Roferon-A

Interferon alfa-2a is a prescription medication used in the treatment of hepatitis C (liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus). Interferon alfa-2a is also used to treat certain types of leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells).

Interferon alfa-2a belongs to a group of drugs called interferons. Interferons work by fighting viruses in the body, and regulating the production of cells.

This medication comes in single-use, pre-filled syringes. It is injected just under the skin, sometimes daily, or 3 times a week.

Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, extreme tiredness, and upset stomach.

• Roche Laboratories

• Roche Pharmaceuticals

Possible, serious side effects include:

• Mental health problems including suicide, suicidal thoughts, heart problems, and blood problems: See the section "Drug Precautions".
• Other body organ problems: Some patients may experience lung problems (such as difficulty breathing or pneumonia) and vision problems.
• New or worsening autoimmune disease: Some patients may develop an autoimmune disease (a disease where the body's own immune system begins to attack itself) while on interferon alfa-2a therapy. These diseases can include vasculitis (an inflammation of your blood vessels), rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus, psoriasis or thyroid problems. In some patients who already have an autoimmune disease, the disease may worsen while on interferon alfa-2a therapy.

Common, but less serious, side effects include:

• Flu-like symptoms: Most patients who take interferon alfa-2a have flu-like symptoms that usually lessen after the first few weeks of treatment. Flu-like symptoms may include unusual tiredness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen before you take interferon alfa-2a can help with these symptoms. You can also try taking interferon alfa-2a at night. You may be able to sleep through the symptoms.
• Extreme fatigue (tiredness): Many patients may become extremely tired while on interferon alfa-2a therapy.
• Upset stomach: Nausea, taste changes, diarrhea, and loss of appetite occur commonly.
• Blood sugar problems: Some patients may develop a problem with the way their body controls their blood sugar and may develop diabetes.
• Thyroid problems: Some patients may develop changes in their thyroid function. Symptoms of these changes may include feeling hot or cold all the time, trouble concentrating, changes in your skin (your skin may become very dry), and changes in your weight.
• Skin reactions: Some patients may develop a rash, dry or itchy skin, and redness and swelling at the site of injection.
• Sleep disturbances and headache: Trouble sleeping and headaches may also occur during interferon alfa-2a therapy.
• Hair thinning: Hair loss is not uncommon while using interferon alfa-2a. This hair loss is temporary and hair growth should return after you stop taking interferon alfa-2a.

These are not all of the side effects of interferon alfa-2a. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you a more complete list.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are worried about side effects or find them very bothersome.

If you have or have had any of the following conditions or serious medical problems, discuss them with your doctor before taking interferon alfa-2a:

• History of or current severe mental illness (such as depression or anxiety)
• Previous heart attack or heart problems
• Sleep problems
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune disease (where the body's immune system attacks the body's own cells), such as vasculitis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis
• Kidney problems
• Blood disorders-Low blood counts or bleeding problems
• You take a medicine called theophylline
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Thyroid problems
• Liver problems, other than hepatitis C
• Hepatitis B infection
• HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS)
• Problems with your vision
• Colitis
• Body organ transplant and are taking medicine that keeps your body from rejecting your transplant (suppresses your immune system)
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse or addiction

If you have any doubts about your health condition or about taking interferon alfa-2a, talk to your healthcare provider.

To get the most benefit from this medicine, it is important to take interferon alfa-2a exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.

Your healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. Once you start treatment with interferon alfa-2a, do not switch to another brand of interferon without talking to your doctor. Other interferons may not have the same effect on the treatment of your disease. Switching brands will also require a change in your dose. Your healthcare provider will tell you how long you need to use interferon alfa-2a.

Over time, your healthcare provider may change your dose of interferon alfa-2a. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to change it.

Interferon alfa-2a is supplied in prefilled syringes.

If you miss a dose of interferon alfa-2a, take the missed dose as soon as possible during the same day or the next day, then continue on your regular dosing schedule. If several days go by after you miss a dose, check with your doctor about what to do. Do not double the next dose or take more than one dose a day unless your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor right away if you take more than your prescribed interferon alfa-2a dose. Your doctor may wish to examine you more closely and take blood for testing.

You must get regular blood tests to help your healthcare provider check how the treatment is working and to check for side effects.

