Interferon alfa is a protein, cytokine that belongs to a general class of synthetic substances called biological response modifiers. Interferon is a protein that is part of the body s Immune system that "inteferes" with the growth of viruses or cancer cells. It is used to treat several cancers including hairy cell leukemia and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Other forms of interferon, such as Interferon beta and gamma, are used for non-cancer conditions. Several forms of interferon are still being investigated.

Treatment for HBV infection is considered successful if blood tests show that the virus is no longer multiplying in the body (measured by a loss of HBV DNA or a specific HBV antigen [HBeAg]), if liver enzyme levels return to normal, and if liver damage (such as inflammation and scarring) improves. In people with a specific HBV antigen (HBeAg-positive), taking interferon for 12 to 24 weeks resulted in:

HCV is spread primarily by direct contact with human blood. For example, you may have gotten infected with HCV if:

You ever injected street drugs, as the needles and/or other drug "works" used to prepare or inject the drug(s) may have had someone else's blood that contained HCV on them.

You received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor whose blood contained HCV.

You were ever on long-term kidney dialysis as you may have unknowingly shared supplies/equipment that had someone else's blood on them.

You were ever a healthcare worker and had frequent contact with blood on the job, especially accidental needle sticks.

Your mother had hepatitis C at the time she gave birth to you. During the birth her blood may have gotten into your body.

You lived with someone who was infected with HCV and shared items such as razors or toothbrushes that might have had his/her blood on them

Antiviral drugs such as interferon used alone or in combination with ribavirin, are approved for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C.

Interferon works in 10 to 20 persons out of 100 treated. Interferon combined with ribavirin works in about 30-40 persons out of 100.

In addition to the side effects, ribavirin can cause serious anemia (low red blood cell count) and can be a serious problem for persons with conditions that cause anemia, such as kidney failure.

Anemia caused by ribavirin can be life threatening for persons with certain types of heart or blood vessel disease.

Ribavirin causes birth defects and pregnancy should be avoided during treatment. Patients and their healthcare providers should carefully review the product manufacturer information prior to treatment.

Leukaemia literally means ‘many white cells in the blood'. The white cells are part of the body’s immune system, and there are several sub-groups of white cells that have different sorts of roles in recognising and dealing with ‘invaders’ such as bacteria and viruses as well as other types of foreign protein. All of the blood cells originate in the bone marrow and leukaemia (blood cancer) is a disease where the bone marrow produces large numbers of abnormal white cells. This means that the normal marrow is pushed into smaller and smaller areas. This results in fewer normal cells being produced and gives rise to some of the symptoms. Chronic leukaemia is a slowly progressive form of leukaemia and tends to involve more mature cell types. It may not need treatment immediately, but if treatment is required it is usually chemotherapy, given in the form of tablets.

It is possible to have chronic leukaemia for months or even years without knowing

Interferon alfa is given by an injection under the skin, in a vein, or in a muscle. You or a family member can be taught how to give the medicine under the skin. The medicine should be kept in its original container in the refrigerator. The dose and the number of doses depend on your weight and the cancer being treated. Keep the syringes, needles, and supplies in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Keep the used syringes and needles in a special sharps container. Ask your nurse or doctor about this, and when you should bring the filled container back to the office.

Interferon has a range of possible side effects.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking theophylline. Interferon alfa-2b may increase theophylline levels in the body, which could become dangerous. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with interferon alfa-2b. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.