Interferon Alfa
What To Think About
Interferon should be used only under the supervision of a Reference medical oncologist Opens New Window or Reference hematologist Opens New Window. When interferon is used for chronic viral hepatitis, a Reference hepatologist Opens New Window or Reference gastroenterologist Opens New Window is most likely to supervise treatment.
Interferon may be combined with Reference cytarabine or Reference imatinib to treat CML. It can also be used with other drugs to treat melanoma or kidney cancer.
Clinical trials are studying the use of interferon for melanoma that has spread or come back.
Interferon can cause birth defects. Taking this medicine is not recommended if you wish to become pregnant or to father a child while you are taking it. But for young women with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who are pregnant, there may be less risk in taking this medicine compared to other medicines, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
Do not use alcohol or illegal drugs while you are being treated with interferon.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: December 17, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
