MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
January 7, 2009
  MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Health news and views MedTerms medical dictionary  
Font Size
A
A
A
Disclaimer



GENERIC NAME: INTERFERON ALFA(CON) - INJECTION (in-ter-FEER-on AL-fuh)

BRAND NAME(S): Alferon N, Infergen, Intron A, Roferon-A

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: This medication can cause or worsen some serious medical conditions including psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression), immune system problems (autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), circulation problems (e.g., cardiovascular disease/blood clots), or infections (bone marrow suppression). If your medical history includes these conditions, inform your doctor promptly. Also, tell your doctor immediately if any serious symptoms or side effects occur (see Side Effects section). These conditions occur infrequently, but some can be fatal.

USES: This medication is used in the treatment of leukemia, certain types of cancer and viral infections.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection. Do not shake the medication container. Be sure to understand and follow the dosing schedule to receive maximum benefit from this medication. Different conditions require different dosing schedules. Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication. This medication may come with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Properly store and discard used needles and syringes.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle/joint aches, diarrhea or stomach pain. These symptoms may subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Acetaminophen may help relieve the fever and headache. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: drowsiness, dizziness, sleep disturbances, one-sided weakness (arm/leg), vision changes, poor coordination, irregular heartbeat, intolerance to heat or cold. Very unlikely but report promptly: black stools, persistent sore throat, chest tightness, unusual bleeding/bruising, tingling hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, seizures, change in amount of urine, unusual increase in thirst, severe stomach/abdominal pain. If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, stop your treatment with interferon and consult your doctor immediately: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., suicidal thoughts or severe depression), bloody diarrhea. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Back to Medications Index

copyright


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.




Symptoms & Signs A-Z List Pinpoint Your Symptoms - Start Now Symptoms & Signs A-Z List Symptoms & Signs by Female Body Region Symptoms & Signs by Male Body Region

Hepatitis C Treatment Hepatitis C Treatment
Millions of Americans live with Hepatitis C and many don’t even know it. Early detection along with a new treatment is making an impact. See more WebMD Videos »






Top 2
INTERFERON ALFA(CON)-INJECTION Related Articles






Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Search Help | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

HON Code We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.