). Some of the information in this medication guide applies to the use of both drugs in
this combination.
Interferon alfa-2b may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a
.
Do not use interferon alfa-1b if you are pregnant, especially if you also take
ribavirin (Rebetol). Use 2 forms of effective birth control while you are using this
drug combination and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.
If a man fathers a child while using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, the baby may have
birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using
condoms for at least 6 months after you stop using this drug combination..
You should not use interferon alfa-2b if you are allergic to interferons, or if you have
autoimmune hepatitis, or severe liver problems from causes other than hepatitis B or C.
You should not use the combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if
you have an allergy to either drug, or if you have severe kidney disease, a blood cell
disorder, if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your female sex partner is pregnant.
Before using interferon alfa-2b, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and
about any other medications you use.
What is interferon alfa-2b?
Interferon alfa-2b is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral
infections.
Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular
lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma caused by AIDS, and certain types of genital warts.
Interferon alfa-2b is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C.
Interferon alfa-2b is often used in combination with another drug called ribavirin
(Rebetol). Some of the information in this medication guide applies to the use of both drugs in
this combination.
Interferon alfa-2b may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon alfa-2b?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons, or if you have:
You should not use the combination of interferon alfa-2b
and ribavirin if you have:
-
severe kidney disease;
-
a blood cell disorder such as thalassemia or sickle cell
anemia;
-
if you are allergic to interferons or ribavirin;
-
if you are pregnant; or
-
if you are a man and your female sex partner is pregnant.
Before using interferon alfa-2b, tell your doctor if you are allergic to
any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use interferon alfa-2b.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon alfa-1b if you are pregnant, especially if you also take
ribavirin (Rebetol). The combination of interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin can cause
birth defects. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use 2 forms
of effective birth control while you are using this drug combination and for at least 6 months
after your treatment ends.
If a man fathers a child while using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, the baby may have
birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using
condoms for at least 6 months after you stop using this drug combination..
It is not known whether interferon alfa-2b passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
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