Interferon alfa-2a
Also known as: IFN-α2a, IFN‑A2a, IFN‑α2a, Interferon alpha-2a, NSC-367982, Pegasys, rIFN-α2a, Roferon-A, Roferon‑A
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Summary
Recombinant human interferon‑α2a used as an antiviral and antineoplastic agent for chronic hepatitis C/B, certain leukemias, and melanoma.
Mechanism of Action
Binds interferon‑α receptor (IFNAR1/2) → activates JAK1/TYK2 → STAT1/2 phosphorylation → transcription of interferon‑stimulated genes; confers antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- AIDS-Related Kaposi's SarcomaOncology / Infectious DiseaseModerate
- Chronic Hepatitis C Antiviral TreatmentInfectious Disease / AntiviralHigh
- Melanoma (adjuvant)OncologyModerate
- Chronic hepatitis CAntiviralHigh
- Hairy‑cell leukemiaAntineoplasticHigh
- Antiviral ImmunomodulationImmunologyModerate
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)OncologyHigh
- Hairy cell leukemia treatmentOncologyHigh
- Chronic hepatitis BAntiviral / HepatologyModerate
- Follicular LymphomaOncologyModerate
Contraindications
- Severe Psychiatric Disorders (e.g., severe depression, suicidality)PsychiatricHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or formulation componentsImmunologicHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to interferon‑α2a or excipientsAllergyHigh
- Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Neonates and Infants (benzyl alcohol-containing formulations)PediatricHigh
- Severe depression or psychiatric illnessPsychiatricModerate
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
- Decompensated liver diseaseHepatic ImpairmentHigh
Adverse Effects
- Depression / suicidal ideationPsychiatricModerate
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- ThrombocytopeniaHematologicCommonLow platelet count
- Hepatotoxicity / Transaminase ElevationHepaticCommon
- NeutropeniaHematologicCommonLow neutrophil count
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicCommon
- Flu‑like syndrome (fever, myalgia, fatigue)SystemicCommon
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticCommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Flu-like SyndromeSystemic / ConstitutionalCommon
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
- Neuropsychiatric Effects (depression, irritability, suicidality)Psychiatric / NeurologicalCommon
Drug Interactions
- Live attenuated vaccinesHigh
- Zidovudine (AZT)High
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)Moderate
- RibavirinModerate
- ClozapineHigh
- TheophyllineModerate
- MethadoneModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Cardiac DiseaseCardiovascularRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Pre-existing Psychiatric ConditionsPsychiatricRelative
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveAbsolute
- Pediatric patients (<1 yr)AgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis C, Chronic hepatitis B, Hairy-cell leukemia, MelanomaEMA approval; similar indications as US.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis C, Hairy-cell leukemia, Melanoma (adjuvant)FDA approval under brand Roferon‑A; pegylated form (Pegasys) also approved.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis C, Hairy-cell leukemia, MelanomaMHRA approval.
FDA‑approved (Roferon‑A) for hepatitis C (in combination with ribavirin), hairy‑cell leukemia, and melanoma; also approved in EU and UK.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interferon alfa-2a?
Recombinant human interferon‑α2a used as an antiviral and antineoplastic agent for chronic hepatitis C/B, certain leukemias, and melanoma.
What is Interferon alfa-2a used for?
Interferon alfa-2a is educationally associated with: AIDS-Related Kaposi's Sarcoma, Chronic Hepatitis C Antiviral Treatment, Melanoma (adjuvant), Chronic hepatitis C, Hairy‑cell leukemia, Antiviral Immunomodulation, Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), Hairy cell leukemia treatment, Chronic hepatitis B, Follicular Lymphoma. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interferon alfa-2a administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interferon alfa-2a?
Reported adverse effects include: Depression / suicidal ideation, Injection site reactions, Thrombocytopenia, Hepatotoxicity / Transaminase Elevation, Neutropenia, Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Flu‑like syndrome (fever, myalgia, fatigue), Elevated liver enzymes, Flu-like Syndrome, Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism), Neuropsychiatric Effects (depression, irritability, suicidality). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interferon alfa-2a?
Recorded contraindications: Severe Psychiatric Disorders (e.g., severe depression, suicidality), Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or formulation components, Known hypersensitivity to interferon‑α2a or excipients, Severe autoimmune disease, Pregnancy, Neonates and Infants (benzyl alcohol-containing formulations), Severe depression or psychiatric illness, Autoimmune hepatitis, Decompensated liver disease. Consult a qualified clinician before use.