Intron A and Alcohol
Intron A and alcohol
Intron A generic name interferon alfa-2b is manufactured using human proteins and work helping the body fight viral infections. It is often used with another drug known as ribavirin (Rebetol) and the information given here is for when the two drugs are used together. It is an injectable drug and should be administered by your health care provider.
They are used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma caused by AIDS, certain types of genital warts and is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C.
It is suggested that you do not drink alcohol while using this drug especially if you are taking acetaminophen as it may be harmful to your liver.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
It is suggested that before taking this or any other drug you have a frank and honest discussion with your physician as to your drinking habits. This may be difficult as many alcoholics are in a state of denial as to their drinking habits.
I have also noticed that many alcoholics are not subject to the morning after illness that most of us suffer through when we drink too much. Severe alcoholics usually find if they feel “shakey” in the morning, a drink will make them feel more normal.
Do not use this drug if you are allergic to interferon or ribavirin, have autoimmune hepatitis, severe liver problems from other causes than hepatitis B or C, severe kidney disease, a blood cell disorder such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, if you are pregnant or if you are male and your female partner is pregnant.
Before using Intron A advise your physician if you plan to be pregnant, are breastfeeding, allergic to any other drugs or substances, have diabetes, cancer, bone marrow suppression, bleeding disorder, thyroid disorder, breathing problems, history of depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, drug or alcohol addiction, heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, history of heart attack or blood clots, an autoimmune disorder such as psoriasis, arthritis, lupus or recently have had an organ transplant.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are dizziness, spinning sensation, muscle pain, feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dry cough, sore throat, hair loss, mild itching, skin rash, burning, bleeding, pain, itching at injection site. If this occurs call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips or tongue, severe depression, aggressive behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others, fast, slow or uneven heart rate, feeling faint, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, vision or hearing problems, changes in urination, severe stomach pain, jaundice, cough with mucous, short of breath, chest pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating and feeling ill, sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, speech or balance problems or severe blistering, peeling or red skin rash. If these occur get emergency medical help.
Intron A and Alcohol Intron A and alcohol Intron A and alcohol
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
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