interferon alfa-n3

interferon alfa-n3,

a highly purified mixture of natural human interferon proteins that acts as a biologic response modifier, used in the treatment of venereal warts. It is administered intralesionally.

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interferon alfa-n3 Warning - Hazardous drug!

Alferon N

Pharmacologic class: Immunomodulator

Therapeutic class: Immunologic agent, antiviral

Pregnancy risk category C

FDA Boxed Warning

• Drug may cause or worsen fatal or life-threatening neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious disorders. Monitor patient closely with periodic clinical and laboratory evaluations. Discontinue drug in patients with persistently severe or worsening signs or symptoms of these conditions. In many cases, these disorders resolve after withdrawal.

Action

Binds to membrane receptors on viral cells, inducing protein synthesis, inhibiting viral replication, and suppressing cell proliferation. Increases phagocytosis by macrophages, enhances expression of human leukocyte antigen, and augments lymphocyte cytotoxicity.

Availability

Injection: 5 million international units/ml

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Refractory or recurring external condylomata acuminata (genital warts)

Adults ages 18 and older: 0.05 ml (250,000 international units) injected intralesionally into base of each wart twice weekly for up to 8 weeks

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to human interferon alfa proteins or any product component
• Anaphylactic sensitivity to mouse immunoglobulin, egg protein, or neomycin

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• fertile males and females
• debilitated patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children younger than age 18.

Administration

• Use 30G needle to administer intralesional injection.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
Intrales.	-	Not measurable	-

Adverse reactions

CNS: vasovagal reaction, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, decreased concentration, depression, nervousness, malaise, headache

EENT: visual disturbances, nasal and sinus drainage, pharyngitis, epistaxis, throat tightness, tongue hyperesthesia

GI: increased salivation

GU: dysuria

Musculoskeletal: arthralgia, back pain, myalgia, muscle cramps

Skin: sweating, generalized pruritus, papular rash on neck, photosensitivity

Other: strange taste in mouth, fever, chills, swollen left inguinal lymph node, tingling sensation of legs and feet, hot sensation of soles, heat intolerance, hot flashes, flulike symptoms, itching and pain at injection site, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis

Interactions

Drug-diagnostic tests. White blood cells (WBCs): decreased

Patient monitoring

• Monitor WBC count.
☞ Watch closely for hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Patient teaching

• Assure patient that flulike symptoms will subside with repeated doses.
☞ Tell patient to immediately report signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and tightness in chest.
• Tell female patient to inform prescriber if she is or plans to become pregnant. Caution her not to breastfeed.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the tests mentioned above.