Interferons are low molecular glycoprotein cytokines produced by host cells in response to viral infections. Interferon alpha 2B interacts with receptors on the surface of cells, where it fights with cancer, directly by interfering with the cancer cells ability to divide, and indirectly by modifying the body’s response to the cancer cells.
Before receiving INTALFA 5MIU, tell your physician if you have liver, kidney or heart problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine is not suitable for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. The common side effects are tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea and headache.
USES OF INTALFA 5MIU
Treats,
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Malignant melanoma
- Follicular lymphoma
- Condylomata acuminata
- AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma
- Chronic hepatitis B and C
HOW INTALFA 5MIU WORKS
Interferon alpha interacts with receptors on the surface of cells, where it fights cancer; directly by interfering with the cancer cells ability to divide, and indirectly by modifying the body’s response to the cancer cells.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
INTALFA 5MIU will be administered by your doctor or nurse as subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular injection.
SIDE EFFECTS OF INTALFA 5MIU
SERIOUS
- Mental health problems
- Heart or blood problems
- Depression
- Severe chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Change in vision
- Unusual bleeding
- High fever
- Stomach pain
COMMON
- Flu-like symptoms
- Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea
- Taste changes
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Blood sugar problems
- Thyroid problems
- Rash, dry or itchy skin, redness and swelling (at application site)
- Trouble sleeping and headaches
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Headache:
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a wet or cold cloth to forehead and rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.
Nausea:
Take normal regular meals and do not eat spicy foods.
Diarrhoea:
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
INTALFA 5MIU is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
BREASTFEEDING
INTALFA 5MIU is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine as it may cause less alertness.
KIDNEY
INTALFA 5MIU should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
LIVER
INTALFA 5MIU is not recommended in patients with decompensated liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Tell your doctor if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to interferon alpha 2B.
HEART DISEASE
INTALFA 5MIU should be used with caution if you are suffering from heart attack or heart problems.
