Interferon Alfa-2b
Antiviral, Systemic · Immunomodulator
Indications
Chronic active hepatitis B in patients positive for HBV-DNA. In combination with ribavirin, unless intolerant or contraindicated, for treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients positive for HCV antibodies or HCV-RNA with elevated ALT levels. AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, hairy cell leukaemia, chronic myelogenous leukaemia, recurrent or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, progressive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, adjunct to surgery in malignant melanoma.
Dosage
Hepatitis B: Adults: 2.5-5 mega units/m² by SC inj three times per wk for 4 - 6 mth. Increase dose after 1 mth if response not adequate, discontinue after 3-4 mth if no improvement. Children: Not recommended. Hepatitis C: Adults: In combination with tribavirin, in relapsed patients who previously responded to interferon alfa, 4.5 mega units by SC or IM injection three times per wk for 6 mth; in interferon alfa naive patients, 3-4.5 mega units by SC or IM injection three times per wk for minimum 6 mth; Hepatitis C monotherapy, initially 3-6 mega units by SC or IM injection three times per wk for 6 mth. Maintenance, 3 mega units three times per wk for a further 6 mth. Children: Not recommended. Hairy cell leukaemia: Adults: Induction dose, 3 mega units daily by SC or IM Inj for 16-24 wk. Maintenance dose, 3 mega units 3 times/wk by SC or IM Inj. Max 3 mega units. Children: Not…
Administration
SC: Administration is suggested for those who are at risk for bleeding or are thrombocytopenic. Rotate SC injection site. Patient should be well hydrated. Reconstitute with recommended amount of bacteriostatic water and agitate gently; do not shake, Note: Different vial strengths require different amounts of diluent. Do not use 3-, 5-, 18- and 25 million unit strengths intralesionally, solutions are hypertonic; 50 million unit strength is not for use in condylomata, hairy cell leukaemia, or chronic hepatitis. Patients with platelet count < 50,000/mm3 should receive doses SC, not IM. Compatibility: Stable in LR, NS, incompatible with D5W. Stability: Store intact vials at refrigeration 2°C-8° C. Powder and premixed solutions are stable at room temperature for 7 days under refrigeration 2°-8° C.
Adverse Effects
Influenza-like symptoms, GI and CNS effects, anxiety, convulsions, hyperglycaemia. Suicidal ideation. Dry mouth, dyspnoea, cough, GI upset, stomatitis, appetite change, skin and inj site reactions, alopecia, increased sweating, wt loss, blood dyscrasias, eye disorders, infections, tachypnoea, epistaxis, thyroid disorders, dysgeusia, hypocalcaemia, dehydration, hyperuricaemia, decreased libido, tremor, paraesthesia, hypoaesthesia, hyperaesthesia, flushing, palpitation, tachycardia, hypertension, hepatomegaly, hepatic impairment, micturition disorders, menstrual changes, oedema, neoplasms. Growth inhibition and virilism in children. Pulmonary disorders.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe renal, hepatic or myeloid dysfunction, epilepsy or CNS impairment, cardiac disease, decompensated hepatic disease, liver cirrhosis, autoimmune disease, transplant recipients, uncontrolled thyroid disease, history of severe psychiatric disorders in children. Precautions: Should only be used by physicians experienced in the indications. Suicidal tendencies; ask patients to report any signs of depression. Severe myelosuppression; monitor blood counts. Moderate renal or hepatic impairment; monitor function. Diabetes. Effective contraceptive measures must be used. Monitor blood lipids. Measure TSH and correct any thyroid abnormality before starting treatment. Monitor patients with CHF, MI, arrhythmias, advanced cancer, ocular effects. Maintain adequate hydration. Risk of growth…
Interactions
Immunosuppressants, theophylline, CNS depressants, telbivudine.
Advice to Patient
Use as prescribed. Inform prescriber immediately if you feel depressed or any suicidal thoughts occur to you. Contact prescriber if there is unusual bruising or bleeding, constant stomach upset, muscle pain, tremors, unusual fatigue, unusual weight gain, swelling of ankles/hands/feet, palpitations, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, pain/redness/swelling/burning at injection site. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber.
Pharmacokinetics
Metabolism: Primarily renal, filtered and absorbed at the renal tubule. Bioavailability: IM: 83%. SC: 90%. Half-life elimination: IV: Approx. 2 hrs. IM, SC: Approx. 2-3 hrs. Time to peak, serum: IM, SC: Approx. 3-12 hrs. IV: By the end of a 30-min infusion.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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