Intron A - Instructions For Use, Price, Reviews, Analogues

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Intron A

Latin name: Intron A

ATX code: L03AB01

Active ingredient: Interferon alpha-2b (Interferonum alpha-2b)

Producer: Schering-Plow Labo NV (Belgium)

Description and photo update: 19.10.2018

Intron A is interferon, an antiviral drug with immunomodulatory and antitumor effects.

Release form and composition

Dosage form Intron A - solution for injection [intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (s / c) administration]: clear colorless liquid [in vials (IU - international units): 1 ml each (10 million IU or 1 dose), 3 ml each (18 million IU or 6 doses of 3 million IU), 2.5 ml each (25 million IU or 5 doses of 5 million IU), in a cardboard box 1 bottle; in syringe pens: 1.2 ml each (18 million IU or 6 doses of 3 million IU; 30 million IU or 6 doses of 5 million IU; 60 million IU or 6 doses of 10 million IU), in a cardboard box 1 syringe -a pen complete with a plastic tray containing 6 needles and 6 napkins].

The active component of Intron A is recombinant interferon alpha-2b, its content is:

• 1 bottle: 10 million IU, 18 million IU or 25 million IU;
• 1 syringe pen: 18 million IU, 30 million IU or 60 million IU.

Excipients: sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, polysorbate 80, sodium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium edetate, metacresol (preservative), water for injection.

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Intron A solution is a globular protein (molecular weight about 19,300 daltons), soluble in water, synthesized by a strain of Escherichia coli containing a plasmid hybrid. The plasmid hybrid is obtained using genetic engineering methods; the gene of human leukocyte interferon alpha-2β is inserted into its genetic apparatus. Interferon acts on the cell surface through binding to specific receptors. The complex sequence of intracellular reactions resulting from binding to the cell membrane causes the induction of certain enzymes. It is believed that these processes (at least partially) determine its immunomodulatory properties, the effect of interferon in suppressing viral replication in infected cells, suppressing cell proliferation.

Recombinant interferon alpha-2β has an antiviral effect by disrupting the metabolism of cells affected by the virus. There is a suppression of viral replication and the ability of virions with a damaged genome to leave the cell.

The results of clinical studies of the use of interferon alfa-2β in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B for 4-6 months confirm the improvement of the histological picture of the liver, the onset of elimination of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in combination with ribavirin causes a manifold increase in the effectiveness of therapy compared to monotherapy. Studies have shown that, against the background of combination therapy, elimination of HCV RNA (ribonucleic acid) from the blood serum appears, liver inflammation decreases and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is normalized. The drug provides a stable virological response, since the results achieved remain stable for 24 weeks after the end of therapy.

Pharmacokinetics

After a single intramuscular and subcutaneous injection of the drug at a dose of 5 million IU per 1 m ^{2, the} average concentrations of interferon in the blood serum are comparable. The concentration of the drug in the blood reaches its maximum level after 3–12 hours, the half-life (T _1/2) is approximately 2–3 hours. After 16-24 hours, the serum interferon content is not determined. Bioavailability for subcutaneous administration is 100%.

With intravenous infusion for 0.5 hours at a dose of 5 million IU per 1 m ^{2, the} maximum concentration of interferon in plasma (135-273 IU / ml) occurs by the end of the infusion. The decrease in concentration occurs faster than after s / c or i / m injection, 4 hours after the end of the infusion, interferon in the blood serum is not detected. T _1/2 is about 2 hours.

Regardless of the route of administration, the content of interferon in the urine is below the determined value.

The possible appearance of interferon-neutralizing antibodies does not reduce the effectiveness of therapy and does not affect the incidence of autoimmune disorders.

