Precautions
Drug type: Interferon alfa is a "biologic response modifier." This medication is classified as a "cytokine." (For more detail, see "How this drug works" section below). Approved for use in hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and condyloma acuminata.
What is interferon alfa used to treat?
Pegylated interferon alfa-2a was approved for medical use in the United States in 2002. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. The wholesale cost in the developing world is between 500.00 and 4,800.00 USD for 12 weeks.
What is the cost of pegylated interferon alfa-2a?
A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in the management of viral hepatitis Interferon-alpha-2a is a recombinant interferon with antiviral, antitumour and immunomodulatory properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the drug offers therapeutic benefit in patients with some forms of chronic viral hepatitis.
What is interferon-alpha-2a used for?
If you are allergic to interferon alfa-2a; any part of interferon alfa-2a; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
What should I do if I am allergic to interferon alfa-2a?
Who manufactures Pegasys?
Genentech: Pegasys® (peginterferon alfa-2a) - Information for Patients.
What is the brand name for interferon?
Interferon alpha is the generic name for the trade name drugs Intron® A, Roferon®-A. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade names Intron® A, Roferon®-A or other names such as IFN-alpha and alpha interferon when referring to the generic drug name interferon alfa.
Who makes ribavirin?
The same two drug companies that make Interferon also manufacture ribavirin. Roche Products Ltd makes Copegus. MSD make Rebetol. Both drugs are essentially identical.
Is Pegasys discontinued?
At the end of June 2020, Roche discontinued interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A, Pharmacode 483206). PHARMAC has widened the access criteria for pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys, Pharmacode 2162806) to patients with myeloproliferative disorder and cutaneous T cell lymphoma. This took effect from 1 July 2020.
Who produces interferon?
Type I interferon (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta) is secreted by virus-infected cells while type II, immune or gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) is mainly secreted by T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages.
How is interferon manufactured?
Interferons are formed when most cells are treated with viruses or double-stranded RNA (to form IFN-alpha or beta, or both) or when lymphoid cells are treated with mitogens or the appropriate antigen (to form IFN-gamma).
What is the generic name for ribavirin?
Ribavirin is an antiviral medication used together with an interferon alfa product (such as Peg-Intro or Intron A) to treat chronic hepatitis C. Ribavirin is available under the following different brand names: Rebetol, Ribasphere, RibaPak, Copegus, Virazole, and Moderiba.
When was ribavirin made?
Ribavirin (1-b-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) was synthesized in 1970 by researchers at ICN pharmaceuticals (now Valeant International Pharmaceuticals). Initial studies demonstrated that ribavirin possessed antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses in various animal models of infection [1].
When was ribavirin approved by FDA?
Approval Date: 12/23/2002.
Who manufactures Intron A?
Interferon alfa-2bInterferon alfa-2b productsProductManufacturerIntron-A/IntronASchering-PloughRealderonTevaReaferon ECGNC Vector10 more rows
Is PegIntron discontinued?
On September 24, 2015, the FDA announced the voluntary discontinuation of Merck's PegIntron (peginterferon alfa-2b) and Rebetol (ribavirin). Merck will discontinue the manufacturing and distribution of PegIntron and Rebetol in the U.S., effective February 1, 2016.
Is Rebetol discontinued?
On April 16, 2019, the FDA announced the discontinuation of Merck's Rebetol (ribavirin) oral solution. — The discontinuation was due to business reasons and is not due to any safety, efficacy or quality issues. — Rebetol will be discontinued on or near June 2019. — Brand Rebetol capsules will continue to be available.
What to know before taking Interferon Alfa-2A?
Before using interferon alfa-2a, talk to 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;
What are the side effects of Interferon Alfa-2A?
Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you develop symptoms of depression or are contemplating suicide; become unusually irritable, anxious (nervous), or aggressive; or experience other mood or behavior changes.
How long can you keep interferon alfa-2a in the refrigerator?
Store interferon alfa-2a in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius). Do not allow interferon alfa-2a to freeze. The Roferon-A multidose vials of injectable solution should be used within 30 days after the first dose is taken from the vial.
What is the best medicine for fever?
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 alfa-2a and notify your doctor if you experience. fever or chills;
Why is interferon important?
Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, regulating reproduction of cells, and regulating the immune system. Interferon alfa-2a is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and some types of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
Can you reuse an interferon vial?
If mixing is required, the vial should be gently swirled. If the interferon alfa-2a 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.
Can interferon alfa-2a be taken with prescription?
Interferon alfa-2a may increase theophylline levels in the body, which could become dangerous. Other drugs may also interact with interferon alfa-2a. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Does Interferon Alfa work?
You will be checked regularly by your healthcare professional while you are taking interferon alfa, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. Periodic blood work to monitor your complete blood count (CBC) as well as the function of other organs (such as your kidneys and liver) will also be ordered by your doctor.
Can you take aspirin with interferon alpha?
Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
What is interferon alpha 2a?
Interferon-alpha-2a is a recombinant interferon with antiviral, antitumour and immunomodulatory properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the drug offers therapeutic benefit in patients with some forms of chronic viral hepatitis. Remission, as measured by clearance of viral DNA and hepatit ….
How many people are in remission from interferon?
Thus, long term remission may only be observed in about 15 to 30% of treated patients.
Does interferon affect weight loss?
As with other types of interferons, most patients receiving interferon-alpha-2a experience an 'influenza-like' syndrome, which tends to diminish with continuing therapy. Other effects such as fatigue, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss are usually dose-limiting.
Does interferon-alpha-2a remit spontaneously?
On the other hand, this disorder remits spontaneously in only a few patients. The role of interferon-alpha-2a in the treatment of chronic hepatitis D remains unclear. Although preliminary data suggest it may be beneficial, cessation of therapy is generally followed by relapse.
Does hepatitis B have a therapeutic effect?
Clinical studies have demonstrated that the drug offers therapeutic benefit in patients with some forms of chronic viral hepatitis. Remission, as measured by clearance of viral DNA and hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg), and normalisation of serum alanine aminotransferase levels, is observed in approximately 30 to 45% of patients with chronic ...
What is Peginterferon alfa-2A used for?
It is also used in the treatment of certain T-cell lymphomas, particularly mycosis fungoides . Peginterferon alfa-2a is a long acting interferon. Interferons are proteins released in the body in response to viral infections.
Why is interferon alfa-2a pegylated?
It is pegylated to protect the molecule from breakdown. Pegylated interferon alfa-2a was approved for medical use in the United States in 2002. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat hepatitis C?
Pegylated interferon alfa-2a, sold under the brand name Pegasys among others, is medication used to treat hepatitis C and hepatitis B. For hepatitis C it is typically used together with ribavirin and cure rates are between 24 and 92%. For hepatitis B it may be used alone. It is given by injection under the skin.
Is hepatitis C approved for use in China?
Medical uses. This drug is approved around the world for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (including people with HIV co-infection, cirrhosis, 'normal' levels of ALT) and has recently been approved (in the EU, U.S., China and many other countries) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. It is also used in the treatment ...
Is interferon alfa-2a good for macular degeneration?
A Cochrane Review sought to determine whether interferon alfa-2a could be used as a treatment for individuals with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. They found no evidence of improved visual acuity with potential harm.
What is Peginterferon Alfa-2A?
PEGASYS ® (peginterferon alfa-2a) is a prescription medication that is: used with other hepatitis C medicines to treat adults with chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C and certain types of liver problems. used with a hepatitis C medicine called ribavirin to treat adults and children 5 years and older with chronic hepatitis C ...
How to contact Genentech?
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What is interferon alfa-2a used for?
Interferon alfa-2a is a form of recombinant human interferon used to stimulate the innate antiviral response in the treatment of hepatitis B and C viruses. Generic Name. Interferon alfa-2a. DrugBank Accession Number. DB00034.
What is the mechanism of action of interferon alpha?
Mechanism of action. Interferon alpha binds to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c) which , upon dimerization, activate two Jak (Janus kinase) tyrosine kinases (Jak1 and Tyk2). These transphosphorylate themselves and phosphorylate the receptors.
Can clopidogrel be used with interferon?
Clopidogrel. The metabolism of Clopidogrel can be decreased when combined with Interferon alfa-2a. Clostridium tetani toxoid antigen (formaldehyde inactivated) The therapeutic efficacy of Clostridium tetani toxoid antigen (formaldehyde inactivated) can be decreased when used in combination with Interferon alfa-2a.