Interferon Alfacon-1 (Systemic)

Brand Names : Infergen

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For interferon alfacon-1, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to interferon alfacon-1 or to any other alpha interferon. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Interferon alfacon-1 has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that interferon alfacon-1 causes the fetus to abort and other problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether interferon alfacon-1 passes into breast milk. However, because this medicine may cause serious side effects in nursing babies, breast-feeding may not be recommended while you are receiving it. Discuss with your doctor whether you should breast-feed while you are receiving interferon alfacon-1.

Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of interferon alfacon-1 in children with use in other age groups. However, use in children less than 18 years of age is not recommended.

Adolescents - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of interferon alfacon-1 in teenagers with use in other age groups. However, use in adolescent patients less than 18 years of age is not recommended.

Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of interferon alfacon-1 in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of interferon alfacon-1. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Decreased bone marrow production or other blood problems or
• Heart disease or
• Liver disease or
• Mental problems (or history of) or
• Thyroid disease - Interferon alfacon-1 may make these conditions worse

• Problems with an overactive immune system - Interferon alfacon-1 may make the immune system even more active