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interferon alfa-2b

L03AB05

Forms & Strengths

Injection: 2.5 million IU/0.5 mL
Injection: 5 million IU/0.5 mL
Injection: 10 million IU/0.5 mL
Injection: 15 million IU/0.5 mL
Injection: 25 million IU/0.5 mL
Injection: 50 million IU/0.5 mL
Lyophilized powder for injection: 10 million IU/vial
Lyophilized powder for injection: 18 million IU/vial
Lyophilized powder for injection: 25 million IU/vial
Lyophilized powder for injection: 50 million IU/vial

Adult Dosing

Hairy cell leukemia: 2 million IU/m^2 IV/SC 3 times a week
Chronic hepatitis B: 5 million IU INJ/SC daily or 10 million IU INJ/SC 3 times a week
Chronic hepatitis C: 3 million IU SC 3 times a week
AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma: 30 million IU/m^2 IV/SC 3 times a week
Follicular lymphoma: 5 million IU/m^2 SC 3 times a week

Pediatric Dosing

Chronic hepatitis B: 3 million IU/m^2 INJ/SC 3 times a week for 1 year
Chronic hepatitis C: 3 million IU/m^2 SC 3 times a week for 1 year

Indications

Hairy cell leukemia
Chronic hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis C
AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma
Follicular lymphoma
Malignant melanoma
Condylomata acuminata

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits viral replication
Stimulates immune response
Induces apoptosis in tumor cells
Inhibits cell proliferation

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to interferon or any component of the formulation
Autoimmune disorders (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
Severe depression or suicidal ideation
Severe hepatic impairment
Severe renal impairment

Adverse Reactions

Flu-like symptoms
Fatigue
Headache
Myalgia
Arthralgia
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia
Anemia
Depression
Irritability

Drug Interactions

Theophylline: reduced clearance
Zidovudine: increased risk of bone marrow suppression
Telbivudine: increased risk of peripheral neuropathy
Didanosine: increased risk of pancreatitis
Stavudine: increased risk of peripheral neuropathy

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use