Intron A (Interferon alfa-2b, Recombinant for Injection) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 27, 2012

Intron A

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OVERDOSE

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.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

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: 1/11/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.