Indications for use

• chronic hepatitis B (patients older than 1 year) - with confirmed replication of the hepatitis B virus (presence of HBV or HBeAg DNA in the blood serum), increased ALT activity in blood plasma and histologically established active inflammatory process and / or liver fibrosis;
• chronic hepatitis C in adult patients - with increased activity of transaminases, no signs of decompensation of liver function and the presence of HCV RNA or antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in the blood serum (monotherapy or in combination with ribavirin);
• chronic hepatitis C in children with compensated liver disease over the age of 3 years who have not previously received treatment with interferon alpha-2β, and with relapse after therapy with interferon alpha-2β in adults (preferably in combination with ribavirin);
• progressive kidney cancer in adult patients;
• hairy cell leukemia in adults (monotherapy or in combination with ribavirin);
• chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adult patients with the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph +) or bcr-abl translocation (monotherapy or combination with cytarabine, which can significantly increase the number of large cytogenetic responses and overall survival of patients during the first 12 months of treatment compared with monotherapy during 3 years);
• thrombocytosis in adult patients with CML;
• laryngeal papillomatosis (adults and children from 1 year old);
• maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma in adults - with partial response (50% decrease in serum paraprotein levels) after induction of initial therapy;
• follicular lymphoma in adult patients with high tumor mass and the presence of at least one of the following signs: tumor size more than 7 cm, general symptoms (body temperature above 38 ° C for more than 8 days, body weight reduced by more than 10%, increased sweating at night), the size of three or more lymph nodes exceeds 3 cm, the occurrence of compression syndrome (compression of important organs), splenomegaly, leukemia, involvement of the orbital region or epidural space, significant effusion (in combination with adequate induction chemotherapy);
• carcinoid tumors in adult patients in the case of liver metastases and carcinoid syndrome or lymph node involvement;
• malignant melanoma - adjuvant therapy after surgery for a primary tumor in adult patients with a high risk of systemic recurrence;
• Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) - with a CD4 cell count exceeding 250 / mm ³, confirming the absence of opportunistic infections.

Contraindications

• severe liver or kidney dysfunction, including pathologies caused by metastases: chronic hepatitis with liver cirrhosis in the stage of decompensation, autoimmune hepatitis, chronic hepatitis in patients receiving or receiving immunosuppressants [except for a short-term course of glucocorticosteroids (GCS)];
• severe arrhythmia, heart failure in the stage of decompensation, myocardial infarction (recently transferred) and other severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
• a history of autoimmune pathology;
• dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), epilepsy and other mental illness in children and adolescents;
• the use of immunosuppressants after transplantation;
• creatinine clearance (CC) less than 50 ml / min - for administration in combination with ribavirin;
• thyroid disease - in the absence of adequate control from appropriate therapy;
• period of pregnancy;
• use in men whose partners are pregnant;
• breast-feeding;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Care should be taken when prescribing Intron A to patients with a history of mental illness, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus with a tendency to ketoacidosis, blood clotting disorders (including thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism), severe myelosuppression, male reproductive age.

When combined therapy with ribavirin, its contraindications must also be taken into account.

Instructions for use of Intron A: method and dosage

Intron A solution is intended for sc and intravenous injection of malignant melanoma.

You can not enter the solution in the presence of visible particles in it and when the color changes. The contents of the vial or pen can only be used to treat one patient.

The solution from the vial can be used for intravenous or subcutaneous administration. The required dose is taken using a glass or plastic sterile injection syringe before direct administration.

When conducting an infusion, only 0.9% sodium chloride solution can be used to dissolve the drug.

For intravenous drip, the solution should be prepared by mixing the required dose of the drug with 100 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution in a polyvinyl chloride bag or glass infusion bottle. The concentration of interferon alpha-2β must correspond to at least 0.3 million IU per ml. Immediately after preparation of the solution, the infusion should be started for 20 minutes.

The simultaneous administration of other drugs is prohibited.

S / c Intron A is injected immediately after attaching the injection needle to the syringe pen and dialing the required dose.

The drug should be administered at room temperature (up to 25 ° C), so it must be removed from the refrigerator 30 minutes before the procedure.

After taking the first dose, the drug is recommended to be stored at a temperature of 2 to 8 ° C and used within 4 weeks. The introduction of each dose must be made with a new needle, which is discarded after injection, and the syringe pen is immediately placed in the refrigerator.

The dose and period of treatment is prescribed by a doctor with experience in treating the corresponding disease.

The patient can carry out s / c injection independently.

