What is interferon alfa 2a injection?
INTERFERON ALFA-2a (in ter FEER on AL fa 2 a) (Roferon-A) helps the immune system fight viral infections such as chronic hepatitis C, and certain cancers like Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia, and hairy cell leukemia.
What is interferon injections used for?
This medication is used to treat various cancers (e.g., leukemia, melanoma, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma). It is also used to treat virus infections (e.g., chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, condylomata acuminata). This medication is the same as a protein that your body naturally produces (interferon).
Is interferon a chemotherapy drug?
Interferon-alfa2b is different than a chemotherapy drug; it is actually a natural part of your body’s immune system. It is known as a cytokine, which are chemicals normally secreted by cells called leukocytes in response to a virus, bacteria, or other foreign intruders.
What type of infection can be treated by injections of alfa interferon?
Interferon alfa-2b works to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) by decreasing the amount virus in the body.
What diseases does interferon treat?
What conditions do interferons treat?
- Chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia, Kaposi sarcoma caused by AIDS, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
- Chronic hepatitis, lymphoma, and malignant melanoma.
- Genital warts.
Does interferon suppress the immune system?
There are at least two types of interferon. Along with their antiviral properties, they have recently been shown to exert a suppressive effect on the humoral and cellular immune response; they affect both B and T lymphocytes.
What is the difference between interferon alpha 2a and 2b?
The main difference between these two pegylated interferons is in the dosing. Alfa-2a is used as a fixed weekly dose. Alfa-2b is used as a weekly dose based on the weight of the patient. There are other differences between the two drugs, but they are mostly technical and are used by the prescribing physician.