Alferon N

Generic Name: interferon alfa-n3
Other Brand Names: interferon alfa-n3

What is interferon alfa-n3 (injectable)?

Interferon alfa-n3 is a protein. Interferons are released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, for regulating production of cells, and for regulating the immune system.

Interferon alfa-n3 is a specific interferon used to treat venereal or genital warts caused by human papilloma virus (HPV).

Interferon alfa-n3 may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking interferon alfa-n3 (injectable)?

Do not use interferon alfa -n3 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 mouse, egg, or neomycin products.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

  • heart disease or history of a heart attack;

  • lung or respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD);

  • a suppressed immune system or an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or psoriasis;

  • diabetes;

  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

  • a seizure disorder.

You may not be able to use interferon alfa-n3, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Interferon alfa-n3 is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether interferon alfa-n3 will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraception is recommended during treatment with interferon alfa-n3 to prevent pregnancy.

It is not known whether interferon alfa-n3 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 alfa-n3 (injectable)?

Use interferon alfa-n3 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 alfa-n3 is administered by a healthcare professional as an intralesional (into the lesion) injection.

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) and drinking plenty of fluid may help to alleviate these symptoms.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests performed before and periodically during treatment with interferon alfa-n3.

Your healthcare provider will store interferon alfa-n3 as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing interferon alfa-n3 at home, store the medication in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius). Do not allow interferon alfa-n3 to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose of interferon alfa-n3 (injectable)?

Contact your doctor if a dose of interferon alfa-n3 is missed.

Where can I get more information about interferon alfa-n3 (injectable)?
Your pharmacist has information about interferon alfa-n3 (injectable) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of interferon alfa-n3 (injectable)?

If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using interferon alfa-n3 and seek emergency medical attention.

Interferon alfa-n3 is made from human blood and may contain infectious agents (e.g., viruses) that can cause disease. Although interferon alfa-n3 is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using interferon alfa-n3.

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) and drinking plenty of fluids may help to alleviate these symptoms.

Continue to use interferon alfa-n3 and notify your doctor if you experience

  • fever or chills;

  • sweating;

  • itching;

  • muscle or joint aches;

  • diarrhea or constipation;

  • dizziness; or

  • headache.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about interferon alfa-n3 (injectable)?

Contraception is recommended during treatment with interferon alfa-n3 to prevent pregnancy.

Interferon alfa-n3 is made from human blood and may contain infectious agents (e.g., viruses) that can cause disease. Although interferon alfa-n3 is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using interferon alfa-n3.

What should I avoid while taking interferon alfa-n3 (injectable)?

Contraception is recommended during treatment with interferon alfa-n3 to prevent pregnancy.

What other drugs will affect interferon alfa-n3 (injectable)?

It is not known whether other drugs will interact with interferon alfa-n3. 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 alfa-n3 (injectable)?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an interferon alfa-n3 overdose are not known.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008