Interferon Alpha-2b

Interferon alfa-2b is a drug to treat hairy cell leukemia , follicular lymphoma ,  melanoma skin cancer, genital warts ( condyloma acuminata ), to AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. This drug is also used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C.

Alpha-2b interferon has a similar effect to the body's natural interferon. This drug will affect the body's response, including inhibiting the growth and development of viruses, inhibiting tumor/cancer cell proliferation, and increasing the activity of the immune system.

Trademark of Interferon Alfa-2b: Multiferon

What is Interferon Alfa-2b

Precautions Before Using Interferon Alfa-2b

There are several things that you should pay attention to before using interferon alpha-2b, namely:

• Do not use interferon alpha-2b if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
• Do not use interferon alpha-2b if you have autoimmune hepatitis or severe liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had eye disease, COPD , asthma, diabetes , a weakened immune system, thyroid disease , colitis, kidney disease , blood clotting disorder, pulmonary embolism , heart disease, hypertension , liver disease, or have had a transplant organ.
• Tell your doctor if you have alcohol addiction , drug abuse, or a mental disorder , such as depression.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
• Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking interferon alfa-2b.

Dosage and Rules for Use Interferon Alfa-2b

The following is an injectable Interferon Alfa-2b dosage for adults based on the condition you want to treat:

• Condition: Genital warts ( condyloma acuminata )
  The dose is 1 million units, injected into each lesion, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks. Dosage may be repeated after 12–16 weeks.
• Conditions: Hairy cell leukemia ( hairy cell leukemia )
  The dose is 2 million units/m ² body area, by injection through the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), 3 times a week for 6 months or according to needs and conditions patient.
• Condition: Chronic hepatitis C.
  The dose is 3 million units, by injection through the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), 3 times a week. Duration of treatment 6–12 months when used with ribavirin. Duration of treatment 6–18 months as monotherapy.
• Condition: Active chronic hepatitis B.
  The dose is 5–10 million units, by injection into the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), 3 times a week, for 4–6 months or 5 million units per day for 16 weeks .
• Condition: Melanoma
  Initial dose of 20 million units/m ² body area per day, by injection into a vein (intravenously/IV), 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The maintenance dose is 10 million units/m ² body area, by subcutaneous injection (subcutaneously), 3 times a week, for 48 weeks.
• Condition: AIDS- related Kaposi's sarcoma
  The dose is 30 million units/m ² body area, by injection through the muscle (intramuscular/IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), 3 times a week.
• Condition: Chronic myeloid leukemia The
  dose is 4–5 million units/m ² body area, by injection under the skin (subcutaneously/SC), until condition improves.
• Conditions: Carcinoid tumors . The
  dose is 3–9 million units, by injection under the skin (subcutaneously / SC), 3 times a week. For severe conditions, the dose is 5 million units per day.
• Condition: Follicular lymphoma
  As an adjunct to chemotherapy, 5 million units, by subcutaneous (subcutaneous) injection, 3 times a week for 18 months.
• Condition: Multiple myeloma
  As a maintenance dose after chemotherapy, 3 million units/m ² , by subcutaneous (subcutaneous/SC) injection, 3 times a week.

How to Use Interferon Alfa-2b Properly

Interferon alpha-2b injection will be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. Follow the instructions and recommendations given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with interferon alpha-2b.

Interferon alpha-2b will be injected directly into the skin lesion or through the muscle (intramuscular/IM), or under the skin (subcutaneous/SC). Interferon alpha-2b can also be given by slow intravenous (IV) injection over 20 minutes. The route of drug administration will be adjusted to the condition you want to treat.

While undergoing treatment with interferon alfa-2b, you will be asked to undergo regular medical examinations, including blood tests, liver function tests, or heart examinations.

Interferon Alfa-2b Interactions with Other Drugs

The use of interferon alpha-2b with other drugs can cause several interaction effects, including:

• Reducing the removal of theophylline from the body, so that its levels in the blood increase
• Increased myelosuppressive effect of interferon alpha 2-b when used with zidovudine  

Side Effects and Dangers of Interferon Alfa-2b

Some of the side effects that can occur after using Interferon Alfa-2b are:

• Flu symptoms, such as a runny or  stuffy nose
• Headache or dizziness
• Unusual fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or stomach pain
• Thinning hair
• Pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site

Check with your doctor if these side effects do not improve immediately or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or the following serious side effects:

• Fever, cough, or shortness of breath
• Visual disturbances, such as blurry vision
• Abdominal pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea
• Depression, confusion, thoughts of suicide
• Stuttering, balance disturbance, weakness or or numbness on one side of the body
• Heart problems, which can be characterized by chest pain or fast heart rate
• Recurrence of symptoms of an autoimmune disease, such as swollen or painful joints
• Liver or pancreatic disorders, which may be characterized by loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, darker urine, or jaundice