a [Recombinant]. It is made by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC. It belongs to the Immunological Chemotherapy group of medicines.
What is Interon used for?
Interon is used for: Cancer.
What are the side effects of Interon?
Interferon can cause depressive illness, suicidal behaviour, irritability, insomnia and anxiety. Flu-like symptoms are common.
Can I take Interon during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy category: Interferon Alfa-2a should be given only if the benefit to the woman justifies the possible risk to the foetus. Animal tests do not show that Roferon-A is a teratogen, but harm to the foetus from use during pregnancy can't be excluded. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Can I take other medicines with Interon?
Some medicines can interact with Interferon Alfa-2a [Recombinant], for example: Theophylline, Zidovudine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Interon?
Interon is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.