Interferon alfacon-1

Subcutaneous
Chronic hepatitis C

Hypersensitivity. Hepatic decompensation, autoimmune hepatitis.

History of severe psychiatric disorders (monitor for signs of depression). Preexisting or history of cardiac disease. Perform periodic ophthalmologic exam in patients with preexisting ophthalmologic disorders (e.g. diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy). Autoimmune disorders. History of endocrine disorders. Abnormally low peripheral blood cell counts or concurrent myelosuppressive therapy. Transplantation or chronically immunosuppressed patients. Monitor haematological and thyroid functions before therapy, 2 wk after initiation and periodically thereafter. Elderly. Children (not recommended). Pregnancy, lactation. Withhold dose in patients who experience a severe adverse reaction, stop or decraese treatment if the reaction does not become tolerable.

Insomnia, nervousness, depression, dizziness, anxiety, emotional lability; alopecia, pruritus, rash; hot flushes; GI disturbances; blood dyscrasia; inj site reactions; myalgia, arthralgia, pain, paraesthesia; flu-like symptoms; upper respiratory tract infection; chest pain, arrhythmia, MI; hypersensitivity reaction; blurred or loss of vision; hepatomegaly, liver tenderness.

Parenteral/SC: C

Symptoms include anorexia, chills, fever, myalgia and elevated LFTs.

Enhanced myelosuppression with other myelosuppressive drugs. Drugs metabolised via the CYP450 pathway (monitor for changes in pharmacologic or adverse effects of concomitant drug).

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Interferon alfacon-1 has antiviral, antiproliferative and immune-regulating effects. It induces gene transcription, inhibits cellular growth, alters the state of cellular differentiation, interferes with oncogene expression, alters cell-surface antigen expression, increases phagocytic activity of macrophages and augments cytotoxicity of lymphocytes for target cells.

Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C (36-46°F).

Antivirals