Chemo Drugs

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Interferon (IFN)

What Does It Look Like?

Clear liquid

How Is It Given?

• Injection Subcutaneous (fatty tissue)
• Injection Intramuscular (muscle)

Why Am I Taking It?

Interferons are substances made by our bodies to help fight infections and tumors. The drug Interferon is a man-made version that is used to treat cancers like bladder, kidney, cervical, melanoma, multiple myeloma, chronic myelocytic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia and lymphomas. It is also used to treat some infections like warts and some kinds of hepatitis.

Many patients give themselves Interferon doses at home. If you miss a dose of Interferon, do not give the missed dose and do not double the next dose. Check with your doctor for further instructions.

What Side Effects May Occur?

You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. You may experience some side effects before you notice any improvement in your condition. The side effects usually subside as the body adjusts to the drug. This is usually about two weeks. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.

Flu-Like symptoms

• Fever, shaking chills, fatigue, muscle pain and headaches are common and usually appear about two hours after the drug is taken. These symptoms may last several hours. Your doctor may give you Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to prevent or treat these symptoms
• Sometimes the fatigue may be decreased if the Interferon is taken at bedtime.

Hair Loss

• May cause partial hair loss. This is temporary and not common.
• Your skin may be dry and itchy for the first few weeks. Applying moisturizers may help.

Low Blood Counts

• A drop in blood cell counts (especially white blood cells and platelets) can occur. Blood tests will be done to monitor this.
• Call your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever or chills. Let your doctor determine if the problems are from infection or side effects from the drug.
• Call your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; like black, tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
• Be careful not to cut yourself when using sharp objects such as razors, fingernail or toenail clippers.
• Avoid situations where you might be exposed to people with infections.

Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss, Diarrhea, Dry Mouth, Taste Changes

• These are usually mild and may decerase as treatment goes on. Medications are available to help with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Drink plenty of fluids (2-3 quarts a day).

Nervous System

• It is possible, but rare, that you will notice decreased mental alertness, depression (low mood), vision changes, sleep changes, dizziness, and feeling more nervous. If these happen, notify your doctor.

Heart Problems

• If you have any heart problems before starting Interferon, you may notice higher blood pressure, chest pain, irregular heartbeat or heart fluttering. If these symptoms occur, call your doctor immediately.

Special Notes

• Changes in your menstrual cycle or sperm count may occur. Discuss birth control measures with your doctor as it is not advisable to conceive or to father children while taking this drug.

To Store This Medication

• Keep out of the reach of children
• Store in the refrigerator
• Keep the medicine from freezing
• If you are giving your own injections at home, a puncture-resistant container for the disposal of unused syringes should be supplied to you and the full container should be disposed of according to directions from your doctor or nurse.