This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Interferons are potent cytokines that possess antiviral, immunomodulating and antiproliferative actions. The interferons bind to specific cell-surface receptors that initiate a series of intracellular events, induction of certain enzymes, inhibition of cell-proliferation, and enhancement of immune activities. The term "interferon alfa" actually refers to at least three compounds that only differ slightly in their amino acid sequence: interferon alfa-2a, interferon alfa-2b , and interferon alfa-n3. Interferon alfa-2b, a highly purified protein that is obtained from Escherichia coli by genetic engineering. Interferon Alpha 2b is indicated in the treatment of a variety of tumors including hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma and AIDS related Kaposi`s sarcoma. Interferon alfa-2b was approved by the FDA in 1986.
Indications
Interferon Alpha 2b is primarily indicated in conditions like Bladder carcinoma, Hairy cell leukemia, Hepatitis, Hepatitis C, Herpes zoster, Human papillomavirus infections, Kaposi's sarcoma, Malignant melanoma, Multiple myeloma, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Contraindications
Interferon Alpha 2b is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy, Heart disease, Hypersensitivity to any component of product.
Side Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Interferon Alpha 2b, which give rise to further complications include Insomnia, Seizures, Depression, Hyperthyroidism. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Interferon Alpha 2b include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Anorexia, CNS depression. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Interferon Alpha 2b are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Alopecia, Diarrhea, Fever, Myalgia, Arthralgia, Shivering.
Warnings
Interferon Alpha 2b is available as white loose powder, when dissolved with water for injection, the solution should be clear and transparent. Discard it if there is any solid or opalescence visible to eyes. Don't use it if bottle is spoiled or product is expired. Water for reconstitution should be injected along the inner side of bottle to avoid developing bubbles. The product should be used within one day after dissolved.
High Risk Groups
Drug should not be given to Pediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, Geriatrics, and Neonates. If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Adult Dosage
No adult dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Child Dosage
60 mcg/m2 (60 (60)) As recommended. S/C — weekly
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
No data regarding the interactions of Interferon Alpha 2b was found.
Storage
No storage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
