Roferon-A (Interferon alfa-2a, Recombinant) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Hepatitis C infection facts

HCV is one of several viruses that cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
Up to 85% of individuals who are initially (acutely) infected with HCV will fail to eliminate the virus and will become chronically infected.
HCV is spread most commonly through inadvertent exposure to infected blood. Intravenous drug abuse is the most common mode of transmission. The risk of acquiring HCV through sexual contact is low.
Generally, patients do not develop symptoms of chronic infection with HCV until they have extensive scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). Some individuals, however, may have fatigue and other non-specific symptoms in the absence of cirrhosis. A minority of patients with HCV have symptoms from organs outside of the liver.
In the U.S., Infection with HCV is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and the most common reason for liver transplantation.
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Roferon-A

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Roferon-A Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Roferon-A

Generic Name: interferon alfa-2a (Pronunciation: in ter FEAR on AL fa 2 A)

What is interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A)?

Interferon alfa-2a is a protein. Interferons are released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, regulating reproduction of cells, and regulating the immune system.

Interferon alfa-2a is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and some types of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Interferon alfa-2a may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A)?

Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you develop symptoms of depression or are contemplating suicide; become unusually irritable, anxious (nervous), or aggressive; or experience other mood or behavior changes. In some cases, interferon alfa-2a has caused serious mood or behavioral problems.

Problems with body organs such as the heart, lungs, and eyes have been experienced by people taking interferon alfa-2a or other similar drugs. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or loss of vision.

Some patients taking interferon alfa-2a have developed a drop in the number of white blood cells and platelets. If the number of these blood cells are too low, there is an increased risk of infection or bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, symptoms of an infection, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using interferon alfa-2a and seek emergency medical attention.

Flu-like symptoms are likely to occur. They are most common at the start of therapy and may decrease with continued use. Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), and naproxen (Aleve), plenty of fluids, and taking the medication at bedtime may help to alleviate these symptoms. Continue to use interferon alfa-2a and notify your doctor if you experience

fever or chills;
fatigue;
headache;
muscle aches or sore joints;
numbness or tingling;
nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
diarrhea;
dizziness or drowsiness;
nervousness or anxiety;
insomnia;
loss or thinning of hair;
increased sweating;
itching or a rash; or
pain, redness, or bruising at the injection site.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A)?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Interferon alfa-2a may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired alertness. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired alertness, avoid these activities.

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