Alpha-interferons, including Interferon alfa-2a, cause or aggravate fatal or life-threatening neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious disorders. Patients should be monitored closely with periodic clinical and laboratory evaluations. Patients with persistently severe or worsening signs or symptoms of these conditions should be withdrawn from therapy. In many, but not all cases, these disorders resolve after stopping Interferon alfa-2a therapy (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Roferon-A should be administered under the guidance of a qualified physician (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Appropriate management of the therapy and its complications is possible only when adequate facilities are readily available.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders

DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR INCLUDING SUICIDAL IDEATION, SUICIDAL ATTEMPTS AND SUICIDES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH TREATMENT WITH ALFA INTERFERONS, INCLUDING Roferon-A, IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT PREVIOUS PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS. Roferon-A should be used with extreme caution in patients who report a history of depression. Patients should be informed that depression and suicidal ideation may be side effects of treatment and should be advised to report these side effects immediately to the prescribing physician. Patients receiving Roferon-A therapy should receive close monitoring for the occurrence of depressive symptomatology. Psychiatric intervention and/or cessation of treatment should be considered for patients experiencing depression. Although dose reduction or treatment cessation may lead to resolution of the depressive symptomatology, depression may persist and suicides have occurred after withdrawing therapy (see PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Central nervous system adverse reactions have been reported in a number of patients. These reactions included decreased mental status, dizziness, impaired memory, agitation, manic behavior and psychotic reactions. More severe obtundation and coma have been rarely observed. Most of these abnormalities were mild and reversible within a few days to 3 weeks upon dose reduction or discontinuation of Roferon-A therapy. Careful periodic neuropsychiatric monitoring of all patients is recommended. Roferon-A should be used with caution in patients with seizure disorders and/or compromised central nervous system function.

Cardiovascular Disorders

Roferon-A should be administered with caution to patients with cardiac disease or with any history of cardiac illness. Acute, self-limited toxicities (i.e., fever, chills) frequently associated with Roferon-A administration may exacerbate preexisting cardiac conditions. Rarely, myocardial infarction has occurred in patients receiving Roferon-A. Cases of cardiomyopathy have been observed on rare occasions in patients treated with alpha interferons.

Cerebrovascular Disorders

Ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular events have been observed in patients treated with interferon alfa-based therapies, including Roferon-A. Events occurred in patients with few or no reported risk factors for stroke, including patients less than 45 years of age. Because these are spontaneous reports, estimates of frequency cannot be made and a causal relationship between interferon alfa-based therapies and these events is difficult to establish.

Hypersensitivity

Serious, acute hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, bronchoconstriction and anaphylaxis), as well as skin rashes have been rarely observed during alpha-interferon therapy, including interferon alfa-2a. If a serious reaction develops during treatment with Roferon-A, discontinue treatment and institute appropriate medical therapy immediately. Transient rashes do not necessitate interruption of treatment.

Hepatic Disorders

In chronic hepatitis C, initiation of alfa-interferon therapy, including Roferon-A, has been reported to cause transient liver abnormalities, which in patients with poorly compensated liver disease can result in increased ascites, hepatic failure or death.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Infrequently, severe or fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage has been reported in association with alpha-interferon therapy.

Ulcerative, and hemorrhagic/ischemic colitis, sometimes fatal, have been observed within 12 weeks of starting alpha interferon treatment. Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever are the typical manifestations of colitis. Roferon-A should be discontinued immediately if these symptoms develop. The colitis usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks of discontinuation of alpha interferon.

Infections

While fever may be associated with the flu-like syndrome reported commonly during interferon therapy, other causes of high or persistent fever must be ruled out, particularly in patients with neutropenia. Serious and severe infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), some fatal, have been reported during treatment with alpha interferons including Roferon-A. Appropriate anti-infective therapy should be started immediately and discontinuation of therapy should be considered.

Bone Marrow Toxicity

Alpha-interferons suppress bone marrow function and may result in severe cytopenias and anemia including very rare events of aplastic anemia. Cytopenias (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia) can lead to an increased risk of infections or hemorrhage. It is advised that complete blood counts (CBC) be obtained pretreatment and monitored routinely during therapy. Alpha interferon therapy should be discontinued in patients who develop severe decreases in neutrophil (<0.5 × 109/L) or platelet counts (<25 × 109/L).

