Brand Names:
- Interferon Alfacon-1
- Interferon Alpha 2B
Generic Names:
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Interferon alfa is a drug which is used to treat some kinds of cancer or
hepatitis. It is a clear solution that is given by intravenous,
subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
EARLY SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience flu-like symptoms (fever, chills,
muscle aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite) soon after you receive
your treatment with interferon alfa. These symptoms may last for up to 3
days. Treatment with acetaminophen 500 to 1000 mg (e.g. Tylenol) 30 minutes
before you receive interferon and every four hours after treatment will
help. Interferon alfa may affect your nervous system, causing drowsiness or
confusion. You should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery until your
tolerance to treatment has been determined. Nausea may occur soon after you
have received your treatment but vomiting rarely occurs. Many patients
experience little or no nausea. If it is a problem for you, your physician
may give you a prescription for antinausea medication, which should be
taken as directed. Antinausea medication is more effective when used to
prevent nausea, than when used to treat it after it has occurred.
Appropriate food choices can help to control your nausea.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rotate the site of injection. Administer interferon alfa
at bedtime to reduce any possible side-effects. Other medications may
interact with interferon alfa. Do not start taking new medications without
first checking with your physician or pharmacist. Inform new physicians or
dentists that you have had interferon alfa before you receive treatment
from them. It is important to use interferon exactly as your physician has
ordered. Make sure you understand the directions. Use birth control while
taking this drug because its effects on a baby are unknown. Store
interferon alfa in the refrigerator. Store out of the reach of children.
Diabetics should be aware that blood sugar can increase.
GUIDELINES FOR SAFE DISPOSAL OF NEEDLES AND SYRINGES: Safe disposal of
needles will eliminate the risk of accidents and transmission of blood
borne diseases to workers who handle the garbage. When you have given
yourself the injection, place the needle and syringe into a strong
plastic container or tin. It is not necessary to recap the needle or to
separate the syringe and the needle. This decreases the risk of
inadvertently pricking yourself with the needle. Cap the container and
store in a safe place out of the reach of children. When the container is
full, or when it is ready for disposal, pour half a cup of bleach into
it. Cap the container tightly, seal with masking tape and shake it gently
to distribute the bleach all over the contents. You can now dispose of
this container with the regular garbage. Examples of containers that may
be used: Strong plastic containers: bleach bottles, orange juice jugs,
milk jugs. Tins: coffee tins, nut tins, candy tins. Glass jars should not
be used since they may break easily.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
- Signs or symptoms of an infection, such as fever (temperature over 38
degrees C or 100 degrees F), cold symptoms, cough, pain or burning on
urination, redness, pain or swelling of any areas of the body, ulceration
or abscess (pus) forming anywhere on the body.
- Redness, inflammation, pain or failure to heal at the site of the
injection.
- Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Weight loss which becomes a concern to you.
REPORT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS TO YOUR PHYSICIAN.
Store this medication in its original labelled container at room
temperature, out of the reach of children.
