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

Interferon Alfa-2b is an immune-modulating injection. It is a prescription medicine used for chronic hepatitis B and C and certain cancers. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 9 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-2b works

Interferon alfa-2b is a laboratory-made version of a protein the body releases when fighting viruses. It switches on immune cells, makes infected cells more resistant to viruses, and slows the growth of some abnormal or cancerous cells.

What is Interferon Alfa-2b used for?

• Chronic hepatitis B and C and certain cancers

Interferon Alfa-2b is a specialist injection used for chronic hepatitis B and, in the past more commonly, hepatitis C, where it helps the body control the virus and limit liver damage. It is also used for certain cancers and blood disorders, such as hairy cell leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia, follicular lymphoma, melanoma and carcinoid tumours. Its use is planned and monitored by a specialist.

Side effects of Interferon Alfa-2b

Flu-like symptoms are very common with Interferon Alfa-2b, especially in the first weeks. Other common effects include:

• Fever, chills and muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Low mood or irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Hair thinning

Contact your doctor straight away if you have low mood, thoughts of self-harm, severe anxiety or confusion. Also report fever with sore throat, unusual bruising, breathing problems, chest pain or changes in your vision.

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 about any history of depression or other mental health problems, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes or autoimmune conditions.
• It can harm an unborn baby, especially when combined with ribavirin, so reliable contraception is needed during treatment; it is not advised when breastfeeding.
• Drinking plenty of fluids, and paracetamol if your doctor advises it, can help with flu-like symptoms.
• Report fever, sore throat or unusual bruising at once, as these can be signs of low blood counts.

Frequently asked questions about Interferon Alfa-2b

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

At Medimart, Interferon Alfa-2b products currently in stock range from Rs 764 to Rs 2,964 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Uniferon 3 MIU Injection at Rs 764. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

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

Interferon Alfa-2b is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Ceron (Biocare), Anferon (CCL Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Uniferon (Getz Pharma Ltd Pharma), Qferon (Bosch Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Inf (Ferozsons Laboratories Limited), Refron (Global-vision), Laifulong (High Q International) and Heberon (Macter International Ltd), along with 1 more brands listed below.

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

Yes. Interferon Alfa-2b 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-2b brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Interferon Alfa-2b 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-2b brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 12 products containing Interferon Alfa-2b from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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