Interferon alfa
Also known as: Alferon, Alferon N, IFN-α, IFN‑α2a, IFN‑α2b, Infergen, interferon alpha, Intron A, Pegasys, Roferon-A, Roferon‑A
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Summary
Recombinant interferon alfa (e.g., IFN‑α2a, IFN‑α2b) is a cytokine used as an antiviral and antitumor agent for hepatitis B/C, certain leukemias, melanoma and renal cell carcinoma.
Mechanism of Action
Binds IFNAR1/IFNAR2 receptor complex, activates JAK-STAT signaling, inducing antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory gene expression.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Chronic Hepatitis C treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Viral suppressionAntiviralHigh
- Chronic Hepatitis B treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Melanoma adjuvant therapyOncologyHigh
- ImmunomodulationImmunologyModerate
- Tumor growth inhibitionOncologyHigh
- Hairy cell leukemia treatmentOncologyHigh
- Kaposi's sarcoma treatmentOncologyModerate
- Follicular lymphoma treatmentOncologyModerate
Contraindications
- Decompensated liver disease (Child-Pugh B/C)HepaticHigh
- Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalHigh
- Severe psychiatric disorder (untreated)PsychiatricHigh
- Neonates (formulations with benzyl alcohol)PediatricHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Severe depression or psychiatric illnessPsychiatricHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfaImmunologicHigh
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
Adverse Effects
- Neutropenia and thrombocytopeniaHematologicCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Autoimmune thyroiditisEndocrineRare
- Thyroid dysfunction (hyper- or hypothyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
- Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue)SystemicCommon
- Depression and suicidal ideationPsychiatricCommon
- DepressionPsychiatricCommon
- Hematologic abnormalities (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)HematologicUncommon
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Flu‑like syndrome (fever, myalgia)SystemicCommon
- RetinopathyOphthalmologicUncommon
Drug Interactions
- RituximabModerate
- Live vaccinesHigh
- Zidovudine (AZT)Moderate
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine)Moderate
- RibavirinModerate
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- ClozapineHigh
- TheophyllineHigh
- MethadoneModerate
Population Constraints
- Patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min)RenalRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Elderly (>65 years)AgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing autoimmune disordersImmunologicRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Pediatric patients (<1 year)AgeAbsolute
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Patients with pre-existing cardiac diseaseCardiovascularRelative
- Elderly (>75 years)GeriatricRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis B, Chronic hepatitis C, Chronic myeloid leukemia, MelanomaApproved under EMA with similar indications as US.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis B, Chronic hepatitis C, Hairy cell leukemia, Melanoma (adjuvant), Renal cell carcinomaMultiple formulations (IFN‑α2a, IFN‑α2b, pegylated) approved.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis B, Chronic hepatitis C, Hairy cell leukemia, Renal cell carcinomaRegulated by MHRA.
Approved in multiple jurisdictions for viral hepatitis, chronic myelogenous leukemia, melanoma, and as adjunct therapy in solid tumors. Pegylated forms have extended half‑life.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interferon alfa?
Recombinant interferon alfa (e.g., IFN‑α2a, IFN‑α2b) is a cytokine used as an antiviral and antitumor agent for hepatitis B/C, certain leukemias, melanoma and renal cell carcinoma.
What is Interferon alfa used for?
Interferon alfa is educationally associated with: Chronic Hepatitis C treatment, Viral suppression, Chronic Hepatitis B treatment, Melanoma adjuvant therapy, Immunomodulation, Tumor growth inhibition, Hairy cell leukemia treatment, Kaposi's sarcoma treatment, Follicular lymphoma treatment. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interferon alfa administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intralesional, Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interferon alfa?
Reported adverse effects include: Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, Injection site reactions, Autoimmune thyroiditis, Thyroid dysfunction (hyper- or hypothyroidism), Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue), Depression and suicidal ideation, Depression, Hematologic abnormalities (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), Elevated liver enzymes, Flu‑like syndrome (fever, myalgia), Retinopathy. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interferon alfa?
Recorded contraindications: Decompensated liver disease (Child-Pugh B/C), Severe autoimmune disease, Severe psychiatric disorder (untreated), Neonates (formulations with benzyl alcohol), Pregnancy, Severe depression or psychiatric illness, Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa, Autoimmune hepatitis. Consult a qualified clinician before use.