Interferon Alfacon-1 (Injection)

Introduction:

Interferon Alfacon-1 (in-ter-FEER-on AL-fa-kon-1)

Treats hepatitis C infection.

Brand Name(s):

Infergen

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
• This medicine must be used for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days or weeks. It is also very important that you receive your injection at the same time of day for each dose.
• Use each vial (glass container) only one time. If the vial contains extra medicine, throw it away.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Allow this medicine to reach room temperature before using it. Do not shake the vial or expose it to direct sunlight.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid medicine or cancer treatment.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or history of a heart attack, high blood pressure, bleeding problems, diabetes, vision problems, thyroid disease, or an autoimmune disease (such as psoriasis, arthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of depression, bipolar disorder, HIV or AIDS, or an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Also, tell your doctor if you have had an organ transplant (such as liver or kidney).
• You might have mood or behavior changes with this medicine, such as feeling sad or hopeless, or getting upset easily. You could feel nervous or hostile. Some people become violent and want to hurt themselves or others. You might have too much energy, or see or hear unusual things. Call your doctor right away if you have any strange feelings, thoughts, or behaviors.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving hepatitis C to other people.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may cause flu symptoms such as fever, chills, tiredness, and muscle aches when you first start using it. Using your shot at bedtime may allow you to sleep through the symptoms. Your doctor may want you to take a medicine for pain and fever (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) before or after each dose of interferon alfacon-1. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to prevent or treat these symptoms.
• This medicine may cause high blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic and notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests, check with your doctor.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain or fast heartbeat.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fever that does not go away or gets higher.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Severe stomach pain or bloody diarrhea.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Trouble with breathing.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Unusual thoughts or behavior, depression, mood changes, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Hair loss.
• Headache, mild depression, nervousness, dizziness, or trouble with sleeping.
• Mild "flu" symptoms, such as muscle aches and pains, low fever, or tiredness.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or stomach pain or upset.
• Pain in your back, joints, or muscles.
• Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: