Brand Name(s): Infergen
Generic Name Interferon Alfacon-1 Injection
What is interferon alfacon-1 injection?
INTERFERON ALFACON-1 (Infergen®) is a man-made substance similar to natural interferon made by your body. Natural interferons help your immune system work better. Interferon alfacon-1 has similar actions to natural interferons. It is used to treat hepatitis C. Interferon alfacon-1 may also be used to treat other types of viral infections or certain types of cancer. Generic interferon alfacon-1 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:
•autoimmune disease
•blood or bleeding disorders
•depression or mental disorders
•diabetes
•heart or lung disease
•thyroid disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to interferons, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Interferon alfacon-1 is for injection under the skin. Injections of interferon alfacon-1 can be given in the hospital or clinic, or by a home health-care nurse. If you are giving yourself the injections, make sure you follow the directions carefully. If you give interferon alfacon-1 at bedtime, you may be able to decrease some of the side effects. Do not reuse syringes or needles. Dispose of needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. Wait at least 48 hours before taking your next dose.
What drug(s) may interact with interferon alfacon-1?
•zidovudine (AZT)
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 alfacon-1?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•confusion
•depression
•difficulty breathing
•dizziness
•irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
•numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•blurred vision or eye pain
•changes in taste (metallic taste)
•cough
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping
•difficulty thinking or concentrating
•dry or sore mouth
•fever, chills during the first 2 weeks of treatment
•hair loss
•headaches
•indigestion
•joint, leg, or back pain
•loss of appetite
•menstrual changes
•muscle aches
•nasal congestion
•nervousness
•nausea or stomach upset
•skin rash, itching
•tiredness, especially during the first 1—2 weeks of treatment
What should I watch for while taking interferon alfacon-1?
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.
Use disposable syringes only once. Place used syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Interferon alfacon-1 can cause flu-like symptoms especially during the first few weeks of treatment. These symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, and decreased appetite. If you get a fever or sore throat after the first few weeks of treatment, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you think you have an infection.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
Females who are able to have children should use effective birth control methods while receiving interferon alfacon-1.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in a refrigerator between 2— 8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused vials or syringes after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:03/23/2000 |
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