Interferon alfa / Intron-A Information
Updated September 2007- Interferon
alfa is produced by the
immunesystem to zero in on viruses, tumors, and bacteria invading the body.
Interferon alfa is available by prescription
only and is sold under the name Roferon-A and Intron-A. The FDA approved interferon alfa for use in
March, 1997.Interferon-alfa
is available an injection administered into the muscle or under the skin to
prevent tumors from growing inside the body.
The drug itself is in a class of synthetic proteins called biological
response modifiers, which treat several different kinds of cancer cells ranging
from hairy cell leukemia
to Kaposi’s sarcoma.Because of
its ability to enhance the immune system, interferon alfa is FDA-approved to
treat several other
cancers.
While especially effective in the treatment of leukemia, interferon alfa has
been evaluated in treating multiple sclerosis as well.
Interferon alfa is used in the treatment of
malignant melanoma
and chronic hepatitis C.There are
significant side effects in nearly half of all interferon alfa patients,
varying from flu-like symptoms to muscle tenderness and dysphoria.
These symptoms abate over time with continuous
exposure to interferon alfa.Depression and suicidal thoughts are common side
effects of patients on interferon alfa.
If you are experiencing any of these side effects, seek help
immediately.
In 2007, the
Institute for Safe Medication Practices and the Division of Public Health
Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, conducted a longitudinal
Adverse Events Reporting System Review of the U.S. FDA's most dangerous drugs.
The study found interferon alfa to be one of the most dangerous drugs on the
market with some of the highest number of suspect drug events. Interferon
alfa had the thirteenth highest number of suspect drug events resulting in
disability or some serious medical outcome, according to the FDA reports.
During the eight years of the dangerous drug study, interferon alfa was found
to have over 4,100 events.
If you are
under treatment with interferon alfa and you are experiencing any unusual
symptoms, you should speak to your physician immediately. In addition, you should speak with an attorney to find out what your legal
rights are. Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard
are currently reviewing cases involving interferon alfa, and will review your
case free
of charge.
Please click
on the Ask an Attorney button the
right hand side of the page to speak with an attorney today. Remember that there are time limits within
which you must bring suit.
See Also
- Multiple Sclerosis Drugs