Recommended dosage of Intron A for subcutaneous injections:

• chronic hepatitis B: adults - 30–35 million IU once a week, or 5 million IU once a day, or 10 million IU 3 times a week (every other day), the duration of the course is 16 weeks. Children aged 1 to 17 years - during the first week of therapy, it is prescribed in a dose of 3 million IU per 1 m ² of body surface 3 times a week, then the dose is increased to 6 million IU per 1 m ² 3 times a week, the maximum single dose for children is 10 million IU per 1 m ², the duration of therapy is 16-24 weeks. After 12-16 weeks of using the drug at the maximum tolerated dose, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is tested. In the absence of positive dynamics, treatment is stopped. If violations of the hematopoietic system are detected (leukocyte count is less than 1500 / mm ³, granulocytes - less than 750 / mm ³ in adults and 1000 / mm ³ in children, platelets - less than 50,000 / mm ³ in adults and 100,000 / mm ³ in children) the dose of the drug should be reduced by 50%. The reason for discontinuation of therapy is the development of severe leukopenia (leukocyte count less than 1200 / mm ³), thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 30,000 / mm ³ in adults and 70,000 / mm ³ in children) or neutropenia (granulocyte count less than 500 / mm ³ in adults and 750 / mm ³in children). You can resume using Intron A at the previous dose after restoring the initial level or normalizing the number of leukocytes, platelets and granulocytes;
• chronic hepatitis C: monotherapy - 3 million IU 3 times a week, in combination therapy with ribavirin - the dose of each drug is selected individually. In case of relapse after monotherapy with alpha interferon, the drug is indicated only in combination with ribavirin for 24 weeks. In previously untreated patients, the clinical effect of Intron A is higher when combined with ribavirin; therefore, monotherapy is prescribed only in case of intolerance or contraindications to the use of ribavirin. The duration of the course of combination therapy with ribavirin should be at least 24 weeks. If in patients with genotype 1 virus established before the start of therapy and a high content of virus RNA by the end of the first 24 weeks of therapy, hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV RNA) is not detected in the blood serum, then treatment should be continued for another 24 weeks. When prescribing combination therapy for 48 weeks, the presence of negative factors should be taken into account: age over 40 years, progressive fibrosis, male gender. If after 24 weeks of therapy, HCV RNA is determined, then continued use of the drug does not lead to the elimination of HCV RNA. Due to the risk of anemia, combined therapy with ribavirin should be accompanied by careful monitoring of the condition of patients over 50 years of age and patients with impaired liver function. Children 3 years of age and older are prescribed 3 million IU per 1 mDue to the risk of anemia, combined therapy with ribavirin should be accompanied by careful monitoring of the condition of patients over 50 years of age and patients with impaired liver function. Children 3 years of age and older are prescribed 3 million IU per 1 mDue to the risk of anemia, combined therapy with ribavirin should be accompanied by careful monitoring of the condition of patients over 50 years of age and patients with impaired liver function. Children 3 years of age and older are prescribed 3 million IU per 1 m² body surfaces 2 times a week in combination with oral administration of ribavirin [at the rate of 15 mg per 1 kg of the child's weight per day, divided into 2 doses (morning and evening), daily]. Monotherapy should be used for 12-16 weeks, then a study is required to determine the HCV RNA, treatment can be continued only in the absence of HCV RNA. For patients with good tolerance to therapy and normalization of ALT at 16 weeks of treatment, the drug is indicated for 72–96 weeks;
• papillomatosis of the larynx: after laser (surgical) removal of tumor tissue - 3 million IU per 1 m ² 3 times a week. An individual dose selection is shown, taking into account the tolerability of the drug. Course duration - 24 weeks or more;
• hairy cell leukemia: after splenectomy or without it - 2 million IU per 1 m ² 3 times a week. The duration of treatment with good tolerability of the drug is 24 weeks;
• chronic myeloid leukemia: monotherapy - 4-5 million IU per 1 m ² once a day. In combination with cytarabine (s / c, in a dose of 20 mg per 1 m ² for 10 days every 4 weeks, the daily dose should not exceed 40 mg) - 5 million IU per 1 m ², daily. To maintain hematological remission after the normalization of the number of leukocytes, the drug is administered in the maximum tolerated dose (4-5 million IU per 1 m ² per day). If after 8-12 weeks of therapy hematological remission has not occurred, at least partially, or there is no clinically significant decrease in the number of leukocytes, the drug should be discontinued. No dose adjustment is required for patients with thrombocytosis;
• multiple myeloma: supportive therapy for patients in whom, after induction therapy, the level of paraprotein decreased by more than 50% (the plateau phase was reached), in the form of monotherapy - 3 million IU per 1 m ² 3 times a week;
• follicular lymphoma (in combination with CHOP chemotherapy): 5 million IU every other day for 72 weeks;
• AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma: monotherapy - 30 million IU per 1 m ² 3-5 times a week or 10-12 million IU per 1 m ² per day. With a clinical response to treatment and stabilization of the patient's condition, therapy should be continued until tumor growth is detected or a severe side effect or opportunistic infection develops. Outpatient use of the drug is shown. Combined therapy with zidovudine (100 mg 6 times a day): 5-10 million IU per 1 m ². The dose in this case is limited by the toxic effect in the form of neutropenia, so it should be selected individually;
• kidney cancer: monotherapy - 3-30 million IU per 1 m ² 3, 5 or 7 times a week. The dose and frequency of application are selected individually, the most effective dosage regimen is considered to be the use of 3-10 million IU per 1 m ² 3 times a week. When combined with other drugs (including IL-2), the dose should be selected individually during treatment. Most often clinical response to treatment is observed at a dose of Intron A 6 million IU per 1 m ² 3 times a week;
• carcinoid tumors: the standard dose is 5 million ME (3-9 million ME) 3 times a week. With a common process, up to 5 million IU can be used daily. Treatment continues until there is no clinical response. For the period of surgery and recovery after it, the use of the drug is temporarily suspended.

