Interferon Alpha 2b
Interferon Alpha 2b Information

About Interferon Alpha 2b

Interferons are potent cytokines that possess antiviral, immunomodulating and antiproliferative actions. The interferones bind to specific cell-surface receptors that initiate a series of intracellular events, induction of certain enzymes, inhibition of cell-proliferation, and enhancement of immune activities. The term "interferon alfa" actually refers to at least three compounds that only differ slightly in their amino acid sequence: interferon alfa-2a, interferon alfa-2b , and interferon alfa-n3. Interferon alfa-2b, a highly purified protein that is obtained from Escherichia coli by genetic engineering. Interferon Alpha 2b is indicated in the treatment of a variety of tumours including hairy cell leukaemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphomaand AIDS related Kaposi"s sarcoma. Interferon alfa-2b was approved by the FDA in 1986.

Indications

Interferon Alpha 2b is primarily indicated in conditions like Bladder carcinoma, Hairy cell leukaemia, Hepatitis, Hepatitis C, Herpes zoster, Human papillomavirus infections, Kaposis sarcoma, Malignant melanoma, Multiple myeloma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Viral infection.

Contraindication

Interferon Alpha 2b is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy,Heart disease,Hypersensitivity to any component of product.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Interferon Alpha 2b, which give rise to further complications include Insomnia, Seizures, Depression, Hyperthyroidism.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Interferon Alpha 2b include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Anorexia, CNS depression.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Interferon Alpha 2b are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Alopecia, Diarrhea, Fever, Myalgia, Arthralgia, Shivering, Alopecia.

Warnings

Interferon Alpha 2b is available as white loose powder, when dissolved with water for injection, the solution should be clear and transparent. Discard it if there is any solid or opalescence visible to eyes. Don't use it if bottle is spoiled or product is expired. Water for reconstitution should be injected along the inner side of bottle to avoid developing bubbles. The product should be used within one day after dissolved.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.