Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b).
Autoimmune conditions: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may cause or worsen autoimmune conditions (e.g., thyroiditis, systemic Lupus erythematosus). If you develop any new or worsening symptoms while using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), contact your doctor.
Blood glucose (sugar): Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) can cause high blood sugar. If you have Diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, hunger, weakness, drowsiness, blurred vision, weight loss) while taking Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), contact your doctor.
Colon disorders: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may cause certain types of colitis. Report any stomach or abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, or fever to your doctor immediately.
Depression and other mental health disorders: If you have or have had depression or any other mental health issue (e.g., Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, substance abuse), your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b). If you develop severe depression or experience other mood or behaviour changes, stop using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) and contact your doctor immediately. If you have thoughts or feelings about harming yourself, get immediate medical attention.
Dental health: If you are taking ribavirin and are using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), you may be more likely to have dental health issues. It is important to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and have regular dental exams if you are taking ribavirin and Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b). If you vomit, rinse your mouth out thoroughly to reduce damage to teeth.
Diabetes: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) can cause changes in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), and whether any special monitoring is required.
Drowsiness, fatigue or confusion: Since Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) can cause side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue and confusion, you should not drive or operate machinery until you know that Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) does not affect your ability to do these activities safely.
Eye disorders: Certain eye disorders have been observed in people using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b). You should have an eye examination before starting Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) and periodically during treatment. If you experience any changes in vision (e.g., vision loss, blurred vision) while using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), contact your doctor.
Fever and flu-like symptoms: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) can cause fever and other flu-like symptoms such as chills and headache. If you have heart disease (e.g., unstable Angina, uncontrolled heart failure), lung disease (e.g., chronic Bronchitis, emphysema) or have unstable diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may suggest that you take Acetaminophen if you develop these symptoms.
If you have a persistent fever while using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), contact your doctor.
Heart disease: Interferon alfa-2b can cause chest pain, high blood pressure, an abnormal heart rhythm, or a heart attack. If you have severe heart disease, or have had severe heart disease in the last 6 months, you should not use Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b).
If you have heart disease (e.g., heart failure, heart attack, or an abnormal heart rhythm) or have AIDS-related sarcoma, discuss with your doctor how Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of heart problems such as chest pain, an abnormal heart rhythm, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting while using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), contact your doctor immediately or get immediate medical attention.
Infection: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Your doctor will monitor your white blood cell counts while you are using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), especially if your immune system is suppressed (e.g., if you have an immune system problem or are taking medication that suppresses the immune system). Avoid contact with people with contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you have severely reduced kidney function, your doctor will regularly monitor your kidney function with blood tests.
Liver disorders: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your liver function. If you have chronic hepatitis B, discuss with your doctor how Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you have unstable liver disease, you should not use Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b).
Lung inflammation: Lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), causing difficulty breathing has occurred rarely in some people taking Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b). This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking interferon alfa-2B contact your doctor immediately.
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) can cause pancreatitis, which may be fatal. If you develop symptoms of pancreatitis (e.g., severe abdominal with or without vomiting), get immediate medical attention.
Skin problems: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may worsen psoriasis or sarcoidosis. If you have these conditions, discuss with your doctor how Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stroke: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) has been associated with strokes. If you experience symptoms of a stroke (e.g., sudden and severe headache, sudden weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, sudden vision changes, sudden dizziness, or sudden difficulty talking or walking), get immediate medical attention.
Thyroid disorders: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) can cause or worsen hypothyroidism (low thyroid) or Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid). If you have a thyroid condition, discuss with your doctor how Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Transplants: The safety and effectiveness of using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) have not been established for people who have had a liver or other organ transplant.
Triglycerides: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) may increase the triglyceride (a type of fat) levels in your blood. Your doctor will monitor for this with blood tests.
Pregnancy: Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), contact your doctor immediately. If you may become pregnant, you should use an effective method of birth control while you are using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b).
Breast-feeding: It is not known if interferon alfa-2b passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Intron A (Interferon-alfa-2b) have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.