Caution should be exercised when administering Roferon-A to patients with myelosuppression or when Roferon-A is used in combination with other agents that are known to cause myelosuppression. Synergistic toxicity has been observed when Roferon-A is administered in combination with zidovudine (AZT).9

Endocrine Disorders

Roferon-A causes or aggravates hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hyperglycemia has been observed in patients treated with Roferon-A. Symptomatic patients should have their blood glucose measured and followed-up accordingly. Patients with diabetes mellitus may require adjustment of their anti-diabetic regimen.

Pulmonary Disorders

Dyspnea, pulmonary infiltrates, pneumonia, bronchiolitis obliterans, interstitial pneumonitis and sarcoidosis, some resulting in respiratory failure and/or patient deaths, may be induced or aggravated by alpha interferon therapy. Patients who develop persistent or unexplained pulmonary infiltrates or pulmonary function impairment should discontinue treatment with Roferon-A.

Ophthalmologic Disorders

Decrease or loss of vision, retinopathy including macular edema, retinal artery or vein thrombosis, retinal hemorrhages and cotton wool spots, optic neuritis, and papilledema are induced or aggravated by treatment with Interferon alfa-2a or other alpha interferons. All patients should receive an eye examination at baseline. Patients with preexisting ophthalmologic disorders (e.g., diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy) should receive periodic ophthalmologic exams during interferon alpha treatment. Any patient who develops ocular symptoms should receive a prompt and complete eye examination. Interferon alfa-2a treatment should be discontinued in patients who develop new or worsening ophthalmologic disorders.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis has been observed in patients receiving alpha interferon treatment, including those who developed marked triglyceride elevations. In some cases, fatalities have been observed. Although a causal relationship to Roferon-A has not been established, marked triglyceride elevation is a risk factor for development of pancreatitis. Roferon-A should be suspended if symptoms or signs suggestive of pancreatitis are observed. In patients diagnosed with pancreatitis, discontinuation of therapy with Roferon-A should be considered.

General

In all instances where the use of Roferon-A is considered for chemotherapy, the physician must evaluate the need and usefulness of the drug against the risk of adverse reactions. Most adverse reactions are reversible if detected early. If severe reactions occur, the drug should be reduced in dosage or discontinued and appropriate corrective measures should be taken according to the clinical judgment of the physician. Reinstitution of Roferon-A therapy should be carried out with caution and with adequate consideration of the further need for the drug and, alertness to possible recurrence of toxicity. The minimum effective doses of Roferon-A for treatment of hairy cell leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia have not been established.

Variations in dosage and adverse reactions exist among different brands of Interferon. Therefore, do not use different brands of Interferon in a single treatment regimen.

The safety and efficacy of Roferon-A have not been established in organ transplant recipients.

Renal Impairment

Dose-limiting renal toxicities were unusual. Infrequently, severe renal toxicities, sometimes requiring renal dialysis, have been reported with alpha-interferon therapy alone or in combination with IL-2. In patients with impaired renal function, signs and symptomsof interferon toxicity should be closely monitored. Roferon-A should be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min.

Autoimmune Disease

Development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, vasculitis, Raynaud's phenomenon, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, interstitial nephritis, thyroiditis, lupus erythematosus, hepatitis, myositis and rhabdomyolysis have been observed in patients treated with alpha-interferons. Any patient developing an autoimmune disorder during treatment should be closely monitored and, if appropriate, treatment should be discontinued.

Information for Patients

Patients should be cautioned not to change brands of Interferon without medical consultation, as a change in dosage may result. Patients should be informed regarding the potential benefits and risks attendant to the use of Roferon-A. If home use is determined to be desirable by the physician, instructions on appropriate use should be given, including review of the contents of the enclosed Medication Guide. Patients should be well hydrated, especially during the initial stages of treatment.

Patients should be thoroughly instructed in the importance of proper disposal procedures and cautioned against reusing syringes and needles. If home use is prescribed, a puncture-resistant container for the disposal of used syringes and needles should be supplied to the patient. The full container should be disposed of according to directions provided by the physician (see Medication Guide).

Patients should be advised that laboratory evaluations are required before starting therapy and periodically thereafter (see Laboratory Tests).

Patients receiving high-dose alpha-interferon should be cautioned against performing tasks that require complete mental alertness such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Patients to be treated with Roferon-A should be informed that depression and suicidal ideation may be side effects of treatment and should be advised to report these side effects immediately to the prescribing physician.

