Interferon alfa-2b
Also known as: Betaseron, IFN-α2b, IFN‑α2b, IFNA2B, interferon alpha-2b, interferon alpha‑2b, Intron A, NSC-377523, PEG-Intron (pegylated form), rIFN-α2b
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Summary
Recombinant human interferon alfa‑2b is a cytokine used as an antiviral and antineoplastic agent, administered by injection for chronic hepatitis C/B, melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma and genital warts.
Mechanism of Action
Binds IFNAR1/IFNAR2 receptor complex, activates JAK1/TYK2 → STAT1/STAT2 phosphorylation → ISGF3 formation → transcription of antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory genes.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- AIDS-Related Kaposi's SarcomaOncology / Infectious DiseaseModerate
- Chronic Hepatitis C treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Chronic Hepatitis B treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Melanoma (adjuvant)OncologyHigh
- Chronic hepatitis CAntiviralHigh
- Genital warts (condyloma acuminata)DermatologyModerate
- Kaposi sarcomaOncologyModerate
- Hairy cell leukemia treatmentOncologyHigh
- Chronic hepatitis BAntiviral / HepatologyHigh
- Follicular non-Hodgkin lymphomaOncology / HematologyModerate
- Malignant melanoma adjuvant therapyOncologyHigh
Contraindications
- Severe autoimmune disease (e.g., lupus, multiple sclerosis)AutoimmuneModerate
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Neonates and Infants (benzyl alcohol-containing formulations)PediatricHigh
- Severe depression or psychiatric illnessPsychiatricModerate
- Concurrent use of telbivudineDrug InteractionHigh
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa‑2b or any formulation componentAllergyHigh
- Decompensated liver diseaseHepatic ImpairmentHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any componentImmunologicHigh
- Severe psychiatric disorders (untreated)PsychiatricHigh
Adverse Effects
- Depression / suicidal ideationPsychiatricUncommon
- Neutropenia and thrombocytopeniaHematologicCommon
- Depression and neuropsychiatric effectsNeuropsychiatricCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Thyroid dysfunctionEndocrineUncommon
- Elevated liver enzymes / hepatotoxicityHepaticUncommon
- Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue)SystemicCommon
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Flu‑like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia)SystemicCommon
- Leukopenia / neutropeniaHematologicUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Live vaccinesHigh
- Zidovudine (AZT)Moderate
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)Moderate
- WarfarinModerate
- Theophylline / AminophyllineModerate
- TelbivudineHigh
- RibavirinModerate
- ClozapineHigh
- MethadoneModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min)Renal ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Pediatric patients (<1 year)AgeAbsolute
- Pre-existing autoimmune diseaseAutoimmuneRelative
- Elderly patients (>65 years)AgeRelative
- Severe cardiovascular diseaseCardiovascularRelative
- Elderly (>65 y)AgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: chronic hepatitis C, melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma, genital wartsEMA marketing authorisation aligns with US indications.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, melanoma (adjuvant), Kaposi sarcoma, genital wartsApproved as Intron A; dosing varies by indication.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: chronic hepatitis C, melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma, genital wartsAvailable via NHS under specialist prescription.
FDA‑approved (e.g., Intron A) for hepatitis C, melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and genital warts; EMA approvals align with these indications.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interferon alfa-2b?
Recombinant human interferon alfa‑2b is a cytokine used as an antiviral and antineoplastic agent, administered by injection for chronic hepatitis C/B, melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma and genital warts.
What is Interferon alfa-2b used for?
Interferon alfa-2b is educationally associated with: AIDS-Related Kaposi's Sarcoma, Chronic Hepatitis C treatment, Chronic Hepatitis B treatment, Melanoma (adjuvant), Chronic hepatitis C, Genital warts (condyloma acuminata), Kaposi sarcoma, Hairy cell leukemia treatment, Chronic hepatitis B, Follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Malignant melanoma adjuvant therapy. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interferon alfa-2b administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intralesional, Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interferon alfa-2b?
Reported adverse effects include: Depression / suicidal ideation, Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, Depression and neuropsychiatric effects, Injection site reactions, Thyroid dysfunction, Elevated liver enzymes / hepatotoxicity, Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue), Elevated liver enzymes, Flu‑like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia), Leukopenia / neutropenia. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interferon alfa-2b?
Recorded contraindications: Severe autoimmune disease (e.g., lupus, multiple sclerosis), Pregnancy, Neonates and Infants (benzyl alcohol-containing formulations), Severe depression or psychiatric illness, Concurrent use of telbivudine, Autoimmune hepatitis, Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa‑2b or any formulation component, Decompensated liver disease, Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any component, Severe psychiatric disorders (untreated). Consult a qualified clinician before use.