Recommended dosage of Intron A for malignant melanoma:

• induction of postoperative remission (after surgery in the period up to 56 days): intravenous infusion - 20 million IU per 1 m ² once a day 5 times a week, course duration - 4 weeks;
• maintenance therapy: n / a - 10 million ME per 1 m ² 3 times a week for 48 weeks.

The use of Intron A should be temporarily canceled when the number of granulocytes is less than 500 / mm ³, when the upper limit of the norm is 5 times higher than the ALT or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values, and other severe side effects develop during therapy with the drug. After normalization of these indicators, treatment is resumed in a dose reduced by 50%. If intolerance persists, or a decrease in the number of granulocytes to 250 / mm ³, or an increase in ALT and / or ACT activity up to 10 times the upper limit of normal values, the drug must be canceled.

Side effects

• on the part of the body as a whole: very rarely - facial edema; perhaps - malaise, asthenia, fatigue, dehydration, psoriasis, palpitations, fungal infection, bacterial infection, sepsis;
• from the immune system: very rarely - exacerbation or development of sarcoidosis; possibly - thrombotic or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, acute hypersensitivity reactions (including angioedema, urticaria, anaphylaxis);
• on the part of the cardiovascular system: rarely - arrhythmia (more often against the background of a history of cardiovascular diseases or previous cardiotoxic therapy), transient cardiomyopathy; very rarely - myocardial ischemia, arterial hypotension, myocardial infarction;
• from the nervous system: rarely - suicidal tendencies; very rarely - aggressive behavior, suicidal attempts, impaired consciousness, suicide, psychosis, hallucinations, peripheral neuropathy, neuropathy, encephalopathy, polyneuropathy, cerebrovascular hemorrhage, cerebrovascular ischemia, convulsions;
• from the organ of hearing: very rarely - hearing impairment;
• on the part of the organ of vision: rarely - focal changes in the fundus, hemorrhage in the retina, decreased visual acuity, thrombosis of the retinal veins and arteries, decreased visual fields, edema of the optic nerve head, optic neuritis;
• on the part of the endocrine system: very rarely - the development of diabetes mellitus, in patients with diabetes mellitus - a worsening of the course of the disease;
• from the gastrointestinal tract: very rarely - increased appetite, pancreatitis, colitis, bleeding gums;
• on the part of the hepatobiliary system: very rarely - hepatotoxicity (up to death);
• on the part of the teeth and periodontal: with long-term combination therapy with ribavirin - dry mouth, damage to the teeth and oral mucosa;
• from the side of metabolism: rarely - hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia;
• from the respiratory system: rarely - pneumonia; very rarely - pneumonitis, pulmonary infiltrates;
• from the musculoskeletal system: rarely - back pain, rhabdomyolysis (including severe), leg cramps, myositis;
• dermatological reactions: very rarely - toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, necrosis at the injection site;
• from the urinary system: very rarely - impaired renal function, nephrotic syndrome, renal failure;
• from the hematopoietic system: very rarely - aplastic anemia, complete aplasia of the red bone marrow;
• laboratory indicators: (more often when the drug is prescribed at a dose of more than 10 million IU per day) - a decrease in the number of granulocytes, platelets and leukocytes, hemoglobin levels, an increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase, the level of urea nitrogen and creatinine in the blood serum, pathological increase ALT and ACT activity in blood plasma.

