Interferons, Alpha (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Medicine

If you are injecting this medicine yourself, use it exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Using too much will increase the risk of side effects, while using too little may not improve your condition.

Each package of alpha interferon contains a patient instruction sheet. Read this sheet carefully and make sure you understand:

• How to prepare the injection.
• Proper use of disposable syringes.
• How to give the injection.
• How long the injection is stable.

If you have any questions about any of this, check with your health care professional.

While you are using alpha interferon, your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids. This will help prevent low blood pressure due to loss of too much water.

Alpha interferons often cause unusual tiredness, which can be severe. This effect is less likely to cause problems if you inject your interferon at bedtime.

Dosing - The dose of alpha interferons will be different for different patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including what the medicine is being used for, the patient's size, and whether or not other medicines are also being taken. If you are receiving alpha interferons at home, follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . If you have any questions about the proper dose of alpha interferons, ask your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, do not inject the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Check with your doctor for further instructions.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in the refrigerator.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.