Drug Interaction:
Antineuoplastic agents include-
Interferon ALFA 2a, Interferon ALFA -2b, Interferon ALFA -n3, Levamisole, Altretamine, Cladribine, Hydroxyurea, Aldesleukin, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel,Tretinion, Procarbazine,Dacarbazine, Gemcitabine, Mitotane, Asparaginase, Pegaspargase,Porfimer Sodium
Drug Interaction-summary
+ Antineoplastic
Antineoplastic agents + Fluoroquinolones
fluoroquinolnesserum levels may be decreased
Interferon alfa
hematologic toxicities have been seen with concurrent use. If combination
use is necessary , dose reduction or interrruption of one or both agents may
be necessary. Monitor hematologic parameters frequently.
Interferon +
Measles Vaccine
concurent use may inhibit antibody response to the vaccine.
Mumps virus vaccine
concurrent administration may inhibit antibody response to the vaccine
Indication:
Antineuoplastic agents include-
Interferon ALFA 2a, Interferon ALFA -2b, Interferon ALFA -n3, Levamisole, Altretamine, Cladribine, Hydroxyurea, Aldesleukin, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel,Tretinion, Procarbazine,Dacarbazine, Gemcitabine, Mitotane, Asparaginase, Pegaspargase,Porfimer Sodium
Approved by (DCI) Drug Controller GENERAL - India For Marketing
(Ref- IDMA Publication)
Name of Drug Indication Date of Approval
Interferon alpha inj Anti-cancer May 1988
(Recombinant )
Adverse Reaction:
Headache, chills, arthalgia. Anorexia, nausea, diarrhoea, Emesis, abdominal pain, flatulance. Partial alopecia, rash, Dryness or inflammation. Weight loss, change in taste.
Contra-Indications:
Hypersensitivity to alpha interferon or any component of the product.
Special precautions: Prior to initiation of therapy, perform tests to quantitate peripheral blood haemoglobins, platelets,granulocytes, and hairy cells an bone marrow hairy cells.
Excercise caution in patients with severe renal or hepatic disease, seizure disorders or compromised CNS function. Administer with caution in patients with cardiac disease or history of cardiac illness.
Dosages/ Overdosage Etc:
Indication-
Hepatitis B-
Dosage-2.5- 5 milion units/m2 by s.c. injection 3 times per week for 4-6 months. Increase dose after one month f response not adequate , discontinue after 3-4 mths if no improvement
Hepatitis C- initially 3-6 million units by s.c. or i.m. injection 3 times a week for 6 months. Maintenance - 3 million units 3 times week for further 6 months
Missed dose
1. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible.
2. However, if it is almost time for next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
3. Do not double doses.
Patient Information:
Ref - USP PDI Vol II 17th Edition (1997)
1.Allergies-
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to
alpha interferon.
2.Pregnancy-
Alpha interferon has not shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.
3. Breast-feeding-
It is known whether alpha interferon passes into breast milk. Mothers who are
taking this medicine and who wish to breast feed should discuss this with their
doctor.
4.Children-
There is no specific information comparing use of alpha interferon for genital
warts in children with use in other age groups.
5. Teen agers-
Alpha interferon may cause changes in the menstrual cycle. Discuss this possible
effect with your doctor.
6.Older adults-
Some side effects of alpha interferon (chest pain,irregular heartbeat, unusual
redness, confusion, mental depression, trouble in thinking or concentrating) may
be more likely to occur in elderly, who are more sensitive to the effects of alpha
inteferon
7. Other medicines-
Tell your doctor if you are using any other prescription or non-prescription
(Over-the counter) OTC medicine.
7. Other medical problems-
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of alpha
interferon.
Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems
especially-
Bleeding problems - may be worsened by recombinant interferon alpha 2b
Chicken pox-( including recent exposure) or
Herpes zoster- risk of severe disease affecting other parts of the body
Convulsion or mental problems (history of)- risk of problems affecting
the central nervous may be increased
Diabetes mellitus or
Heart attack or
Kidney disease or
Liver disease or
Lung disease - may be worsened by alpha interferon
Pharmacology/ Pharmacokinetics:
Pharmacology:
Interferon alfa 2a is a sterile protein product manufactured by recombinant DNA technology that employs a genetically engineered E. Coli bacterium. Interferon alfa 2a is a highly purifed protein containing 165 amino acids. Direct antiproliferative action against tumor cells and modulation of host immune response may play important roles.
Pharmacokinetics:
Alfa interferon are filtered through the glomeruli and undergo proteolytic degradation during tubular reabsorption. Liver metabolism and subsequent billiary excretion are minor ways of elimination.
