What Is Interferon Therapy?

Interferon is a class of glycoproteins, which has a high species specificity, so animal interferons are not effective for humans. Interferons have antiviral, inhibit cell proliferation, regulate immune and antitumor effects. ^[1]

Basic Information

Drug Name: Interferon
Alias: IFN
Foreign name: Interferon, IFN
Whether prescription drugs: prescription
Main indications: Anti-virus, anti-tumor, etc.
Dosage: Subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, lesion injection

Adverse reactions: Fever, headache, decreased white blood cell count, increased transaminase, etc.
Main medication contraindications: Allergic disabled
Dosage form: injection
Whether to include health insurance: Incorporate
Drug category: Antitumor drug
Attributes: Biological response modifier

Interferon indications

Mainly used for the treatment of advanced hairy cell leukemia, kidney cancer, melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and low to moderate malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Head and neck cancer and bladder cancer. It is also suitable for acute and chronic viral hepatitis C and chronic active hepatitis B.

Interferon clinical application

Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection: 3 to 5 million units / time, once every other day, the course of treatment is 4 to 6 months, and the course of treatment can be extended to 9 to 12 months if necessary. Can also be used for genital warts, shingles, hairy cell leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, malignant melanoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Interferon adverse reactions

Adverse reactions were mainly flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, myalgia, and headache. Followed by mild bone marrow suppression. Generally has no effect on liver and kidney function, a few have aminotransferases and elevated serum creatinine.

Interferon considerations

Allergies, especially those who are allergic to antibiotics, should be used with caution. If an allergic reaction occurs during the medication, immediately discontinue the medication and treat it accordingly. Patients with liver and kidney dysfunction and cardiopulmonary dysfunction should be used with caution.

Interferon medication contraindications

Those who are known to be allergic to interferon products are contraindicated. Patients with a history of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and other severe cardiovascular diseases are contraindicated. Epilepsy and other central nervous system dysfunction are disabled. Those who have other serious diseases that cannot tolerate the side effects of this product are contraindicated.