Infergen (Interferon Alfacon-1) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Infergen

Multiple Sclerosis »

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) degenerate. Myelin, which provides a covering or insulation for nerves, improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and also is important for maintaining the health of the nerves. In multiple sclerosis, inflammation causes the myelin to disappear. Consequently, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerate, that is, become slower. In addition, the nerves themselves are damaged. As more and more nerves are affected, a person experiences a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.

About 350,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis. Usually, a person is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between 20 and 50 years of age, but multiple sclerosis has been diagnosed in children and in the elderly. Multiple...

Read the Multiple Sclerosis article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next »

Infergen

Hepatitis Slideshow Pictures

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

font size

Infergen Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon alfacon-1 (Infergen)?

Interferon alfacon-1 can cause serious side effects, some of which may be life-threatening. However, the benefits of treating your condition may outweigh any risks posed by using interferon alfacon-1. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons, if you are pregnant, or if you have:

autoimmune hepatitis; or
severe liver problems from causes other than hepatitis C.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use interferon alfacon-1:

hepatitis B or liver problems other than hepatitis C;
kidney disease;
diabetes;
cancer;
bone marrow suppression;
HIV or AIDS;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
a thyroid disorder;
problems with your sleep;
a breathing disorder;
a history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or drug or alcohol addiction;
heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder, or history of a heart attack or stroke;
an autoimmune disorder such as psoriasis, arthritis, or lupus;
colitis or other intestinal disorder; or
if you use any medications that weaken your immune system.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether interferon alfacon-1 is harmful to an unborn baby. However, you should not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether interferon alfacon-1 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use interferon alfacon-1 (Infergen)?

Interferon alfacon-1 is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Interferon alfacon-1 injections are usually given 3 times each week. Give the injection at the same time of day each time you use interferon alfacon-1.

Use a different place on your upper arms, stomach, or thighs each time you give yourself an injection. Your care provider will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw your interferon alfacon-1 dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors, looks cloudy, or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

The single-dose vial of interferon alfacon-1 is for one use only. Throw the vial away after measuring your dose, even if there is still some medicine in it. Do not save it for later use.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not change brands or generic forms of this medication without your doctor's advice. Not all brands, forms, and strengths of interferons are used to treat the same medical conditions. Always check your refills to make sure you have received the correct brand and type of medicine prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested before you start using interferon alfacon-1, and then on a regular basis during treatment. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Store interferon alfacon-1 in the refrigerator. Do not freeze or expose the medication to direct sunlight. Do not use the medication if it has become frozen or if it is past the expiration date on the medicine label.

To reduce or prevent certain side effects, your doctor may recommend you take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at the time of your interferon alfacon-1 injection. Follow your doctor's instructions about the correct dose.

Related Drug Centers