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Intron A

interferon alfa-2b
Used for Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Melanoma, Kaposi's Sarcoma, Hepatitis B, HPV, Hepatitis C
Used for Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Melanoma, Kaposi's Sarcoma, Hepatitis B, HPV, Hepatitis C

Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) is an injectable medication that's used to treat various types of cancer and viral infections. Depending on the condition, this medication can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, into a vein, or into an area of skin growth. Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States. Your healthcare provider will help guide you to other treatment options.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 20, 2022
BasicsFAQsInteractionsAlternativesPricesMedicare
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What is Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?

What is Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) used for?

Certain cancers:

  • Hairy cell leukemia

  • Melanoma

  • Follicular lymphoma

  • Kaposi's sarcoma in people with AIDs (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

Certain viral infections:

  • Genital warts

  • Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B and C

How Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) works

Are you looking for information on Avonex (interferon beta-1a) or Infergen (interferon alfacon-1) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsIntron A (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassBiologic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityDiscontinued
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)

What is Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?
Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) is a biologic medication used for the treatment of several types of cancer that affect the bone marrow, skin, or lymph nodes. It's also used for the treatment of viral infections, including genital warts and chronic (long-term) hepatitis B and C. This medication is a human-made protein called interferon. Interferons work by attaching to infected and nearby cells in the body. Then, they signal these cells to produce proteins that can prevent them from growing. Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) works by specifically targeting cancer cells and viruses to stop their growth and destroy them.
Is Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) still available?
No, Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.
Why was Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) discontinued?
The manufacturer (Merck) voluntarily discontinued Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) for business reasons. It wasn't taken off the market for safety concerns or lack of benefit.
What other medications can I use instead of Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) for follicular lymphoma?
Follicular lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects your white blood cells. There are many different factors that a provider must consider in choosing the right treatment for you, such as your health status, medical history, possible side effects from therapy, and how far your cancer has progressed. One medication that's used for follicular lymphoma is Rituxan (rituximab), which is an injectable medication that destroys cancer cells. This medication is often given with other anticancer medications, such as Treanda (bendamustine) or Revlimid (lenalidomide), to help kill cancer cells or slow down cell growth. In addition to these medications, there are other types of treatment for follicular lymphoma as well. Talk with your provider to determine a treatment plan that's best for you.
What other medications can I use instead of Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) for chronic hepatitis C?
There are many different factors that a provider must consider in choosing the right hepatitis C medication for you, such as the type of virus you have, your medical history, and if you have any liver problems. An alternative interferon medication for hepatitis C is Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a), which is typically injected under the skin once weekly. Additionally, hepatitis C medications called direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAATs) are available that are taken by mouth. DAATs include Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir), Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir), and Mavyret (glecaprevir / pibrentasvir). These medications have a 95% success rate in curing people with hepatitis C, but they might not be right for everyone. Talk with your provider to determine which hepatitis C treatment is best for you.
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interactions

Interactions between Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) and other drugs

Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Intron A (interferon alfa-2b). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

alternatives

What are alternatives to Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Intron A (interferon alfa-2b). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Intron A (interferon alfa-2b)
Used for:

Certain cancers:

  • Hairy cell leukemia

  • Melanoma

  • Follicular lymphoma

  • Kaposi's sarcoma in people with AIDs (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

Certain viral infections:

  • Genital warts

  • Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B and C

View Prices
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
Used for:

  • Long-term hepatitis C in people ages 5 years and older (in combination with other medications)

  • Long-term hepatitis B in people ages 3 years and older

$4442.86 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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