Interferon Alfa-2B information from DrugsUpdate  

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Interferon alfa-2b binds to a specific cell surface protein. Once bound, it initiates a series of intracellular activities including induction of certain enzymes, suppression of cell proliferation, enhancement of phagocytic activity of macrophages, augmentation of cytotoxicity of lymphocytes for target cells, and inhibition of viral replication.

Absorption
Peak plasma concentrations in 3-12 hours (IM/SC); 30 minutes (IV).

Excretion
Elimination half-life: 2-3 hours (IM/SC); 2 hours (IV).

Interferon Alfa-2B Indications / Interferon Alfa-2B Uses

Information Not Available

Interferon Alfa-2B Adverse Reactions / Interferon Alfa-2B Side Effects

Flu-like symptoms; alopecia; hypersensitivity reactions; nausea; anorexia; myelosuppression; lethargy; ocular side effects; depression; CV problems; nephrotoxicity; hypertriglyceridaemia; thyroid abnormalities; hyperglycaemia; psoriasiform rash; confusion; coma; seizures.

Potentially Fatal: Hepatotoxicity, pulmonary infiltrates, pneumonitis and pneumonia, autoimmune diseases.

Precautions

Warnings
Neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious disorders
Interferons may cause or aggravate fatal or life-threatening disorders of this nature. Persistent severe or worsening signs or symptoms may necessitate discontinuation of therapy. Closely monitor patients with periodic clinical and laboratory evaluations.

Monitor
Monitor CBCs prior to treatment and routinely during therapy. The following laboratory tests are recommended prior to treatment and periodically thereafter: standard hematologic tests (including hemoglobin, complete and differential WBCs, and platelet counts), blood chemistries (including electrolytes, liver function, and TSH). Patients with preexisting cardiac abnormalities or who are in the advanced stages of cancer should have ECG taken prior to and during treatment. Baseline chest X-rays are recommended and should be repeated as indicated. In patients with malignant melanoma, monitor differential WBC count and liver function weekly during induction of therapy and monthly during maintenance therapy. Mild to moderate leukopenia and elevated AST levels can occur with intralesional therapy; therefore, consider monitoring of these laboratory parameters.

Special Precautions

History of pulmonary disease (e.g. COPD) or DM prone to ketoacidosis. Coagulation disorders or severe myelosuppression. Monitor patients with history of MI and/or arrhythmic disorders. Preexisting or history of psychiatric disorder, particularly depression. Poorly controlled thyroid abnormalities. Perform ophthalmological exam on patients with preexisting ophthalmologic disorders (e.g. diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy). Monitor WBC count in myelosuppressed patients and in those receiving other myelosuppressive agents. Preexisting psoriasis. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Pregnancy and lactation.

Other Drug Interactions

Reduces clearance of theophylline. Enhanced myelosuppression with other myelosuppressive drugs (e.g. zidovudine).

Other Interactions

Information Not Available

Dosage

Subcutaneous
Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Adult: 4-5 million units/m2 daily; continue at the max tolerated dose to maintain remission.
Max Dosage: 4-10 million units/m2 daily.

Subcutaneous
Follicular lymphoma
Adult: As an adjunct to chemotherapy: 5 million units 3 times weekly for 18 months.

Subcutaneous
Carcinoid tumours
Adult: 3-9 million units (usually 5 million units) 3 times weekly. Advanced disease: 5 million units daily.

Subcutaneous
Multiple myeloma
Adult: Maintenance dose following chemotherapy induction: 3 million units/m2 3 times weekly.

Parenteral
Chronic active hepatitis B
Adult: 5-10 million units IM/SC 3 times weekly for 4-6 months, or 5 million units daily for 16 weeks.

Parenteral
Chronic hepatitis C
Adult: 3 million units IM/SC 3 times wkly for 6-12 months (depending on genotype) when used with ribavirin, or for 6-18 months (up to 24 months) when used as monotherapy.

Parenteral
AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma
Adult: 30 million units/m2 IM/SC 3 times weekly.

Parenteral
Hairy cell leukaemia
Adult: 2 million units/m2 IM/SC 3 times weekly for up to 6 months or more.

Parenteral
Melanoma
Adult: Initially, 20 million units/m2 daily for 5 days each weeks for 4 weeks by IV infusion over 20 minutes. Maintenance: 10 million units/m2 via SC injection 3 times weekly for 48 weeks.

Injection
Condyloma acuminata
Adult: Inject 1 million units into each lesion 3 times weekly for 3 weeks; repeat after 12-16 weeks as needed. Max: 5 lesions per treatment course.

Food(before/after)

Information Not Available

Interferon Alfa-2B and Pregnancy

Caution when used during pregnancy

Interferon Alfa-2B and Lactation

Caution when used during lactation

Interferon Alfa-2B and Children

Safety and efficacy in children not established for indications other than chronic hepatitis B or C.

Chronic hepatitis B
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 1 year of age.

Chronic hepatitis C
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 3 years of age.

Interferon Alfa-2B and Geriatic

Use with caution because of the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, bone marrow, or cardiac function, and of concomitant diseases or other drug therapy. Because elderly patients often have decreased renal function, carefully monitor patients during treatment and adjust dose based on symptoms and laboratory abnormalities.

Interferon Alfa-2B and Other Contraindications

Hypersensitivity. Hepatic decompensation, autoimmune hepatitis or a history of autoimmune disease, immunosuppressed transplant recipients.

Storage

Injection
Store at 2-8°C (36-46°F).

Parenteral
Store at 2-8°C (36-46°F).

Subcutaneous
Store at 2-8°C (36-46°F).

Lab interference

Injection
Store at 2-8°C (36-46°F).

Parenteral
Store at 2-8°C (36-46°F).

Subcutaneous
Store at 2-8°C (36-46°F).