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 taking interferon alfa-2b?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons, or if you have:
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.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use interferon alfa-2b:
-
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.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a
miscarriage.
Do not use interferon alfa-2b 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.
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..
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.
The powder form of interferon alfa-2b contains albumin, but the solution (liquid) form does not.
Albumin comes from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious
agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to
reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could
transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
How should I take interferon alfa-2b?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Interferon alfa-2b is given as an injection into a muscle, under the skin, or directly into a genital
wart. The medicine may also be given through a needle placed into a vein.
Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be
shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully
understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container
out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not
draw your dose into a syringe or IV bag until you are ready to give yourself an injection.
Interferon alfa-2b powder medicine must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you
are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.
Do not use the mixture if it is not clear or light yellow, or if it has any particles in it. Throw it away and
mix another dose.
The single-dose vial of interferon alfa-2b is for one use only. Throw the vial away after
measuring your dose, even if there is still some medicine in it. Do not save it for later use.
Do not change brands or generic forms of this medication without your doctor's advice.
Not all brands, forms, and strengths of interferon alfa-2b are used to treat the same medical conditions.
Always check your refills to make sure you have received the correct brand and type of medicine
prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you
receive at the pharmacy.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a
regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Interferon alfa-2b may cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Brush
your teeth twice daily and have regular dental exams while you are using this medication.
Store interferon alfa-2b in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. After mixing the
powder medicine with a diluent, you may store the mixture in the refrigerator but you must use it within
24 hours.
To reduce or prevent certain side effects, your doctor may recommend you take
acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the time of your interferon alfa-2b injection. Follow your doctor's
instructions about the correct dose.
What happens if I miss a dose of interferon alfa-2b?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until
then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
use extra medicine to
make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about interferon alfa-2b?
Your pharmacist has information about interferon alfa-2b written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of interferon alfa-2b?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using interferon alfa-2b and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect
such as:
-
severe depression, aggressive behavior, or thoughts of hurting
yourself or others;
-
fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
-
feeling like you might pass out;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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vision or hearing problems;
-
urinating less than ususal or not at all;
-
severe stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or
eyes);
-
cough with yellow or green mucus, feeling short of breath;
-
chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea,
sweating, general ill feeling;
-
sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, or
problems with vision, speech, or balance; or
-
a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
dizziness, spinning sensation;
-
headache, tired feeling;
-
muscle pain;
-
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
-
dry mouth, dry cough, sore throat, hair loss;
-
mild itching or skin rash; or
-
burning, bleeding, pain, itching, or skin changes where the
medicine was injected.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
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-2b 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 should I avoid while taking interferon alfa-2b?
If you are being treated for hepatitis or genital warts, avoid having unprotected sex or
sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV
to other people. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex.
Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
Avoid drinking alcohol if you are also taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) while using interferon
alfa-2b.
What other drugs will affect interferon alfa-2b?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
-
zidovudine (Retrovir);
-
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theobid,
Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, and others); or
-
medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, such
as sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
interferon alfa-2b. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of interferon alfa-2b?
