interferon alfa-2b

Brand name(s):

Intron A

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

Interferon alfa-2b is often used in combination with another drug called ribavirin (Rebetol). Some of the information in this medication guide applies to the use of both drugs in this combination. Interferon alfa-2b may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon alfa-1b if you are pregnant, especially if you also take ribavirin (Rebetol). Use 2 forms of effective birth control while you are using this drug combination and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.

If a man fathers a child while using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 6 months after you stop using this drug combination..

You should not use interferon alfa-2b if you are allergic to interferons, or if you have autoimmune hepatitis, or severe liver problems from causes other than hepatitis B or C.

You should not use the combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you have an allergy to either drug, or if you have severe kidney disease, a blood cell disorder, if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your female sex partner is pregnant.

Before using interferon alfa-2b, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and about any other medications you use.

What is interferon alfa-2b?

Interferon alfa-2b is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.

Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma caused by AIDS, and certain types of genital warts.

Interferon alfa-2b is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C.

Interferon alfa-2b is often used in combination with another drug called ribavirin (Rebetol). Some of the information in this medication guide applies to the use of both drugs in this combination.

Interferon alfa-2b may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons, or if you have:

autoimmune hepatitis; or
severe liver problems from causes other than hepatitis B or C.

You should not use the combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you have:

severe kidney disease;
a blood cell disorder such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia;
if you are allergic to interferons or ribavirin;
if you are pregnant; or
if you are a man and your female sex partner is pregnant.

Before using interferon alfa-2b, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

diabetes;
cancer;
bone marrow suppression;
a bleeding disorder;
a thyroid disorder;
breathing problems such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or drug or alcohol addiction;
heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, or history of a heart attack or blood clots;
an autoimmune disorder such as psoriasis, arthritis, or lupus;
colitis or other intestinal disorder; or
if you have recently received an organ transplant.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use interferon alfa-2b.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon alfa-1b if you are pregnant, especially if you also take ribavirin (Rebetol). The combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin can cause birth defects. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use 2 forms of effective birth control while you are using this drug combination and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.

It is not known whether interferon alfa-2b passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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