Roferon A

Details

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Interferon alpha 2a 3MIU, 4.5MIU injection is a type of non selective antiviral drug.

Interferons are cytokines produced by host cells against viruses, on exposure to viruses or produced in the laboratory by inducing chemicals. Human interferons are of 3 types: alpha beta gamma and produced by recombinant DNA technology. Alpha interferons are further divided into 2a and 2b and which have antiviral activity.

Mechanism of action is by binding to specific cell receptors and affects virus growth at multiple steps.

It is available as ROFERON A in the both indian and international market under the name.

Prescription is required for this medicine.

 

USES

• ROFERON A is used to treat cancers like:
  1. AIDS related Kaposi’s sarcoma
  2. hairy cell leukemia
  3. melanoma
  4. philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia
  5. kidney cell cancer
• Interferon alpha 2a 3MIU, 4.5MIU injection is a licenced treatment of chronic HBV(hepatitis B virus) and HCV(hepatitis C virus) due to its antiviral activity.
• condyloma acuminata caused by papillomavirus

 

DOSAGE

• ROFERON A is injected subcutaneously or intramuscular as it is not effective orally.
• ROFERON A is available as 3MIU(millions international unit) AND 4.5 MIU single use syringes.
• Dosage is determined by the doctor based on the patient’s medical condition.
• But dosage must never exceed 36MIU in a day.
• Also dosage is adjusted by doctor on the basis of response of body to the drug.
• HCV and HBV dose is 5 MIU to 10 MIU s.c or i.m. three times a week.
• In cancer it is used along with other anticancer drugs.

 

STORAGE

Following precautions must be taken while storing Interferon alpha 2a 3MIU, 4.5MIU injection:

• Always store in refrigerator 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit or2 to 8 degrees celsius
• Do not shake or stir
• Protect from direct sunlight and heat exposure
• Never reuse the used syringe

 

SIDE EFFECTS

Interferon alpha 2a 3MIU, 4.5MIU injection has a wide effect on immunity so it has many adverse effects like:

• Flu like symptoms – fever, aches, malaise, dizziness
• Fatigue
• Mood disturbances
• Myelosuppression – thrombocytopenia, neutropenia
• Autoimmune disorders
• Neurotoxicity – numbness, neuropathy, tremor, sleepiness,
• Hypotension
• Liver dysfunction
• Alopecia

But some side effects are dose related.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ROFERON A must be avoided in:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• children below 1 year
• Liver dysfunction
• Allergy to interferons
• Thyroid
• Renal transplant
• Severe coronary artery disease
• Retinopathy

 

REVIEWS

ADVANTAGES:

• Absence or drug related resistance
• Higher  % of Decreasing viral load

 

DISADVANTAGES:

• REFRON A is manufactured by recombinant DNA technology so it is an expensive drug
• Also it has more and adverse side effects in comparison to other antiviral drugs
• Injection form of the drug
• Many contraindications
• Storage problem