What is Interferon beta-2b?
Interferon alfa-2b can be used to treat certain types of genital lesions, such as hairy cell lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. Interferon alfa-2b can also be used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C in adults. It is also used for treating chronic hepatitis B among children older than one year. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of interferon alfa-2b.
Side effects of Interferon alfa-2b
If you experience any of the following: hives; skin rash blistering and peeling off; anxiety; chest pain; difficulty breathing; swelling on your face, lips, or tongue, get emergency medical attention.
Interferon alfa-2b may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- New or worsening Cough; fever; trouble breathing
- Depression, irritability, or confusion; thoughts of harming yourself or others; or falling into an old pattern of addiction to drugs.
- Vision changes
- You may have problems with your teeth.
- Severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea
- Slurred speech or problems with balance are symptoms of sudden numbness (especially on one side).
- Heart problems: chest pain, rapid heartbeats, sweating, and feeling light-headed.
- Skin problems, joint discomfort, swelling, or a pale appearance of your fingers or toes.
- Signs of infection: fever, body aches and pains, yellow or pink mucus in the cough, or burning or pain when you urinate.
- Dark urine, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice are all signs that you may have liver or pancreas issues.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed or discontinued permanently.
Interferon alfa-2b combined with ribavirin may affect the growth of children. If you believe your child's growth isn't normal while taking interferon alfa-2b, talk to your doctor.
Interferon alfa-2b can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Flu-like symptoms, headache, feeling tired;
- Nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are all symptoms that can be associated with nausea.
- Hair loss;
- An injection can cause swelling, pain, or burning.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
If you have autoimmune hepatitis or severe liver disease from other causes than hepatitis B and C, then you should not take interferon alfa-2b. Use an effective contraceptive for 6 months following your last dose of ribavirin. Interferon alfa-2b may cause serious mood and behavior disorders, life-threatening infections, or strokes.
If you experience unusual changes in your mood or behavior, such as chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, sudden numbness, weakness, or signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or a mucusy cough, or if you feel burning while urinating, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to interferon alfa-2b, or:
- Hepatitis B and C are not the only causes of severe liver disease.
Do not take the combination of interferon-alfa-2b with ribavirin if you are:
- Severe kidney disease
- A blood cell disorder, such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
- An allergic reaction to interferons, ribavirin, or interferons
- If you are pregnant;
- If you are a woman and your partner is pregnant,
If you have had any of the following:
- Cirrhosis and liver diseases other than hepatitis
- Depression, mental illness, and thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- Heart disease high blood tension heart attack
- A blood clot on your lung
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- Eye problems
- Asthma or COPD;
- Diabetes or thyroid disease;
- A weak immune system and low blood cell counts are two signs of a weakened immune system.
- Colitis (or other intestinal disorders)
- Kidney disease
- An organ transplant.
Interferon alfa-2b may harm an unborn child or cause miscarriage. Interferon alfa-2b can be used with ribavirin. Ribavirin is used by both men and women. Both should use birth control to avoid pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or your partner is pregnant and you are a male, you should not take ribavirin. Prevent pregnancy by using effective birth control. Use birth control for 6 months, at least after the last dose of ribavirin. If you become pregnant while using ribavirin, either as a mother or father, tell your doctor immediately. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
Interferon alfa-2b powder is made using human plasma, which can contain viruses and infectious agents. Plasma donated is treated and tested to reduce the possibility that it contains infectious agents. However, there is still some risk. Speak to your doctor about any risks or benefits associated with using this medication.
How to take Interferon alfa-2b?
Please carefully follow any and all directions included with your medication. Follow the directions on the label. Interferon alfa-2b can be injected directly into the genital wart, into a muscle, or under the skin. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use it properly. If you change the brand, strength, or form of a medicine, your dose requirements may be different. Use only the strength and form prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication mistakes.
Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Before using the powder, it must be mixed with a liquid. If you are using injections on your own, make sure that you know how to mix and store them. Only prepare your injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.
You may experience an increased risk of bleeding and infection if you take Interferon alfa-2b. You'll need to undergo frequent medical tests. You may need to have your heart, lungs, and liver functions checked. You may experience an increased risk of bleeding and infection if you take Interferon alfa-2b. You will be required to undergo frequent medical tests. Keep this medicine in your refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not freeze. This medicine can only be used once. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside. After the first dose, throw away any remaining medicine from a multidose vial.
Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not use two doses at once. Never use two doses of the same medicine at once. Call your doctor if you have missed a dose for several days.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Interferon alfa-2b does not stop the spread of your disease. Listen to your doctor about how to avoid passing on your illness to someone else. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause liver damage.
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Telbivudine;
- Theophylline
- Zidovudine.
This list is incomplete. Interferon alfa-2b can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all drug interactions.
