Expiration date: 10/2026

Interferon. Is a highly purified recombinant protein with a molecular mass of 19300 Dalton. Received a clone of Escherichia coli by hybridization of plasmids of bacteria with the gene human cells, encoding the synthesis of interferon. Unlike interferon Alfa-2A has arginine at position 23.

Has antiviral effect, due to interaction with specific membrane receptors and induction of RNA synthesis and ultimately, protein. The latter, in turn, impede the normal reproduction of the virus or its release.

Has immunomodulatory activity, which is associated with the activation of phagocytosis, stimulation of antibody and lymphokines.

Antiproliferative effect on tumor cells.

Indications for use

Acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C.

Hairy cell leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, renal cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma in the background of AIDS, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides and the syndrome of Sezari), malignant melanoma.

Dosing regimen

The dose and scheme of treatment set individually, depending on indications.

Side effects

Flu-like symptoms: often fever, chills, pain in bones, joints, eyes, myalgia, headache, increased sweating, dizziness.

From the digestive system: possible decrease in appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, violation of taste sensations, dry mouth, decreased body weight, mild abdominal pain, minor changes in the parameters of liver function (usually normalized after end of treatment).

CNS and peripheral nervous system: dizziness, deterioration of mental activities, sleep disturbance, memory impairment, anxiety, nervousness, aggressiveness, euphoria, depression (after prolonged treatment), paresthesia, neuropathy, tremor, in some cases, suicidal tendencies, sleepiness.

Of the cardiovascular system: possible - tachycardia (fever), hypotension or hypertension, arrhythmia, in some cases, violations of the cardiovascular system, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction.

The respiratory system: rarely - pain in the chest, cough, minor shortness of breath, in some cases, pneumonia, pulmonary edema.

With the hematopoietic system: possible slight leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia.

Dermatological reactions: possible itching, reversible alopecia.

Other: rare - muscle stiffness, and in rare cases - antibodies to natural or recombinant interferon.

Contraindications

Severe cardiovascular disease, decompensated cirrhosis, severe depression, psychosis, alcohol or drug dependence, hypersensitivity to interferon Alfa-2b.

Application of pregnancy and breastfeeding

Application of pregnancy is possible only in the case when the expected benefit of therapy for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Unknown, selects whether interferon Alfa-2b in breast milk. If necessary, use during lactation should decide the issue of termination of breastfeeding.

Women of childbearing age during treatment should use reliable contraception.

Application for violations of liver function

Contraindicated in decompensated cirrhosis of the liver. To apply caution in patients with impaired liver function.

Application for violations of renal function

To apply caution in patients with impaired renal function.

Special instructions  from the website "international tumor Institute"

To apply caution in patients with impaired renal function, liver, bone marrow hematopoiesis and the propensity to suicidal attempts.

In patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system possible arrhythmias. If the arrhythmia does not decrease, or increases, the dose should be reduced in 2 times, or stop treatment.

During treatment requires monitoring of neurologic and mental status.

When expressed oppression kostnomozgovy blood, you need regular study of the peripheral blood.

Interferon Alfa-2b has a stimulating effect on the immune system, so it should be used with caution in patients prone to autoimmune diseases, because of the increased risk of autoimmune reactions.

Drug interactions

Interferon Alfa-2b inhibits the metabolism of theophylline and reduce its clearance.