How do you administer alpha interferon?

How do you administer alpha interferon?

This medication is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin as directed by your doctor. Rotate the injection site each time you inject this medication to prevent soreness. It may also be given by injection into a vein or directly into a lesion, usually by a health care professional.

What is interferon alfa-2b used for?

Interferon alfa-2b injection is used to treat hepatitis B and C, lymphoma (lymph node cancer), malignant melanoma (skin cancer), genital warts, hairy cell leukemia (blood cell cancer), and Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-related tumor). Interferons are substances produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors.

Where do you inject interferon?

You usually have interferon alfa as an injection just under the skin (subcutaneously). You have it into the tummy (abdomen), upper arm or thigh. A nurse may teach you to give the injection yourself at home if you are having interferon for some weeks or months. Or a family member can learn how to do it.

What are the side effects of interferon alpha 2b?

Interferon alfa-2b injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• bruising, bleeding, pain, redness, swelling, or irritation in the place you injected interferon alfa-2b.
• muscle pain.
• change in ability to taste.
• hair loss.
• dizziness.
• dry mouth.
• concentration problems.

Can interferon be self administered?

If you are injecting interferon beta-1b yourself, use it exactly as directed by your doctor in order to help your condition as much as possible. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without checking first with your doctor.

How long can you take interferon for?

Interferon treatment for hepatitis C would typically last 24–48 weeks (6–12 months). Interferons caused many long-term side effects partly because of this long treatment time.

How long does it take for interferon to work?

Occurs within 1-2 hours of treatment, may last up to 24 hours (over time the intensity of these symptoms decreases depending on the dose, how it is given, and the schedule of administration). Fatigue , drowsiness. Low blood counts . Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.

How often is interferon given?

Interferon beta-1a subcutaneous injection comes as a solution (liquid) in a prefilled syringe or a prefilled automatic injection device to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected three times a week.