Interferon Alpha

Interferons are naturally occurring proteins or glycoproteins produced in human or animal cell type including lymphocytes and fibroblasts, in response to various stimuli including exposure to viruses. Interferons may also be produced through DNA recombinant technology. Interferons have action against viruses, they are active against malignant neoplasm and have an immunomodulating effects. Naturally occurring a interferons are a family of at least 23 predominantly non-glyocosidic proteins.

Interferon Alpha is primarily indicated in conditions like Bladder carcinoma, Chronic hepatitis B infection, Chronic hepatitis C, Condyloma acuminata, Cutaneous T cell lymphoma, Hairy cell leukaemia, Kaposis sarcoma, Metastatic renal carcinoma, Multiple myeloma, Myelogenous leukemia, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Interferon Alpha is contraindicated in conditions like Anaemia,Depression,Diabetes mellitus,Hypertension,Hyperthyroidism,Thrombocytopenia,Retinopathy,Leukopenia,Coronary artery disease,Autoimmune hepatitis,Seizures.

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Interferon Alpha, which give rise to further complications include Sinus tachycardia, Vertigo, Cardiac arrhythmias, Anorexia, Seizures, Retinopathy, Numbness, Palpitation, Paresthesia, Dizziness, Exacerbation of asthma, Altered BP, Colitis. Interferon Alpha produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Congestive heart failure, Pulmonary edema, Coma, Myocardial infarction, Bone marrow, Cardiopulmonary arrest, Cerebrovascular accidents. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Interferon Alpha therapy. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Interferon Alpha include Coma, Lethargy, Prostration. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Interferon Alpha are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Vomiting, Alopecia, Diarrhea, Fever, Myalgia, Anxiety, Dyspnea, Skin rashes, Sweating, Chills, Rashes, Confusion, Hallucination, Malaise, Depression, Arthralgia, Weight loss, Paresthesia, Skin dryness, Epistaxis.

Interferon alfa should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing liver, kidney, heart or thyroid disease, blood disorders, history of depression or other mental condition, lung disease, diabetes, seizures, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, lupus, sarcoidosis or any drug allergies. It should be used with caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake. It should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, 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.

3 millionIU (3 (3)) 24 hourly IM,SC — Initial,for16-24weeks 3 millionIU (3 (3)) As recommended. SC — Maintenance,3 times weekly

1 to 3 millionunits/sq.meter (2 (2)) 24 hourly Subcutaneous — -

1 to 3 millionunits/sq.meter (2 (2)) 24 hourly Subcutaneous — -

Interferon Alpha is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAcyclovirAminophyllineCimetidine (HCl)DiazepamLamivudineOxtriphylline (Choline Theophyllinate)ParacetamolPhenytoin (Na)Propranolol (HCl)TheophyllineTheophyllineThymosin alpha oneResults from a very small Italian trial suggest that thymosin in combination with an anti-retroviral and low dose alpha-interferon may result in increased T cells.Vidarabine (Monohydrate)Vinblastine (Sulphate)Warfarin (Na)Zidovudine These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Inj Store in refrigerator. Do not Freeze.