Adverse events established as a result of clinical studies of the use of Intron A (including in combination with ribavirin) for 1 year for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C:

• general reactions: flu-like syndrome, headache, fatigue, asthenia, chills, fever, weight loss;
• from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT): abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia;
• from the musculoskeletal system: bone and muscle pain, myalgia, arthralgia;
• from the central nervous system (CNS): insomnia, irritability, anxiety, emotional lability, depression, impaired ability to concentrate;
• dermatological reactions: alopecia, dry skin, itching, rash;
• from the respiratory system: cough, pharyngitis, dyspnea;
• local reactions: inflammatory and other reactions at the injection site;
• others: dizziness, viral infection.

These undesirable effects can be mild or moderate and occur in the treatment of other diseases.

Overdose

Symptoms: Clinical symptoms have not been established.

Treatment: symptomatic therapy, regular monitoring of the patient's condition, monitoring of the functioning of vital organs.

special instructions

An urgent cancellation of the use of Intron A is required with the development of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions in the form of urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis. If a transient skin rash appears, treatment can be continued.

With the development of undesirable phenomena against the background of the use of the drug for any indication, the dose should be reduced or treatment interrupted for a period until the side effects are eliminated. If, with the use of an adequate dosing regimen, persistent or repeated intolerance develops, or the disease progresses, Intron A therapy should be discontinued.

To reduce the risk of developing undesirable dental effects, with long-term combination therapy with ribavirin, patients should regularly undergo dental examinations and be sure to brush their teeth 2 times a day.

Perhaps the development of arterial hypotension during treatment or within 2 days after its cancellation.

The use of the drug should be accompanied by the introduction of additional fluid to maintain adequate hydration in the body, since a decrease in the volume of circulating blood can cause arterial hypotension.

When a patient develops a fever, make sure that it is a manifestation of a flu-like syndrome, and not caused by another cause.

Due to the risk of pneumonitis or pneumonia on the background of therapy and for the purpose of their timely diagnosis, when a cough, fever, shortness of breath and other pathological signs from the respiratory system appear, it is necessary to provide a chest X-ray. In case of detection of pulmonary dysfunction (including infiltration), the patient is carefully monitored or discontinued therapy, and GCS is prescribed to relieve pulmonary syndromes.

Before starting treatment, all patients should undergo an ophthalmological examination, and in case of concomitant pathologies that can cause changes in the retina (including diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension), it is carried out regularly and during Intron A therapy. If ophthalmic disorders appear or worsen during the period of drug use it is necessary to consult with an ophthalmologist and, if necessary, consider discontinuing the drug.

Patients with changes in the central nervous system and psyche should be monitored continuously, both during treatment and within 24 weeks after its completion. If the condition worsens, the appearance of suicidal thoughts, directed at others around aggression, it is recommended to stop treatment and seek the advice of a psychiatrist.

If dose reduction and / or drug correction are ineffective in stopping manifestations of impaired consciousness, coma, seizures and encephalopathy, it is recommended to cancel further therapy.

It is not recommended to prescribe the drug for psoriasis and sarcoidosis because of the risk of their exacerbation, except in exceptional cases when the expected effect of therapy justifies the potential risk.

When Intron A is prescribed, studies should be carried out to determine the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In case of pathological changes, the patient is given appropriate drug therapy; if it allows you to maintain TSH at the normal level, then the drug can be used. During the period of treatment, the function of the thyroid gland is carefully monitored and, if a violation is suspected, the level of TSH is determined, if it is below normal, the drug is canceled.

Prolongation of blood coagulation time may indicate decompensation of liver function, therefore, it is necessary to stop the drug administration.

When combined therapy with ribavirin, the instructions for its use should be followed.

Before starting the administration of the drug, patients should undergo a liver biopsy; histological confirmation of the diagnosis with 2 and 3 genotypes of the virus is not necessary.

With developed cirrhosis of the liver, patients with hepatitis C virus and HIV have an increased risk of liver decompensation and death, which increases with additional therapy with Intron A (including in combination with ribavirin).

