Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Drugs & Medications > Detailed Drug Information (USP DI) > Interferons, Alpha

Interferons, Alpha (Systemic)

Description and Brand Names | Before Using | Proper Use | Precautions | Side Effects | Additional Information


Category
  • Antineoplastic—Interferon Alfa-2a, Recombinant; Interferon Alfa-2b, Recombinant; Interferon Alfa-n1 (lns); Interferon Alfa-n3
  • Biological response modifier—Interferon Alfa-2a, Recombinant; Interferon Alfa-2b, Recombinant; Interferon Alfa-n1 (lns); Interferon Alfa-n3
Description

Interferons (in-ter-FEER-ons) are substances naturally produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors. They may also be synthetic (man-made) versions of these substances. Alpha interferons are used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. They are also used to treat laryngeal papillomatosis (growths in the respiratory tract) in children, genital warts, and some kinds of hepatitis.

Alpha interferons may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Alpha interferons are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

    Parenteral
  • Interferon Alfa-2a, Recombinant
    • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
  • Interferon Alfa-2b, Recombinant
    • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
  • Interferon Alfa-n1 (lns)
    • Injection (Canada)
  • Interferon Alfa-n3
    • Injection (U.S.)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

  • Alferon N 4
  • Roferon-A 1
  • Intron A 2

In Canada—

  • Roferon-A 1
  • Intron A 2
  • Wellferon 3

Note:

For quick reference, the following alpha interferons are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.

This information applies to the following medicines:
1. Interferon Alfa-2a, Recombinant
2. InterferonAlfa-2b, Recombinant
3. InterferonAlfa-n1 (lns)*
4. Interferon Alfa-n3†
* Not commercially available in the U.S.
† Not commercially available in Canada

   

Next section

   

Interferons, Alpha: Before Using

Date Revised: 09/12/2001









Content provided by Thomson MICROMEDEX
Micromedex, Inc. Disclaimer
Copyright © 2006 Thomson MICROMEDEX. All rights reserved. USP DI® and Advice for the Patient® are registered trademarks of USP used under license to Micromedex, a business of Thomson Healthcare Inc. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
Contact Us | Link to Us

HONcode accreditation seal.

We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006