interferons

interferon alfa-2A and alfa-2B

examples of major interferons

interferon alfa-2A

interferon alfa-2B

therapeutic use

• hairy cell leukemia

• chronic myelogenous leukemia (alfa-2A)

• malignant myeloma (alfa-2B)

• kaposi sarcoma

• alfa-2A treats chronic hep C

• alfa-2B treats chronic hep B and C

adverse effects

• Flu-like manifestations: fever, fatigue

• CNS manifestations: dizziness, insomnia, depression, tremor, headache

• Bone marrow suppression (all cell types): usually mild and self-limiting

• GI manifestations: abdominal pain, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea

interventions

• Medicate with acetaminophen if prescribed.

• Monitor for flu-like manifestations.

• Monitor for and report CNS manifestations.

• Monitor CBC before treatment begins and periodically thereafter.

• Monitor and report persistent gastrointestinal manifestations.

• Assure client is well-hydrated for treatment, especially in presence of gastrointestinal manifestations.

administration

• SUBQ, IM, IV

• prescribe in million units (MU), verify prescribed biologic response modifier

• route of administration and amount of dilution depends

• inject diluent into vial and gently rotate until contents are clear before withdraw

client instructions

• premedicate with acetaminophen if prescribed

• report CNS manifestations

• avoid hazardous activities

• report reasy bruising, bleeding, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, and persistent diarrhea.

contraindications

• Allergy to interferon alfa

• Inflammation of the colon or pancreas

• Suicidal ideation

precautions

• History of depression or suicidal ideation

• Cardiac, renal, or liver disorders

• Chronic lung disease, such as COPD

• Diabetes mellitus

• Clotting disorders

• Bone marrow suppression

interactions

• Other anticancer medications and zidovudine may increase bone marrow suppression.

• May increase theophylline blood levels

• May increase toxicity of doxorubicin

• When given with vinblastine, may increase neurotoxicity