Cell-Aid

by Werrick

Active ingredients: Interferon Alfa, Interferon alfa-2a

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About Interferon Alfa-2a

Antiviral, Systemic

Uses

Chronic active hepatitis B in patients positive for HBV-DNA. In combination with tribavirin, 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.

How to take it

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…

Side effects

Influenza-like symptoms, GI and CNS effects, anxiety, convulsions, hyperglycaemia. Suicidal ideation. Blood dyscrasias, anorexia, hypocalcaemia, headache, dry mouth, alopecia, increased sweating, myalgia, arthralgia, fatigue, dysgeusia, arrhythmias, palpitations, cyanosis, chest pain, oedema, wt loss, retinopathy and autoimmune events.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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. 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 glucose and lipids. Perform eye examination in patients reporting visual effects.

Advice

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 or burning at injection site. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber.

Full information on Interferon Alfa-2a →

Interactions with Interferon Alfa-2a

Immunosuppressants, theophylline, telbivudine.

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Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

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