There is limited experience with overdosage. Postmarketing surveillance includes reports of patients receiving a single dose as great as 10 times the recommended dose. In general, the primary effects of an overdose are consistent with the effects seen with therapeutic doses of interferon alfa-2b. Hepatic enzyme abnormalities, renal failure, hemorrhage, and myocardial infarction have been reported with single administration overdoses and/or with longer durations of treatment than prescribed (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Toxic effects after ingestion of interferon alfa-2b are not expected because interferons are poorly absorbed orally. Consultation with a poison center is recommended.

Treatment

There is no specific antidote for interferon alfa-2b. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not considered effective for treatment of overdose.

INTRON® A is contraindicated in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to interferon alpha or any component of the product
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Decompensated liver disease.

INTRON A and REBETOL® combination therapy is additionally contraindicated in:

• Patients with hypersensitivity to ribavirin or any other component of the product
• Women who are pregnant
• Men whose female partners are pregnant
• Patients with hemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia major, sickle cell anemia)
• Patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min. See REBETOL package insert for additional information.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/12/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.