Interferon Alfa 2A (Injection)

Treats hepatitis C, certain types of leukemia, and Kaposi's sarcoma (in people with AIDS).

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to interferon alfa or to benzyl alcohol, or if you have ever had autoimmune hepatitis or any other autoimmune disorder, or if you have a weakened immune system.

How to Use This Medicine:

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 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.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• 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.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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-2a. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, autoimmune disease (such as arthritis or lupus), herpes simplex, a history of depression, or if you have a weakened immune system or have had 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or other mood or behavior changes.
• 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.
• 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.
• Mood changes or trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.