Interferon Alfa-2a: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Interferon Alfa-2a is an immune-modulating injection (interferon). It is a prescription medicine used for chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia and certain other cancers. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 8 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Interferon Alfa-2a works

Interferon alfa-2a is a laboratory-made version of a protein the body produces naturally when fighting infection. It helps stop viruses from multiplying inside cells, strengthens the immune system's response and slows the growth of some cancer cells.

What is Interferon Alfa-2a used for?

• Chronic hepatitis B
• Chronic hepatitis C
• Hairy cell leukaemia
• Chronic myeloid leukaemia
• Certain other cancers

Interferon Alfa-2a is used under specialist care to treat chronic hepatitis B and, in some cases, chronic hepatitis C. It is also used for certain blood cancers, such as hairy cell leukaemia and chronic myeloid leukaemia, and for some other cancers including Kaposi's sarcoma, advanced kidney cancer and malignant melanoma. Newer medicines have replaced it for many of these conditions, but it still has a role for selected patients.

Side effects of Interferon Alfa-2a

Interferon Alfa-2a causes side effects in most people, especially early in treatment. Common ones include:

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills and aching muscles
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Headache
• Low mood or irritability
• Hair thinning

Tell your doctor at once about low mood, thoughts of self-harm, fever or other signs of infection, breathlessness, chest pain, or changes in your eyesight.

Precautions and warnings

• It is given only under the supervision of a specialist, with regular blood tests to check blood counts and liver and thyroid function.
• Tell your doctor if you have had depression or other mental health problems, heart disease, thyroid problems, an autoimmune disease or diabetes.
• Report fever, sore throat or unusual bruising promptly, as these can mean low blood counts.
• Avoid alcohol, especially if you are being treated for hepatitis.
• It can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is needed during treatment, and it is not recommended while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Interferon Alfa-2a

What is the price of Interferon Alfa-2a in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Interferon Alfa-2a products currently in stock range from Rs 864 to Rs 10,317 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is INF-A 3MIU Injection at Rs 864. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Interferon Alfa-2a are available in Pakistan?

Interferon Alfa-2a is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Inter (Gene-tech), Intefen (Nova Med), Roferon-a (Roche), Hiferon (A.J Mirza), Intermax (Aster), Inf-a (Ferozsons Laboratories Limited), Hepaferon (Pharmadic) and Cell-aid (Werrick Pharmaceuticals Pakistan Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Interferon Alfa-2a?

Yes. Interferon Alfa-2a is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Are all Interferon Alfa-2a brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Interferon Alfa-2a in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Interferon Alfa-2a brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 16 products containing Interferon Alfa-2a from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.