INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable)
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Thick grey coating on tongue
My Brother-in-law began Interferon infusions last month for recurrent melanoma. He enters the hospital on Friday , is hooked up to a continuous infusion, then unhooked and discharged on Sunday morning. He says the violent chills are the worst of the s...
by Mari Copeland in Las Vegas, Nevada, 06/12/2007
INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) Drug and Prescription Information
INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable)
INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) Medication Classification
INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection)
INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) Brandname
Intron A, Rebetron 600, Rebetron 1200, Rebetron 1000
INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) is used for the Treatment
Interferon Alfa-2b (in-ter-FEER-on AL-fa-2b) Treats hepatitis B and C, lymphoma, skin cancer, genital warts, certain types of leukemia, and Kaposi's sarcoma (in people with AIDS).
When To Not Use INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable)
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to interferon alfa or to benzyl alcohol, if you have a weakened immune system, if you have a history of depression or mental illness, or if you have ever had autoimmune hepatitis or any other autoimmune disorder.
How Should You Use INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable)
Injectable
- Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. Do not change brands of this medicine without asking your doctor. Different brands may require different dosages.
- This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a vein, or into a muscle. You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
- You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. If a dose is missed:
- This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Proper INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) Storage
Store INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using theophylline (Theo-Dur®), zidovudine (Retrovir®), medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation), or any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives). Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving interferon alfa-2b. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.
INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) Warnings
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, diabetes, lung disease (such as COPD), lupus, blood clots, thyroid problems, a weakened immune system, or a history of depression or mental illness, a head injury, or an organ transplant.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
- This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
INTERFERON ALFA 2B (Injection) (Injectable) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Muscle pain, weakness, or cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
- Numbness, tingling, or a cold feeling in your hands or feet
- Depressed mood or thoughts of hurting yourself
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
- Yellow skin or eyes If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Problems with vision
- Mild nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
