Brand Name(s): Alferon N
Generic Name Interferon alfa n3 Injection
What is interferon alfa-n3 injection?
INTERFERON ALFA-n3 (Alferon N®) is made of many different subtypes of natural interferon alpha. Interferon alpha is made by your body to attack viral infections and certain types of cancer. Interferon alfa-n3 is used to treat genital warts, which are caused by a viral infection. This drug is only occasionally used to treat hepatitis C. Generic interferon alfa-n3 injections are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diabetes
•heart or lung disease
•psoriasis
•seizures
•an unusual or allergic reaction to interferons, neomycin, mouse or egg proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Interferon alfa-n3 is injected directly into the lesions by a trained health care professional.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss an appointment, reschedule it as soon as you can.
What drug(s) may interact with interferon alfa-n3?
There are no reported drug interactions with interferon alfa-n3 when it is given to treat genital warts.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving interferon alfa-n3?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•signs of allergic reactions including hives, tightness of chest, wheezing, difficulty breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•fever, chills
•headaches
•joint, leg, or back pain
•muscle aches
•nausea, vomiting
•skin rash, itching
•tiredness
What should I watch for while taking interferon alfa-n3?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular blood checks.
Do not change brands without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. Different brands of interferon can act differently in your body. Check with your pharmacist if your refills do not look like your original product.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how interferon alfa-n3 affects you. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, increase confusion and lightheadedness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Females who are able to have children should use effective birth control methods while receiving interferon alfa-n3.
Where can I keep my medicine?
You will receive this medicine in a clinic or office setting; you will not keep this medicine at home.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:04/05/2000 |
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