interferon alfa-2a Health Article

Generic name(s):

interferon alfa-2a

Brand name(s):

Roferon-A

What is the most important information I should know about interferon alfa-2a?

Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you develop symptoms of depression or are contemplating suicide; become unusually irritable, anxious (nervous), or aggressive; or experience other mood or behavior changes. In some cases, interferon alfa-2a has caused serious mood or behavioral problems. Problems with body organs such as the heart, lungs, and eyes have been experienced by people taking interferon alfa-2a or other similar drugs. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or loss of vision.

Some patients taking interferon alfa-2a have developed a drop in the number of white blood cells and platelets. If the number of these blood cells are too low, there is an increased risk of infection or bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, symptoms of an infection, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Interferon alfa-2a may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired alertness. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired alertness, avoid these activities.

What is interferon alfa-2a?

Interferon alfa-2a is a protein. Interferons are released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, regulating reproduction of cells, and regulating the immune system.

Interferon alfa-2a is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and some types of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Interferon alfa-2a may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon alfa-2a?

Do not use interferon alfa -2a without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to an alfa interferon in the past or if you are allergic to E. coli derived products. Also, do not use interferon alfa-2a if you have an allergy to the preservative benzyl alcohol.

Before using interferon alfa-2a, talk to your doctor if you

• a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, or another mental illness;

• an active infection;

• heart disease or history of a heart attack;

• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or psoriasis;

• have a suppressed immune system or have received an organ transplant,

• have a seizure disorder,

• have diabetes,

• have bone marrow suppression,

• have kidney disease, or
• have liver disease.

You may not be able to use interferon alfa-2a, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Interferon alfa-2a is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether interferon alfa-2a will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether interferon alfa-2a passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.