What is interferon alfacon-1?
Interferon alfacon-1 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 alfacon-1 is used to treat chronic hepatitis C.
Interferon alfacon-1 may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking interferon alfacon-1?
Do not use interferon alfacon-1 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.
Before using interferon alfacon-1, tell your doctor if you
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a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, drug or alcohol
abuse, or another mental illness;
-
an active infection;
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heart disease or history of a heart attack;
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an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis,
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or psoriasis;
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have a suppressed immune system or have received an
organ transplant,
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have diabetes,
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have an eye disease,
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have thyroid disease,
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have bone marrow suppression, or
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have liver disease.
You may not be able to use interferon alfacon-1, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Interferon alfacon-1 is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether interferon alfacon-1 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 alfacon-1 passes into breast milk. Do not use this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
How should I take interferon alfacon-1?
Use interferon alfacon-1 exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Interferon alfacon-1 is used as a subcutaneous injection only. Your doctor or nurse will give you
detailed instructions on how and where to inject this medication. Do not inject this medication if you are
unsure how.
The interferon alfacon-1 solution may be allowed to reach room temperature just prior to
administering a dose.
At least 48 hours should lapse between doses of interferon alfacon-1, unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily to ensure adequate hydration, especially at the start of
therapy.
Flulike symptoms are likely to occur. They are most common at the start of therapy and may
decrease with continued use. Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol,
others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), and naproxen (Aleve), plenty of fluid, and taking the
medication at bedtime may help to alleviate these symptoms.
Do not inject interferon alfacon-1 if it is discolored or has particles in it.
Do not change the brand or generic formulation of interferon alfacon-1that you are using without
first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of interferon alfacon-1 are interchangeable
while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brand/generic formulations may be
substituted for one another.
Do not shake the vials of interferon alfacon-1. If mixing is required, the vial should be gently
swirled.
If the interferon alfacon-1 you are using is preservative-free, use only one dose from each vial.
Throw away any medicine that is not used with the first dose, do not save it for later use.
Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate,
puncture-resistant disposal container.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests performed before and periodically during
treatment with interferon alfacon-1.
It is not known whether treatment with interferon alfacon-1 will prevent the transmission of
hepatitis to others. It is also not known whether interferon alfacon-1 will cure hepatitis or prevent
cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer that may be the result of infection with a hepatitis virus.
Do not stop using this medication without first talking to your doctor.
Store interferon alfacon-1 in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and
8 degrees Celsius). Do not allow interferon alfacon-1 to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of interferon alfacon-1?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the dose you missed and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use
a double dose of this medication. At least 48 hours should lapse between doses of interferon alfacon-1,
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about interferon alfacon-1?
Your pharmacist has information about interferon alfacon-1 written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of interferon alfacon-1?
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 alfacon-1 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 alfacon-1 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 alfacon-1 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.
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of
the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using interferon alfacon-1 and seek emergency medical
attention.
Flu-like symptoms are likely to occur. They are most common at the start of therapy and may
decrease with continued use. Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol,
others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), and naproxen (Aleve), plenty of fluids, and taking the
medication at bedtime may help to alleviate these symptoms. Continue to use interferon alfacon-1 and
notify your doctor if you experience
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fever or chills;
-
fatigue;
-
headache;
-
muscle aches or sore joints;
-
numbness or tingling;
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nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
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heartburn;
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abdominal pain,
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diarrhea;
-
dizziness or drowsiness;
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nervousness or anxiety;
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insomnia;
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loss or thinning of hair;
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increased sweating;
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itching or a rash; or
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pain, redness, or bruising at the injection site.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about interferon alfacon-1?
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 alfacon-1 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 alfacon-1 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 alfacon-1 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 alfacon-1 may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired alertness. If you experience
drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired alertness, avoid these activities.
What should I avoid while taking interferon alfacon-1?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Interferon alfacon-1 may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired alertness. If you experience
drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired alertness, avoid these activities.
What other drugs will affect interferon alfacon-1?
Other medications may interact with interferon alfacon-1. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of interferon alfacon-1?