Health Information
Interferon alfa-2a 認識化療藥品Referon-A
Interferon alfa-2a 認識化療藥品Referon-A
Trade name
Roferon-A®
What Roferon-A® is and what it is used for?
- Roferon-A® is a synthetic interferon alfa-2a that stimulates T cells and other immune system cells to fight certain types of cancer.
- Roferon-A® is indicated for the treatment of :
- Chronic hepatitis B or C
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Kaposi's Sarcoma
- Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Genital warts
How Roferon-A® is given?
- Roferon-A® is injected under the skin in the abdomen or thighs. The injection site should be alternated each time. Your health care provider will teach you how to give yourself injections at home.
What should I know while receiving Roferon-A®?
- An allergic reaction may happen after the injection, causing fever and chills, breathing difficulties, swelling of throat or face, or hives. Seek medical help at once if you develop any of symptoms.
- Do not receive this drug when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Men and women should use effective contraception during Roferon-A® treatment.
- Many drugs may affect how Roferon-A® works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
- The existing health problems may affect the use of Roferon-A®. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Mood or behavioral disorders
- Heart problems
- High blood sugar
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Thyroid disorder
Common Side effects
- Injection site reaction
You might have stinging or a dull ache for a short time after injection. The skin in the area may go red and itchy for a while. These reactions are usually mild and go away within a few days.
- Decreases in blood cell counts
- Low white blood cell count: You are at greater risk of having an infection when they are low. Try to stay away from crowds or people with colds and wash your hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you get a fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or burning with urination.
- Low red blood cell count: You may get tired more easily or look pale because of the low oxygen level in your blood. Tell your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or pain in your chest.
- Low platelet count: You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Loss of appetite
Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.
- Nausea
Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may help reduce the discomfort.
- Diarrhea
Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.
- Hair loss
It may begin 2-3 weeks after your first treatment. Hair growth should return after treatment has finished.
- Flu like symptoms
Symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains and shivering may occur a few hours after treatment. These symptoms generally last for 2 to 3 days. Seek medical help if you do not get any better.
- Elevated liver enzyme
This is a sign that your liver is not working well. Seek medical help right away if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.
- Changes in heart function
Symptoms include low or high blood pressure and abnormal heart beats. Tell your doctor if you have sudden weight gain or swelling in arms or legs. Seek medical help at once if you feel light-headed, or you have trouble breathing or any chest pain.
- Changes in mood or behavior
You may experience depression, anxiety or have suicidal thoughts. You may also have aggressive behavior, difficulty sleeping, and even suicide. These feelings may last for months after the last dose. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about this.
- Excessive sweating
You may be sweating more than usual during treatment. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about this.
Less common Side effects
- Skin changes
Symptoms include dryness, itching, and rash. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have. Your doctor can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.
- Changes in thyroid function
You may have higher or lower levels of thyroid hormones during treatment. You may experience tired or cold, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, mood changes such as feeling depressed or anxiety. You doctor will check the thyroid function regularly and treat side effects if it develops.
- Taste alteration
Foods may taste differently or you may have a metallic taste in the mouth. Taste may return slowly after the treatment has ended.
- Change in blood sugar level
This drug may affect you blood sugar. If you have diabetes, this drug may worse your condition. Your doctor will closely monitor your blood sugar and may prescribe medications if necessary.
More Information
- Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
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