Interferon Alfa

How do I say this name?

in-ter-FEER-on AL-fa

What is this medicine used for?

Interferon alfa helps your immune system kill cancer cells. People may also take this medicine for other reasons like hepatitis.

This medicine may be called by several different brand names, including Roferon-A^®, Intron A^®, or Alferon N^®, or by its common name, alfa interferon.

How do I take this medicine?

Interferon alfa is injected into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into the cancer cells.

How do I store this medicine?

Store interferon alfa in the refrigerator. Do not let the medicine freeze or sit in direct sunlight.

Are there any special things I should do while on this medicine?

Interferon alfa can decrease the number of white blood cells in your body (cells that usually help you fight infections). It can also decrease the number of cells in your blood that help your blood clot (platelets) and the number of red blood cells (cells that carry oxygen to your tissues). Without enough red blood cells, the tissues get less oxygen and you could become fatigued. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to reduce your risk of infection, bleeding, or fatigue.

Do not drive or use machines if you become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than normal.

Interferon alfa often causes flu-type reactions after each dose. Take acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (eg, Motrin^®) if you have symptoms of headache, fever, or muscle ache. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how much acetaminophen or ibuprofen to take. In most people, this reaction gets better after the first few months of interferon alfa therapy.

Use interferon alfa exactly as your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist tells you if you give your own injections. Follow these guidelines each time you get a shot:

• Remove the vial from the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature for 1 to 2 minutes before you take the shot. Warming the medicine makes the shot more comfortable. Do not warm the medicine in the oven or microwave since this will ruin it.
• Use disposable syringes marked with milliliters (the syringes may say "cc" or "mL").
• Use the disposable syringes and needles once. Then throw them away in a puncture-proof container. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist where to get the right type of container.

Inject the medicine in a different spot (on your hips, thighs, upper arms, or abdomen) each time so the medicine does not irritate the skin where you inject it.

Do not switch brands of interferon alfa since the different brands have different doses. If the medicine does not look the same as usual, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before you use it.

Women: Use reliable birth control while you take interferon alfa since it may harm a developing baby. Barrier methods (eg, sponges, diaphragms, or condoms) or spermicides are best. If you think you are pregnant, stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away.

What if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule if you skip or forget to take a dose of interferon alfa. Do not increase your dose to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects are common with this medicine?

• Flu-like symptoms for 4 to 6 hours after each treatment
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Increased risk of infection for 3 to 6 weeks after therapy
• Increased risk of bleeding for 2 to 4 weeks after therapy
• Reversible mental status changes (see symptom list below)

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you are worried about a side effect or have questions about your medical care.

Interferon alfa might change how you think, feel, or act.Call the doctor if you or your family are worried about the way you are feeling or acting.

Call the doctor at once if you have any of these side effects:

• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• Symptoms of flu-like reactions:

  Fever above 100.5° Fahrenheit or chills

  Headache

  Fatigue or weakness

  Muscle aches

• Symptoms of infection:

  Cough, hoarseness, or sore throat

  Fever above 100.5° Fahrenheit or chills after 1 to 2 weeks of therapy

  Pain in lower back or side

  Painful or difficult urination

  Urinating more often than normal

• Symptoms of increased bleeding:

  Black, tarry stools

  Blood in urine, stool, or vomit

  Pinpoint red spots on skin

  Unusual bruising or bleeding (eg, nosebleeds, coughing up blood)

• Symptoms of mental status changes:

  Confusion or disorientation

  Mental depression or feeling sad all the time

  Anxiety or nervousness

  Trouble sleeping

  Trouble thinking or concentrating

  Thinking about death a lot

  Thinking about killing yourself or hurting yourself

These written patient information materials should be used in conjunction with verbal counseling. They are not intended as the sole source of information patients receive about their chemotherapy and other medications. The adverse effects listed are important and common ones that patients might experience; every possible adverse effect is not included. Long-term adverse effects, like secondary malignancy and infertility, are discussed for those drugs whose risk is well defined.