Interferon Alfa-2b - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Interferon alpha-2b is a drug used to treat hair cell leukemia.hairy cell leukemia), follicular lymphoma, melanoma skin cancer, genital warts (condyloma acuminata), to AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma. This drug is also used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C.

Interferon alpha-2b has a similar effect to the body's natural interferon. This drug will affect the body's response, including inhibiting the growth and development of viruses, inhibiting the proliferation of tumor/cancer cells, and increasing the activity of the immune system.

Interferon Alfa-2b trademarks: Multiferon

What is Interferon Alfa-2b

groupPrescription drugs
CategoryInterferon
BenefitTreat leukemia, lymphoma, skin cancer, or treat genital warts, chronic hepatitis B, or chronic hepatitis
Consumed byMature
Interferon alpha-2b for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

Category X (interferon alpha-2b combined with ribavirin): Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus.

Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant.

Interferon alpha-2b can be absorbed into breast milk. So, this drug should not be used during breastfeeding.

Drug formInject

Precautions Before Using Interferon Alfa-2b

There are several things you should pay attention to before using interferon alpha-2b, namely:

  • Do not use interferon alpha-2b if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
  • Do not use interferon alpha-2b if you have autoimmune hepatitis or severe liver disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had eye disease, COPD, asthma, diabetes, a weak immune system, thyroid disease, colitis, kidney disease, blood clotting disorders, pulmonary embolism, heart disease, hypertension, liver disease, or have had a transplant organ.
  • Tell your doctor if you have alcoholism, drug abuse, or a mental disorder, such as depression.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
  • See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking interferon alpha-2b.

Dosage and Instructions for Use Interferon Alfa-2b

The following are the doses of injectable Interferon Alfa-2b for adults based on the condition to be treated:

  • Condition: Genital warts (condyloma acuminata)

    The dose is 1 million units, injected into each lesion, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks. The dose may be repeated after 12–16 weeks.

  • Condition: Hair cell leukemia (hairy cell leukemia)

    The dose is 2 million units/m2 body area, by injection through the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), 3 times a week for 6 months or according to the needs and condition of the patient.

  • Condition: Chronic hepatitis C

    The dose is 3 million units, by injection through the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), 3 times a week. Treatment duration is 6–12 months when used with ribavirin. Duration of treatment 6–18 months as monotherapy.

  • Condition: Active chronic hepatitis B

    The dose is 5–10 million units, by injection through the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), 3 times a week, for 4–6 months or 5 million units per day for 16 weeks.

  • Condition: Melanoma

    The initial dose is 20 million units/m2 of body area per day, by injection through a vein (intravenous/IV), 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The treatment dose is 10 million units/m2 body area, by injection under the skin (subcutaneously/SC), 3 times a week, for 48 weeks.

  • Condition: AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma

    The dose is 30 million units/m2 body area, by injection through the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), 3 times a week.

  • Condition: Chronic myeloid leukemia

    The dose is 4-5 million units/m2 body area, by injection under the skin (subcutaneously/SC), until the condition improves.

  • Condition: Carcinoid tumors

    The dose is 3–9 million units, by injection under the skin (subcutaneously/SC), 3 times a week. For severe conditions, the dose is 5 million units per day.

  • Condition: Follicular lymphoma

    In addition to chemotherapy, 5 million units, by injection under the skin (subcutaneously/SC), 3 times a week for 18 months.

  • Condition: Multiple myeloma

    As a maintenance dose after chemotherapy, 3 million units/m2, by injection under the skin (subcutaneously/SC), 3 times a week.

How to Use Interferon Alfa-2b Correctly

Interferon alfa-2b injection will be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. Follow the instructions and recommendations given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with interferon alpha-2b.

Interferon alfa-2b will be injected directly into the skin lesion or through the muscle (intramuscular/IM), or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC). Interferon alpha-2b can also be given by slow intravenous (IV) injection over 20 minutes. The route of drug administration will be adjusted to the condition to be treated.

During treatment with interferon alpha-2b, you will be asked to undergo regular health checks, including blood tests, liver function tests, or heart tests.

IInterferon Alpha-2b . interaction with other drugs

The use of interferon alpha-2b with other drugs can cause several interactions, including:

  • Reduced removal of theophylline from the body, so that its levels in the blood increase
  • Enhanced myelosuppressive effect of interferon alpha 2-b when used with zidovudine

Side Effects and Dangers of Interferon Alfa-2b

Some of the side effects that can occur after using Interferon Alfa-2b are:

  • Flu symptoms, such as a runny nose or stuffy nose
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Unusual fatigue
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea or stomach ache
  • thinning hair
  • Pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site

Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or any of the following serious side effects:

  • Fever, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Visual disturbances, such as blurry vision
  • Abdominal pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea
  • Depression, confusion, suicidal thoughts
  • Stuttering, impaired balance, weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • Heart problems, which can be characterized by chest pain or a fast heart rate
  • Recurrence of symptoms of autoimmune disease, such as swollen or painful joints
  • Liver or pancreatic disorders, which can be characterized by loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, darker urine, or jaundice