Generic
Interferon Alfa-2a
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Interferon Alfa-2a is used in the treatment of follicular lymphoma and hairy cell leukemia. It works by altering cell function/growth and the body's natural defenses (immune system) in many ways.
Description
Interferon Alfa-2a is a biosynthetic interferon with antiviral, antitumor and immunomodulatory activity. It inhibits replication of a wide range of RNA and DNA viruses. It exerts antiproliferative effects on normal and malignant cells. It suppresses antibody formation through an effect on B-lymphocytes and inhibits onset of delayed hypersensitivity.
Indications
- Follicular lymphoma
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Chronic hepatitis B
- Chronic hepatitis C
- AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Melanoma
Therapeutic class
Targeted Cancer Therapy
Pharmacological class
Immunomodulator (Interferon)
Pharmacology
Interferon Alfa-2a has antiviral, antitumor and immunomodulatory activity. It inhibits replication of a wide range of RNA and DNA viruses. It exerts antiproliferative effects on normal and malignant cells. Through immunomodulatory effects, it suppresses antibody formation through an effect on B-lymphocytes and inhibits onset of delayed hypersensitivity.
Mechanism of action
Exerts antiviral, antitumor and immunomodulatory activity by altering cell function/growth and inhibiting viral replication.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Subcutaneous):
- Hairy Cell Leukemia: 3 million units daily for 16-24 weeks; Maintenance: 3 million units 3 times/week
- Chronic Hepatitis C: 3-4.5 million units 3 times weekly for 6 months (with ribavirin)
- Chronic Hepatitis B: 2.5-5 million units/m2 3 times/week for 4-6 months
- Follicular Lymphoma: 6 million units/m2 daily on days 22-26 of each chemotherapy cycle
- Melanoma: 3 million units 3 times/week for 18 months
Child Dose: No specific data; use as directed by physician
Administration
Administered by doctor or nurse as injection only; do not self administer; given as subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to regular schedule; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased calcium level in blood
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Rigors
- Sweating
- Vomiting
Others: Mood changes, depression, vision changes, increased risk of infections
Precautions & warnings
Precautions:
- It is not known whether Interferon Alfa-2a alters ability to drive; do not drive if you experience symptoms that affect concentration and reaction
- Inform doctor if mood changes, depression or vision changes occur
- May reduce blood cell count (especially white blood cells); increased susceptibility to infections
- Inform doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney problems
- Regular blood tests required (blood cells, heart, liver, blood sugar)
Contraindications
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Hepatic decompensation
Drug interactions
Drug Interactions:
- Reduces clearance of theophylline
- Enhanced myelosuppression with other myelosuppressive drugs
- Monitor drugs metabolised by CYP450 pathway
- Increased risk of toxicity of centrally acting drugs
- Increased risk of renal failure with interleukin-2
Food interactions
Food Interactions: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Interferon Alfa-2a; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe during pregnancy; definite evidence of risk to developing baby; may be used in life-threatening situations if benefits outweigh risks.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests drug does not represent significant risk to baby.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
No specific data for elderly; however caution is advised.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Probably safe in liver disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; regular monitoring of liver function tests advised.
Overdose effects
Overdose: No specific overdose definition for interferon; higher doses may cause fatigue, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Interferon Alfa-2a