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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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This information is about interferon alpha, which is used to treat cancer of the kidney|, malignant melanoma|, multiple myeloma| and carcinoid tumours|. It is also sometimes used to treat certain types of lymphoma| and leukaemia|.
Interferon is a protein that occurs naturally in the body in very small amounts. It can also be made as a drug. There are three main types: alpha, beta and gamma. This information describes interferon alpha.
Interferon alpha is a white powder that forms a clear, straw-coloured liquid when mixed with water. It can also be supplied ready-diluted in small glass vials (bottles), pre-filled syringes and special injection pens.
Interferon is given as an injection just under the skin (subcutaneously), usually in the thigh or abdomen. You, a relative or carer can be taught how to give these injections so that you can continue the treatment at home. Alternatively, the injections may be given by a district nurse or GP practice nurse. A variety of pre-filled syringes are available. It can be helpful to discuss the most suitable treatment with your doctor or nurse.
Your doctor or specialist nurse will explain how often you will have the drug and how long the treatment course will last. This varies from person to person, depending on their illness.
Interferon is given to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight some types of cancer. The exact way in which it works is not fully understood. It's thought to have a variety of effects on the body. It may do one or more of the following:
The amount of interferon that occurs naturally in the body is very small. When interferon injections are given, the amount in the body increases greatly. For this reason it causes side effects, even though it's a naturally occurring substance. However, the side effects of interferon are not usually severe. People react to drugs in different ways, so it isn't possible to predict who is going to have side effects or which they will have. The most common side effects are listed below.
These include a high temperature, chills, and muscle and joint pains. They may start 2–3 hours after the drug is given, but they don't last long. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce these side effects. After the first injection, these symptoms may be quite severe. They usually become much less of a problem with further injections. Some people find it helpful to have their interferon before going to bed at night so that the side effects are less noticeable.
Sometimes this gets worse over the course of injections. Fatigue| may be helped by balancing periods of rest with some gentle exercise such as walking.
Nausea, vomiting| and loss of apetite| are rare side effects. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help if you need it.
This can be reduced by giving the injections in different places. Sometimes a more widespread rash can occur as a result of an allergic reaction.
It is important to report this to your doctor if you are affected.
Interferon can sometimes cause mood changes such as depression|, anxiety|, restlessness or difficulty sleeping. If you feel very low or have other changes to your mood while you're taking it, let your doctor know, as help is available.
Let your doctor know if this happens.
Your hair may thin. Rarely interferon can cause complete hair loss. Any effects on your hair are temporary and your hair will regrow once the treatment has finished.
Interferon may affect your ability to have children|. In women it may affect the menstrual cycle, and in men there may be a lowered sperm count. These effects may be temporary but for some people can be permanent. Women of childbearing age are advised to use a reliable form of contraception while taking interferon.
This can make you more vulnerable to infection|, bleeding or bruising. It can also cause anaemia (a lack of red blood cells). It's important to report any signs of bleeding, bruising or infection to your doctor.
Interferon may alter the rhythm of the heart or affect your blood pressure, but this will go back to normal when the drug is stopped.
It's important to let your doctor know straight away if you feel unwell or have any severe side effects, even if they're not mentioned above.
The doctors and nurses looking after you will monitor you closely during your treatment. You will probably be asked to give regular samples of your blood and/or urine. They will also take your temperature, pulse and blood pressure. These tests help monitor the effects of the interferon on your body. If you're having your injections at home, you may need to attend regular outpatient appointments at your hospital so that the tests can be carried out.
Portable fridges can be bought from camping shops to store the interferon if you're away from home. There will be instructions about this in the patient information leaflet that you're given with your interferon.
This section is based on our Interferon alpha fact sheet and has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
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