Recombinant human interferon alpha 2a is a protein indicated for the treatment of diseases such as hairy cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic hepatitis B, chronic and acute hepatitis C, and condylomata acuminata.
This remedy is believed to work by inhibiting viral replication and modulating the immune response of the host, thereby exerting antitumor and antiviral activity.
How to use
Recombinant human interferon alfa 2A should be given by a healthcare professional who will know how to prepare the medicine. The dosage depends on the disease to be treated:
1. Hairy cell leukemia
The recommended daily dose of the drug is 3 MIU for 16 to 20 weeks given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. It may be necessary to reduce the dose or frequency of injections, so that the maximum tolerated dose is determined. The recommended maintenance dose is 3 MIU three times a week.
When the side effects are severe, it may be necessary to reduce the dose by half and the physician should determine whether or not the person should continue treatment after six months of therapy.
2. Multiple myeloma
The recommended dose of recombinant human interferon alpha 2A is 3MUI, three times a week, administered as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. According to the response and tolerance of the person, the dose can be gradually increased up to 9MUI three times a week.
3. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
In cases of people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the remedy can be given 4 to 6 weeks after chemotherapy and the recommended dose is 3MUI three times a week for at least 12 weeks subcutaneously. When given in combination with chemotherapy, the recommended dose is 6MUI / m2 administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly during days 22 to 26 of chemotherapy.
4. Chronic myeloid leukemia
The dose of recombinant human interferon alpha 2A can be raised gradually from 3MUI daily for 3 days to 6MUI daily for 3 days to the target dose of 9MUI daily until the end of the treatment period. After 8 to 12 weeks of therapy, patients with haematological response may continue treatment until complete response or 18 months to 2 years after initiation of treatment.
5. Chronic hepatitis B
The recommended dose for adults is 5MUI three times a week given subcutaneously for 6 months. For persons who do not respond to recombinant human interferon alfa 2A after one month of therapy, an increase in dose may be required.
If after 3 months of therapy, no response is obtained from the patient, discontinuation of treatment should be considered.
6. Acute and chronic hepatitis C
The recommended dose of recombinant human interferon alpha 2A for treatment is 3 to 5MUI, three times a week, administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly for 3 months. The recommended maintenance dose is 3MUI, three times a week for 3 months.
7. Condylomata acuminata
The recommended dose is a subcutaneous or intramuscular application of 1MUI to 3MUI, 3 times a week for 1 to 2 months or 1MUI applied to the base of the affected site on alternate days for 3 consecutive weeks.
Who should not use
This medication should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to any of the components of the formula, with a disease or history of severe disease in the heart, kidneys or liver.
In addition, it should also not be used in pregnant or nursing women unless recommended by a doctor.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of this medicine are flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, sweating among others.