Interferon Alfa-2a

Interferon alpha-2a is used to treat hairy cell leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, kidney cancer, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, melanoma cancer, or AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. This drug can also be used to treat chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C.

Interferons are natural proteins produced by the body. Interferon alpha-2a works by increasing the immune system's response and inhibiting the growth of viruses or cancer. Interferon alpha-2a is available as an injection. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription.

Trademarks of Interferon Alfa-2a: -

What is Interferon Alfa-2a

Precautions Before Using Interferon Alfa-2a

Interferon alpha-2a should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Before using interferon alpha-2a, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Do not use interferon alpha-2a if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from depression , heart disease, seizures , diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, high triglycerides , hypertension, blood disorder , colitis, COPD , hyperthyroidism, HIV/AIDS , pancreatitis, or an autoimmune disease , such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever experienced drug abuse or alcohol addiction .
• Do not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery while being treated with interferon alfa-2a, because this drug may cause dizziness.
• Consult your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while using interferon alpha-2a.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while on treatment with interferon alpha-2a.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using interferon alfa-2a.

Dosage and Rules for Using Interferon Alfa-2a

Interferon alpha-2a is only available in injectable form. Interferon alpha-2a injections are given under the skin (subcutaneous/SC) or into the muscle (intramuscular/IM) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

The dose of interferon alpha-2a will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition. The following is the distribution of interferon alpha-2a doses:

• Condition: Hairy cell leukemia
  3 million units daily, for 16–24 weeks. The maintenance dose is 3 million units, 3 times a week, for 24 months.

• Condition: Chronic myeloid leukemia
  Initially 3 million units per day, for 3 days. The dose was increased to 9 million units per day.

• Condition: Kidney cancer
  . 3 million units, 3 times a week, for 1 week. Followed by a dose of 9 million units, 3 times a week, for 1 week. The dose is increased to 18 million units, 3 times a week, for 3–12 months.

• Condition: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
  3 million units per day, for 3 days. Followed by a dose of 9 million units per day, for 3 days. The dose is increased to 18 units per day, for 12 weeks.

• Condition: Follicular lymphoma
  6 million units/m2 per day, given on days 22–26 of each 28-day chemotherapy cycle.

• Condition: Melanoma
  . A dose of 3 million units, 3 times a week, for 18 months. Treatment can be started no later than 6 weeks after surgery.

• Condition: AIDS- associated Kaposi's sarcoma
  Initial dose of 3 million units for 3 days. Next, the dose is 9 million units for 3 days. Then, the dose was increased to 18 million units for 3 days. The dose was increased again to 36 million units per day.

• Condition: Chronic hepatitis B.
  Dosage 2.5–5 million units/m2, given 3 times a week, for 4–6 months.

• Condition: Chronic hepatitis C
  3–4.5 million units, given 3 times weekly, for 6 months, in combination with ribavirin . As sole therapy, initial dose of 3–6 million units, given 3 times weekly, for 6 months.

How to Use Interferon Alfa-2a Properly

Interferon alfa-2a should only be injected by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital. Follow the suggestions and recommendations while undergoing therapy using interferon alpha-2a.

Drink plenty of water while undergoing treatment with interferon alpha-2a to prevent unwanted side effects.

Make sure to carry out the control according to the schedule given by the doctor. While undergoing treatment with interferon alfa-2a, you need to check your blood pressure, complete blood count, or check indicators of blood clotting factors, such as INR, regularly.

Do not stop taking treatment with interferon alfa-2a without consulting your doctor first. Stopping the drug suddenly can make the condition more difficult to treat.

Interferon Alpha-2a Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several drug interaction effects that can occur when interferon alpha-2a is used with other drugs, namely:

• Increased levels of theophylline in the blood, which can cause side effects
• Increased myelosuppressive effect thereby increasing the risk of developing serious and severe infections when used with zidovudine , cladribine, or clozapine
• Increased risk of kidney failure when used with interleukin-2
• Increased risk of impaired cardiac function and rhabdomyolysis when used with aldesleukin
• Increased risk of inflammation of the pancreas when used with bexarotene
• Increased risk of seizures when used with bupropion
• Increased risk of liver damage when used with eltrombopag
• Increased risk of nerve damage when used with telbivudine

Side Effects and Dangers of Interferon Alfa-2a

Side effects that may arise after using interferon alpha-2a are:

• Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Stomach pain or loss of appetite
• Back pain
• Dizzy
• Dry mouth
• Changes in the sense of taste
• Flu symptoms, which are characterized by fever, fatigue, muscle aches
• Temporary hair loss

Check with your doctor if the side effects above continue or get worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if an allergic drug reaction occurs or more serious side effects occur, such as:

• Chest pain , fast or irregular heartbeat
• Frequent thirst and the urge to urinate constantly
• Menstrual cycle disorders, including no or irregular periods
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Swelling of the face, hands or feet
• Sleep disorders
• Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision
• Easy bruising
• Liver disorders, which are characterized by right-sided abdominal pain, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin
• Sore throat or fever that doesn't get better
• Depression or thoughts of suicide
• Seizures or weakness on one side of the body