Use in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs (doxorubicin, cytarabine, cyclophosphamide, teniposide) increases the risk of toxic effects, increases the duration and severity. Most often, intoxication manifests itself in the form of diarrhea, mucositis, neutropenia, functional impairment of the kidneys and electrolyte balance.

Before starting treatment and regularly during the use of the drug, all patients should undergo a general clinical blood test with the determination of the number of platelets and leukocyte count, blood biochemical parameters, electrolyte levels, bilirubin, liver enzymes, creatinine and total protein.

In patients with chronic hepatitis B or C, laboratory parameters should be monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of treatment, then once every 4 weeks until the doctor decides to cancel it.

If ALT is twice or more than baseline, drug administration is indicated in the absence of signs of liver failure. In this case, the determination of the level of bilirubin, prothrombin time, ACT, alkaline phosphatase, albumin is carried out every 2 weeks.

In malignant melanoma, monitoring of liver function and leukocyte count is required: weekly - during the first phase of treatment, monthly - during maintenance therapy.

Patients over 50 years of age with reduced renal function who are prescribed combination therapy with ribavirin have an increased risk of anemia.

During the treatment period of one of the partners and within 24 weeks after the end of therapy, two methods of contraception are required.

It is necessary to follow the current procedure when disposing of used vials and syringe pens.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms

During the period of treatment, patients should be advised to avoid driving vehicles and mechanisms.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

Due to the lack of clinical data, the use of interferon alpha-2β during pregnancy is contraindicated, except in exceptional cases when, in the opinion of the doctor, the expected effect of therapy for the mother outweighs the potential threat to the fetus.

The excretion of the drug in breast milk has not been established, but due to the possible appearance of undesirable effects in infants, breastfeeding should be stopped if it is necessary to use Intron A in a lactating woman.

Pediatric use

The use of Intron A in children aged 1 year and older with chronic hepatitis B and laryngeal papillomatosis is shown.

There are no clinical data on the use of the drug in children with other pathologies.

With impaired renal function

Do not prescribe Intron A to patients with severe renal impairment.

For violations of liver function

The use of the drug is contraindicated in severe liver dysfunction, including pathologies caused by metastases: chronic hepatitis with liver cirrhosis in the stage of decompensation, chronic hepatitis in patients receiving or receiving immunosuppressants (except for a short-term course of glucocorticosteroids), autoimmune hepatitis.

If signs of liver dysfunction appear, it is necessary to establish careful monitoring of the patient's condition and, in case of progression of symptoms, cancel the drug.

Drug interactions

With the simultaneous use of Intron A:

• opioid analgesics, hypnotics and sedatives, zidovudine and other drugs with myelosuppressive effect should be used with caution;
• aminophylline and theophylline (xanthine derivatives) and other agents metabolized by oxidation can disrupt their oxidative metabolic processes;
• theophylline disturbs its concentration in the serum;
• cyclophosphamide, teniposide, cytarabine, doxorubicin increase the risk of toxic effects, affect their duration and severity, including with a threat to the patient's life;
• hydroxyurea increases the incidence of cutaneous vasculitis.

According to the instructions, Intron A is pharmaceutically compatible only with 0.9% sodium chloride solution.

Analogs

Analogs of Intron A are: Alfaron, Altevir, Gerpferon, Grippferon, Layfferon, Realdiron, recombinant Interferon alpha-2b, Eberon alpha P, Realdiron for dry injection.

Terms and conditions of storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at temperatures up to 2–8 ° C, do not freeze.

The shelf life of the solution for intravenous and subcutaneous administration: at a dose of 10 million IU - 18 months, 18 million IU, 30 million IU and 60 million IU - 15 months, 25 million IU - 24 months.

Transportation is allowed for no more than 7 days at temperatures up to 25 ° C.

Terms of dispensing from pharmacies

Dispensed by prescription.

Reviews about Intron A

Reviews for Intron A are mostly positive. Patients testify to the effectiveness of the drug. There are rare references to an increase in body temperature while taking the drug, which quickly returned to normal after taking antipyretic drugs.

Price for Intron A in pharmacies

The price of Intron A for a 3 ml vial containing 6 doses of 3 million IU can be 7,207 rubles, for a 2.5 ml bottle (25 million IU) - 11,000 rubles, for a 1.2 ml syringe (18 million IU) - from 6010 rubles, for a pen-syringe 1.2 ml (25 million IU) - up to 11,000 rubles.

Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author

Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".

Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!