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Treats hepatitis B and C, lymphoma, skin cancer, genital warts, certain types of leukemia, and Kaposi's sarcoma (in people with AIDS).
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Intron A |
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Interferon Alfa 2b images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Interferon Alfa 2b
Intron A
Uses
Treats hepatitis B and C, lymphoma, skin cancer, genital warts, certain types of leukemia, and Kaposi's sarcoma (in people with AIDS).
Storage
- Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
- Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through.
- Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
- Follow any special instructions about how to throw away empty medicine bottles, tubes, or bags.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze or shake.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
How To Use
- APPEARANCE: 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.
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
Depressed mood or thoughts of hurting yourself
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
Light-headedness 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
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Yellow skin or eyes
Precautions
- 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.
Missed Dose
- 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.
Drug Interactions
- 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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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