Interferon Alfa 2a
About Interferon Alfa 2a
Interferon Alfa 2a is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of various types of cancers like hairy cell leukaemia, follicular leukaemia, malignant leukaemia, and infections like chronic hepatitis B and C. Cancer is a disease where the cells grow abnormally and divide uncontrollably. It can also be used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Interferon Alfa 2a contains Interferon alpha 2A as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of immunomodulators. It affects the body's natural defences (immune system) and cell growth/function in a variety of ways.
Interferon Alfa 2a may cause certain side effects such as flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea, fatigue, nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting, tiredness, and injection site reactions. If the side effects persist or bother you, consult your doctor. Interferon Alfa 2a will be administered by a trained doctor. Hence, do not self-administer.
Avoid receiving and inform your doctor if you are allergic to Interferon Alfa 2a or its components. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, autoimmune hepatitis, a history of autoimmune disease, or HIV infection, as it can cause adverse effects. Interferon Alfa 2a is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it is known to cause fetal harm. Breastfeeding should be avoided when on treatment with Interferon Alfa 2a.
Uses of Interferon Alfa 2a
Medicinal Benefits
Interferon Alfa 2a contains Interferon alpha 2A, which is used for treating patients with different types of cancer. This medicine works by inhibiting the abnormal growth of cancer cells. It also helps reduce the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Interferon Alfa 2a
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
- Fever
- Back pain
- Decreased blood cell count
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Weight loss
Drug Warnings
Interferon Alfa 2a should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components of this medicine. Before taking Interferon Alfa 2a, inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, autoimmune hepatitis, anaemia, bleeding disorders, a history of autoimmune disease, HIV infection, lung problems, breathing difficulty, or stomach problems, as it can cause adverse effects.. Interferon Alfa 2a may cause fetal harm. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor beforehand. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment. Interferon Alfa 2a is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established. This medicine may affect your immunity to fight infections. Hence, it is advised to stay away from people who have cold.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Interferon Alfa 2a may interact with fluorouracil, antiviral drugs (indinavir, efavirenz, zidovudine), anticoagulants (apixaban, dicumarol), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems, lung disease, liver or kidney disease, or allergic reactions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Interferon Alfa 2a interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeInterferon Alfa 2a is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving Interferon Alfa 2a.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while you are on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
unsafeInterferon Alfa 2a will be administered to hospitalized patients. Driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Interferon Alfa 2a. Interferon Alfa 2a may cause liver impairment. Hence, inform your doctor if you observe any symptoms such as jaundice, dark-coloured urine, or nausea. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionLimited data are available on the effect of Interferon Alfa 2a in kidney-impaired patients. If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor.
Children
unsafeInterferon Alfa 2a is not recommended for use in children below 18 years as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Meditation and yoga have been proven very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods to give you more energy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration is often seen in cancers.
- Taking a stroll in the garden or spending 30 minutes of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Regular, complete blood count monitoring is advised during the treatment.
- Liver function tests (LFT) and kidney function tests (RFT) should be performed before starting the treatment and every 4 to 6 weeks during the treatment.
- Regular ECG, blood pressure, and electrolytes should be monitored while taking the medicine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malignant Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which the cancer cells grow in melanocytes. It is mainly caused by harmful UV radiation from the sun. Malignant melanoma is common in fair-skinned and freckled individuals. It results in mole formation, typically on the skin of the face.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection: It is a contagious infection caused by the hepatitis C virus affecting the liver. This infection spreads from person to person through blood contact (being pricked with a contaminated needle or using a razor), intimate contact with the infected person, direct contact with infected blood, or contact with any other personal items with leftovers of infected fluid or even from mother to baby during birth. The symptoms may not appear immediately. Some may take between 2 to 12 weeks to appear. Few people may have mild to moderate symptoms such as dark urine, loss of appetite, fever, joint pain, or stomach discomfort. The complications of untreated chronic hepatitis C include liver cancer or liver cirrhosis (scarring).
Follicular lymphoma: It is a type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma with slow-growing (chronic) cancer with abnormal growth of B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells that help fight infection. This results in the build-up of too many B lymphocytes in the blood, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen.
Hairy cell leukemia: It is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
FAQs
Interferon Alfa 2a is used to treat Follicular cancer, Hairy cell carcinoma, Malignant melanoma, Chronic hepatitis B and Chronic hepatitis C.
Interferon Alfa 2a contains Interferon alpha 2A, which works by inhibiting the abnormal growth of cancer cells. It also helps reduce the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the body.
