Interferon alfa-2b
Generic name: interferon alfa-2b [ IN-ter-FEAR-on-AL-fa-2b ]
Brand name: Intron A
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (10000000 intl units; 18000000 intl units; 50000000 intl units); injectable solution (10,000,000 intl units/mL; 6000000 intl units/mL)
Drug class:Antineoplastic interferons
What is interferon alfa-2b?
Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma caused by AIDS, and certain types of genital warts. Interferon alfa-2b is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C in adults, and to treat chronic hepatitis B in children who are at least 1 year old.
Interferon alfa-2b may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use interferon alfa-2b if you have autoimmune hepatitis, or severe liver problems from causes other than hepatitis B or C.
You should not use interferon alfa-2b with ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man whose sex partner is pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking ribavirin and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
Interferon alfa-2b can cause life-threatening infections, autoimmune disorders, serious mood or behavior problems, or a stroke.
Call your doctor at once if you have: unusual changes in mood or behavior, chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden numbness or weakness, or signs of infection (fever, chills, cough with mucus, or burning when you urinate).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use interferon alfa-2b if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
autoimmune hepatitis, or severe liver problems from causes other than hepatitis B or C.
You should not use the combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you have:
severe kidney disease;
a blood cell disorder such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia;
an allergy to interferons or ribavirin;
if you are pregnant; or
if you are a man and your sex partner is pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had
cirrhosis or liver problems other than hepatitis;
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CardiologyPediatricsDiabetes CarePre-natal CareUltrasound Echocardiogram
