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Facts about INTRON® A (Interferon alfa-2b, recombinant)
for Injection Therapy
Q: What is interferon?
A: Interferon is an immunity-boosting protein made by your body. It is naturally
made by many different cells in your body, including liver cells, to help you fight
off disease.
Q: What is INTRON A therapy?
A: Therapy with INTRON® A (a kind of interferon made by Schering Corporation)
is used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C (also called HBV and HCV). The treatment
involves giving yourself injections of alfa interferon, which helps your body fight
the virus in a number of different ways. There are several brands of interferon,
each slightly different and with different doses. Interferon may come in several
forms (for example, powder or liquid).
Q: Why did my doctor prescribe INTRON A therapy for me?
A: Because you most likely have been infected with chronic hepatitis B or
C for 6 months or more, your doctor feels that you require treatment, and without
treatment, you run the risk of permanent liver damage. Your doctor recommended interferon
therapy for you because there is scientific information showing it has helped other
people with chronic hepatitis B and C.
Q: Will interferon cure chronic hepatitis B or C?
A: At this time, there is no guaranteed cure for chronic hepatitis B or C.
However, with full treatment, about 45% of hepatitis B patients and 24% of hepatitis
C patients respond to INTRON A therapy.
Q: How long will I have to take INTRON A therapy?
A: The recommended length of treatment by the FDA is up to 24 months for
hepatitis C and up to 4 months for hepatitis B. Because people’s reactions to interferon
vary, your treatment may be shorter. Your doctor will decide how long you need to
stay on INTRON® A for it to be most beneficial to you.
Q: How do I know if treatment is working?
A: At the end of 3 to 4 months, your doctor will test your blood again to
measure the amount of liver enzymes, virus, or antibodies (proteins your body produces
to fight the virus). If your viral levels have not decreased, you may not be responding
to treatment. At that point, your doctor may decide to change your therapy.
Q: Why do I have to take INTRON A by injection?
A: INTRON® A is a protein that can be destroyed. If this protein were
taken in pill form, the acids produced by your stomach would destroy it before it
could enter your bloodstream. Taking INTRON® A by injection puts it directly
into your bloodstream, where the medication works.
Q: What should I do if I miss an INTRON A injection?
A: Take your injection as soon as you remember (but don’t take two together),
then go back to your normal schedule as directed by your doctor. If you miss more
than one injection, call your physician for instructions.
Q: Are there any side effects I should know about?
A: Among the most common side effects of therapy with interferon are mild-to-moderate
"flu-like" symptoms (fever, muscle aches, and chills). Fatigue is another
common side effect. Some people also report nausea or loss of appetite. Others feel
somewhat tired, irritable, or depressed, which may be caused by either the disease
or the interferon. DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR, INCLUDING SUICIDAL IDEATION, SUICIDAL ATTEMPTS, AND COMPLETED SUICIDES, HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH TREATMENT WITH ALFA INTERFERONS, INCLUDING INTRON A THERAPY. These symptoms can be
common at the start of therapy and will likely lessen after the first few weeks.
Some people get no side effects. If you do get side effects, report them to your
doctor. He or she can suggest ways to handle them. Keep taking INTRON® A as instructed
by your physician so that you may achieve the greatest possible benefit from your
therapy.
Q: Will taking INTRON® A limit my normal activities?
A: While on INTRON A therapy, many patients can go to work and even travel;
some can’t. Whether you stay at home or lead a more active life will depend on how
you feel and how comfortable you are with your therapy. Just keep in mind the full
course of treatment is key to getting all the benefits of INTRON A therapy.
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