Interferons, Alpha (Systemic)
Category- Antineoplastic—Interferon Alfa-2a, Recombinant; Interferon Alfa-2b, Recombinant; Interferon
Alfa-n1 (lns); Interferon Alfa-n3
- Biological response modifier—Interferon Alfa-2a, Recombinant; Interferon
Alfa-2b, Recombinant; Interferon Alfa-n1
(lns); Interferon Alfa-n3
DescriptionInterferons
(in-ter-FEER-ons)
are substances naturally produced by cells in the body to help fight infections
and tumors. They may also be synthetic (man-made) versions of these substances.
Alpha interferons are used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma,
and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. They are also used to treat laryngeal papillomatosis
(growths in the respiratory tract) in children, genital warts, and some kinds
of hepatitis.
Alpha interferons may also be used for other conditions as determined by
your doctor.
Alpha interferons are available only with your doctor's prescription, in
the following dosage form:
Parenteral
-
Interferon Alfa-2a, Recombinant
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
-
Interferon Alfa-2b, Recombinant
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
-
Interferon Alfa-n1 (lns)
-
Interferon Alfa-n3
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.—
- Alferon N 4
- Roferon-A 1
- Intron A 2
In Canada—
- Roferon-A 1
- Intron A 2
- Wellferon 3
|
Note:
|
For quick reference, the following alpha interferons are
numbered to match the corresponding brand names.
|
| This information applies to the following medicines: |
| 1. |
Interferon Alfa-2a, Recombinant |
| 2. |
InterferonAlfa-2b, Recombinant |
| 3. |
InterferonAlfa-n1 (lns)* |
| 4. |
Interferon Alfa-n3† |
| * Not commercially available in the U.S. |
| † Not commercially available in Canada |
|
