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ANTINEOPLASTIC AND IMMUNOMODULATING AGENTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › Interferons
interferon alfa-n1
L03AB06
Forms & Strengths
- Injectable solution: 5 million IU/mL, 10 million IU/mL
Adult Dosing
- Condyloma acuminata: 250,000 IU injected intralesionally into each lesion twice weekly for up to 8 weeks
- Hepatitis C: 3 million IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 3 times weekly for 6 to 12 months
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established
Indications
- Treatment of external condyloma acuminata (genital warts)
- Management of chronic hepatitis C
Mechanism of Action
- Binds to specific cell-surface receptors, inducing antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects
- Upregulates major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens and enhances macrophage and natural killer cell activity
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant alpha interferons or any component of the formulation
- Autoimmune hepatitis or history of autoimmune disease
- Severe preexisting cardiac disease
- Decompensated hepatic cirrhosis
Adverse Reactions
- Flu-like syndrome (fever, fatigue, myalgia, headache, chills)
- Hematologic toxicity (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
- Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, anxiety, confusion, insomnia)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea)
- Elevated hepatic transaminases and thyroid dysfunction
Drug Interactions
- Theophylline: Interferons may reduce the hepatic clearance of theophylline, increasing serum concentrations
- Zidovudine: Potential risk of enhanced myelosuppression and hematologic toxicity
- Myelosuppressive agents: Increased risk of additive bone marrow suppression
- Live vaccines: Risk of enhanced adverse/allergic reactions and reduced vaccine efficacy
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use