INTALFA 5MIU INJECTION

Introduction:

Intalfa 5miu Injection consists of the active substance Interferon alfa-2b. It  is used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancers (such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and carcinoid tumour) and viral infections (chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C). It is similar to a protein that your body naturally produces called interferon. It modifies the response of the body’s immune system to help fight infections and severe diseases. 

Talk to your doctor if you have any severe heart disease, kidney disorders, liver diseases, history of seizures, autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems, or had an organ transplant before taking Intalfa 5miu Injection. Administration of this medicine may lead to dental and gum disorders. Your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids to help prevent low blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.

Uses of Intalfa 5miu Injection:

Intalfa 5miu Injection is indicated to treat the following conditions:

• Cancer conditions (chronic myelogenous leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and carcinoid tumour)
• Viral infections (chronic hepatitis B, or C)

How Intalfa 5miu Injection works:

Intalfa 5miu Injection is similar to a protein naturally produced in the body known as ‘Interferon’. It helps the immune system fight infections and other disorders.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

Store between 2ºC – 8ºC. Do not freeze or shake. Protect from light.

References:

1. Merck & Co., Inc., [Revised on Aug 2019] [Accessed on 8th Dec 2021], https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=30789790-8317-49f9-b97b-8c5ba17b53d2&type=display 
2. R Khanna et al; Interferon; NCBI Bookshelf; [Revised:2020] [Accessed:3/May/2021], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555932/
3. RA Ningrum; Human Interferon Alpha-2b; A therapeutic protein for cancer treatment; [Revised on 2014] [Accessed on 3rd May 2021], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555932/
4. Merck Sharp & dome BV, Electronic medicines agency (EMA), [Revised on 2010] [Accessed on June 2021], https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/introna-epar-product-information_en.pdf

How to use Intalfa 5miu Injection:

It will be given to you by health care professional. Do not attempt to inject yourself unless you are trained to do so by your physician or health care provider. Take exactly as your health care provider tells you to take it. 

Safety advice:

Pregnancy:

This medicine is not safe to be used in pregnancy. Consult with your doctor for advice.

Breastfeeding:

It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Intalfa 5miu Injection. Consult with your doctor for advice.

Liver:

Inform your doctor if you have any liver disease before starting treatment with Intalfa 5miu Injection.

Kidney:

Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any kidney disease before taking Intalfa 5miu Injection.

Driving:

This medicine may make you feel dizzy. Avoid driving if you are unwell.

Others:

• Inform your doctor if you have any allergic conditions or other diseases.

Side Effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all medicines cause side effects; not everyone gets them.

Severe:

• Severe depression
• Slow growth in children and adolescents
• Severe allergic reactions
• Chest pain or persistent cough, shortness of breath
• Mental health illness (confusion, hallucinations, changed behavior, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping)
• Severe stomach pain, black stools, blood in urine or stool
• Eye problems, hearing problems
• Pain, fever
• High sugar levels in blood

Common:

• Head ache, dizziness
• Changes in appetite
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weight loss
• Mood swings
• Joint pain, muscle pain
• Diarrhea, stomach pain
• Thirst, dehydration
• Menstrual problems
• High blood pressure
• Taste change, tooth ache, dry mouth
• Heart burn
• Constipation
• Sleepwalking
• Increased sweating, increased need to pass urine
• Bedwetting in children