Interferon alpha is a man-made copy of a substance that some types of white blood cell make naturally in the body. The blood cells make interferon as part of the immune response, when the body reacts to infection or to cancer.Interferon works in several ways. It interferes with cancer cells and stops them growing and multiplying. And it stimulates the immune system by encouraging killer T cells and other cells to attack cancer cells. It also encourages cancer cells to send out chemicals that attract the immune system cells to them.
Interferon is used to treat several different types of cancer, particularly renal cell (kidney) cancer, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma and some types of leukaemia. It is also used to treat diseases other than cancer.
Interferon can only be given into the bloodstream or by injection. It is most often given by injection just under the skin (subcutaneously). How often you have it depends on what you are being treated for. It can be given daily, although it is most often given 3 times a week. If you are having interferon for some weeks or months, you can be taught to give the injection yourself at home. Or a family member can learn how to do it. You should keep your interferon in the fridge.
You should tell your doctor if you have
- Shingles or exposure to someone with chickenpox (interferon treatment may make this flare up)
- Heart disease
Common side effects
With this drug, many people have a temporary drop in the number of blood cells made by the bone marrow, leading to the following side effects
Other common side effects include
- Increased risk of getting an infection from a drop in white blood cells - it is harder to fight infections and you can become very ill. You may have headaches, aching muscles, a cough, sore throat, pain passing urine or feel cold and shivery.
- Tiredness and breathlessness due to a drop in red blood cells (anaemia) - you may need a blood transfusion
- Bruising more easily due to a drop in platelets - you may have nosebleeds, bleeding gums after brushing your teeth, or lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or legs (known as Petechia
Other common side effects include
- Fatigue - patients say this is the most disruptive side effect of all. Tiredness often carries on after treatment has ended. Most people find their energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to a year after their treatment finishes.
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, chill, headache, aching muscles and joints. Nearly everyone taking interferon has this side effect at first. It usually gets better as your course of treatment continues. These symptoms usually begin 2 to 4 hours after your injection and last for about 12 hours. Take paracetamol before your injection and every 4 to 6 hours afterwards for as long as you need to. But don't take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. You can try having your injection and paracetamol before you go to bed to see if that helps.
- Feeling or being sick - this happens to about half the people treated
- Diarrhoea Diarrhoea - you should drink plenty of fluids. If diarrhoea is severe or continues you could get dehydrated, so tell your doctor or nurse.
- Loss of appetite - may increase as your course of treatment goes on. You may also have taste changes or a metallic taste in your mouth
- Interferon may have a harmful effect on a baby developing in the womb. It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child whilst taking this drug. You should discuss contraception with your doctor before having the treatment.
Occasional side effects
Some people have the following side effects
- A skin rash or itching at the injection site
- Hair thinningthis is more likely to happen with long courses or high doses of interferon
- Depression, confusion or extreme sleepiness. This is more common in older patients or people who have had depression before. Tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.
- Change in liver enzyme blood tests. This is usually very mild but your doctor may take regular blood tests to monitor for this.
- Heart problems. These are quite uncommon and nearly always get better when treatment is stopped. You should tell your doctor if you have had heart problems before.
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of fertility- you may not be able to get pregnant or father a child after treatment with this drug. It is important to talk to your doctor about your fertility before starting treatment. Women may stop having periods (amenorrhoea). This may only be temporary.
Important points to remember
The side effects above may be mild or more severe. A side effect may get better or worse through your course of treatment, or more side effects may develop as the course goes on. This depends on
Some side effects are serious medical conditions and need treating. Where we have urged you to contact your doctor, this is because
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about all your side effects so that they can help you manage them. Your chemotherapy nurse, clinic or ward nurse will have given you a contact number. You can ring if you have any questions or problems. They can give you advice or reassure you. If in doubt, call them.
Source taken from: Cancer research UK at URL : Cancer Research UK
- How many times you've had the drug before
- Your general health
- The amount of the drug you have (the dose)
- Other drugs you are having
Some side effects are serious medical conditions and need treating. Where we have urged you to contact your doctor, this is because
- Your side effect may need treating
- Your drug dose may need reducing to try to prevent the side effect
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about all your side effects so that they can help you manage them. Your chemotherapy nurse, clinic or ward nurse will have given you a contact number. You can ring if you have any questions or problems. They can give you advice or reassure you. If in doubt, call them.
Source taken from: Cancer research UK at URL : Cancer Research UK
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