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Infergen, |Infergen

Infergen

Generic Name: interferon alfacon-1 ( in ter FEAR on AL fa con 1)
Brand Names: Infergen

What is interferon alfacon-1?

Interferon alfacon-1 is a protein. Interferons are released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, regulating reproduction of cells, and regulating the immune system.

Interferon alfacon-1 is used to treat chronic hepatitis C.

Interferon alfacon-1 may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about interferon alfacon-1?

Some patients taking interferon alfacon-1 have developed a drop in the number of white blood cells and platelets. If the number of these blood cells are too low, there is an increased risk of infection or bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, symptoms of an infection, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon alfacon-1?

Before using interferon alfacon-1, tell your doctor if you

• a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, or another mental illness;

• an active infection;

• heart disease or history of a heart attack;

• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or psoriasis;

• have a suppressed immune system or have received an organ transplant,

• have diabetes,

• have an eye disease,

• have thyroid disease,

• have bone marrow suppression, or

• have liver disease.

You may not be able to use interferon alfacon-1, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I use interferon alfacon-1?

Use interferon alfacon-1 exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Interferon alfacon-1 is used as a subcutaneous injection only. Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject this medication. Do not inject this medication if you are unsure how.

The interferon alfacon-1 solution may be allowed to reach room temperature just prior to administering a dose.

At least 48 hours should lapse between doses of interferon alfacon-1, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily to ensure adequate hydration, especially at the start of therapy.

Flulike symptoms are likely to occur. They are most common at the start of therapy and may decrease with continued use. Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), and naproxen (Aleve), plenty of fluid, and taking the medication at bedtime may help to alleviate these symptoms.

Do not inject interferon alfacon-1 if it is discolored or has particles in it.

Do not change the brand or generic formulation of interferon alfacon-1that you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of interferon alfacon-1 are interchangeable while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brand/generic formulations may be substituted for one another.

Do not shake the vials of interferon alfacon-1. If mixing is required, the vial should be gently swirled.

If the interferon alfacon-1 you are using is preservative-free, use only one dose from each vial. Throw away any medicine that is not used with the first dose, do not save it for later use.

Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal container.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests performed before and periodically during treatment with interferon alfacon-1.

It is not known whether treatment with interferon alfacon-1 will prevent the transmission of hepatitis to others. It is also not known whether interferon alfacon-1 will cure hepatitis or prevent cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer that may be the result of infection with a hepatitis virus.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication. At least 48 hours should lapse between doses of interferon alfacon-1, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of interferon alfacon-1 overdose are not well known but might include decreased appetite, chills, fever, and muscle aches.

What should I avoid while using interferon alfacon-1?

Interferon alfacon-1 side effects

Some patients taking interferon alfacon-1 have developed a drop in the number of white blood cells and platelets. If the number of these blood cells are too low, there is an increased risk of infection or bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, symptoms of an infection, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Flu-like symptoms are likely to occur. They are most common at the start of therapy and may decrease with continued use. Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), and naproxen (Aleve), plenty of fluids, and taking the medication at bedtime may help to alleviate these symptoms. Continue to use interferon alfacon-1 and notify your doctor if you experience

• fever or chills;

• fatigue;

• headache;

• muscle aches or sore joints;

• numbness or tingling;

• nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;

• heartburn;

• abdominal pain,

• diarrhea;

• dizziness or drowsiness;

• nervousness or anxiety;

• insomnia;

• loss or thinning of hair;

• increased sweating;

• itching or a rash; or

• pain, redness, or bruising at the injection site.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect interferon alfacon-1?

Other medications may interact with interferon alfacon-1. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about interferon alfacon-1 written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Interferon alfacon-1 is available with a prescription under the brand name Infergen. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with other, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.