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- General: Interferons have been used to help the immune system fight against diseases and infections. There are several different types of interferons, including interferon alfa–2a, interferon alfa 2–b, interferon alfa–n3, interferon beta–1a, interferon beta–1b, and interferon gamma–1b.
- Interferon alfa–2a: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Interferon alfa–2a (Roferon–A ®) for the treatment of certain cancers, including hairy cell leukemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow), AIDS–related Kaposi's sarcoma (cancer of soft tissue), and a type of bone marrow cancer called chronic myelogenous leukemia.
- Researchers are currently studying the safety and efficacy of interferon alfa–2a for the treatment of about 18 other cancers and 11 other viral infections.
- Although interferon alfa–2a has been suggested as a possible treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), studies have shown that the medication is not effective for this condition.
- Interferon alfa–2b: The FDA has approved interferon alfa–2b (Intron–A ®) for the treatment of hairy cell leukemia, skin cancer (melanoma), genital warts caused by the human papilomavirus, AIDS–related Kaposi's sarcoma, and chronic hepatitis B and C (liver infections). Patients typically receive interferons before or after surgery for melanoma that has spread to the lymph nodes. The use of interferon may increase the survival time for patients with advanced melanoma.
- Interferon alfa–n3: The FDA has approved interferon alfa–n3 (Alferon–N ®) for the treatment of genital and perianal warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Interferon beta–1a: The FDA has approved interferon beta–1a (Avonex ®) for the treatment of a degenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord called multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Interferon beta–1b: The FDA has approved interferon beta–1b (Betaseron ®) for the treatment of MS.
- Interferon gamma–1b: The FDA has approved interferon gamma–1b (Actimmune ®) for the treatment of chronic granulomatous disease (condition that causes tumor–like masses of inflammatory tissue) and severe malignant osteopetrosis (cancer that causes the bones to become dense and increases the risk of bone fractures).
- Combination products: Some interferon products are combined with other medications. The FDA has approved a combination product called Pegetron ® for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. This medication is made up of an antiviral medication called ribavirin (Copegus ®, Rebetol ®) and interferon alpha–2b.
- In addition, the FDA has also approved ribavirin that is taken by mouth in combination with intravenous alfa–2b, interferon alfacon–1 (Infergen ®), interferon alfa–2a, or interferon alpha–2b for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
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