What is Intron A?
Intron A can be used to treat certain types of genital lesions, such as hairy-cell leukemia and Kaposi's sarcoma. This medicine can also be used to treat chronic hepatitis C and B in adults. It is also used for chronic hepatitis A among children older than 1 year. Intron A can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Intron A
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.
Intron A 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 relapsing into old patterns of drug dependency may all be symptoms of depression and may signal the need to change behavior patterns.
- 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 lightheaded.
- Skin problems, joint discomfort, or swelling or paleness in your fingers and toes.
- Signs of infection: fever, chills, and body aches. Cough with yellow or pink-coloured mucus.
- Dark urine, nausea or vomiting, and jaundice are all signs that you may have liver or pancreatic issues.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be stopped or delayed.
Intron A combined with ribavirin may affect the growth of children. If you feel your child's growth isn't normal while taking Intron A, talk to your doctor.
Intron A can cause a variety 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 a burning sensation.
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
Intron A should not be used if you suffer from autoimmune liver disease or severe liver damage caused by other causes than hepatitis B and C. Use an effective contraceptive for 6 months following your last dose of ribavirin to prevent pregnancy.
Intron A may cause serious mood and behavior disorders, life-threatening infections, or even a stroke. 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
Intron A should not be used if:
- 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.
Intron A may harm an unborn child or cause a miscarriage. Sometimes this medicine is used with ribavirin. Ribavirin is used by both men and women to prevent 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. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking this medicine.
The powder form of interferon beta-2b comes from human plasma, which can contain viruses and infectious agents. The plasma that is donated is treated and tested to reduce the possibility of it being infected, but it is still possible for it to transmit diseases. Speak to your doctor about any risks or benefits associated with using this medication.
How to take Intron A?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Intron A can be injected directly into the wart or into a vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medication 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. Intron A powder needs to be diluted with liquid (diluent) before it can be used. 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.
Intron A increases your risk of infection or bleeding. You'll need to undergo frequent medical tests. You may need to have your heart, lungs, and liver functions checked. Intron A increases your risk of infection or bleeding. 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?
Intron A does not stop the spread of your disease. Listen to your doctor about how you can prevent spreading it to others. 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 what other medications you are taking, including:
- Telbivudine;
- Theophylline
- Zidovudine.
This list is incomplete. Intron A may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
