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
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.
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.
Contraindications
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Hepatic decompensation
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
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.
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)
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.
Therapeutic class
Targeted Cancer Therapy
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Interferon Alfa-2a