Interferon Alfa-2b Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

INTERFERON ALFA-2b (in ter FEER on AL fa 2 b) is a man-made protein. Natural interferons are produced in the body to help the immune system fight viral infections and certain cancer growths. This medicine has similar actions to natural interferons and is used to treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, certain types of hepatitis or certain cancers. This medicine may also be used to treat genital or perianal warts.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• autoimmune disease

• blood or bleeding disorders

• bone marrow disease

• depression or other mental disorders

• diabetes

• heart or lung disease

• kidney or liver disease

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to interferons, E. coli protein, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin or for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. You can inject your dose at bedtime if you experience flu-like effects. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• theophylline

• zidovudine, AZT

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular blood checks.

Do not change brands of this medicine without consulting your doctor or health care professional. Different brands of this medicine can act differently in your body. Check with your pharmacist if your refills do not look like your original product.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, increase confusion and lightheadedness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can cause flu-like symptoms and make you feel generally unwell. If you get a fever or sore throat that do not go away after the first few weeks of treatment, do not treat yourself. Report any of the above side effects, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to stop.

This medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight certain types of infections. This may be more of a concern if you are receiving high doses or other chemotherapy agents. Other signs of infection include lower back or side pain, pain or difficulty passing urine.

This medicine can cause blood problems or increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise, or injure yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• black, tarry stools

• blood in the urine

• bruising or pinpoint red spots on the skin

• changes in vision

• confusion

• depression

• difficulty breathing

• difficulty sleeping

• difficulty thinking or concentrating

• fainting spells, lightheadedness

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain

• nervousness

• numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes

• signs of infection like fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste

• cough

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• hair loss

• headaches

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). If you are using the powder, it should be used immediately after mixing or may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused vials or syringes after the expiration date.