Laboratory Tests

Leukopenia and elevation of hepatic enzymes occurred frequently but were rarely dose-limiting. Thrombocytopenia occurred less frequently. Proteinuria and increased cells in urinary sediment were also seen infrequently.

Complete blood counts with differential platelet counts and clinical chemistry tests should be performed before initiation of Roferon-A therapy and at appropriate periods during therapy. Patients with neutrophil count<1500/mm3, platelet count <75,000/mm3, hemoglobin <10 g/dL and creatinine >1.5 mg/dL were excluded from several major chronic hepatitis C studies; patients with these laboratory abnormalities should be carefully monitored if treated with Roferon-A. Since responses of hairy cell leukemia, chronic hepatitis C and chronic myelogenous leukemia are not generally observed for 1 to 3 months after initiation of treatment, very careful monitoring for severe depression of blood cell counts is warranted during the initial phase of treatment.

Those patients who have preexisting cardiac abnormalities and/or are in advanced stages of cancer should have electrocardiograms taken before and during the course of treatment.

For patients being treated for chronic hepatitis C, serum ALT should be evaluated before therapy to establish baselines and repeated at week 2 and monthly thereafter following initiation of therapy for monitoring clinical response. Patients developing liver function abnormalities during Roferon-A treatment should be closely monitored and if necessary treatment should be discontinued. Use of alpha-interferons has been rarely associated with severe hepatic dysfunction and liver failure.

Patients with preexisting thyroid abnormalities may be treated if normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels can be maintained by medication. Testing of TSH levels in these patients is recommended at baseline and every 3 months following initiation of therapy.

Elevated triglyceride levels have been observed in patients treated with interferons including Roferon-A therapy. Triglyceride levels should be monitored periodically during treatment and elevated levels should be managed as clinically appropriate. Hypertriglyceridemia may result in pancreatitis. Discontinuation of Roferon-A therapy should be considered for patients with persistently elevated triglycerides (e.g., triglycerides >1000 mg/dL) associated with symptoms of potential pancreatitis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Drug Interactions

Roferon-A has been reported to reduce the clearance of theophylline.10,11 The clinical relevance of this interaction is presently unknown. Caution should be exercised when administering Roferon-A in combination with other potentially myelosuppressive agents. Synergistic toxicity has been observed when Roferon-A is administered in combination with zidovudine (AZT) (see WARNINGS: Bone Marrow Toxicity).

In transplant recipients, therapeutic immunosuppression may be weakened because interferons also exert an immunostimulatory action.

Alpha-interferons may affect the oxidative metabolic process by reducing the activity of hepatic microsomal cytochrome enzymes in the P450 group. Although the clinical relevance is still unclear, this should be taken into account when prescribing concomitant therapy with drugs metabolized by this route.

The neurotoxic, hematotoxic or cardiotoxic effects of previously or concurrently administered drugs may be increased by interferons. Interactions could occur following concurrent administration of centrally acting drugs. Use of Roferon-A in conjunction with interleukin-2 may potentiate risks of renal failure.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Roferon-A has not been tested for its carcinogenic potential.

A. Internal Studies Ames tests using six different tester strains, with and without metabolic activation, were performed with Roferon-A up to a concentration of 1920 µg/plate. There was no evidence of mutagenicity.

Human lymphocyte cultures were treated in vitro with Roferon-A at noncytotoxic concentrations. No increase in the incidence of chromosomal damage was noted.

B. Published Studies There are no published studies on the mutagenic potential of Roferon-A. However, a number of studies on the genotoxicity of human leukocyte interferon have been reported.

A chromosomal defect following the addition of human leukocyte interferon to lymphocyte cultures from a patient suffering from a lymphoproliferative disorder has been reported.

In contrast, other studies have failed to detect chromosomal abnormalities following treatment of lymphocyte cultures from healthy volunteers with human leukocyte interferon.

It has also been shown that human leukocyte interferon protects primary chick embryo fibroblasts from chromosomal aberrations produced by gamma rays.

Roferon-A has been studied for its effect on fertility in Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkeys). Nonpregnant rhesus females treated with Roferon-A at doses of 5 and 25 MIU/kg/day have shown menstrual cycle irregularities, including prolonged or shortened menstrual periods and erratic bleeding; these cycles were considered to be anovulatory on the basis that reduced progesterone levels were noted and that expected increases in preovulatory estrogen and luteinizing hormones were not observed. These monkeys returned to a normal menstrual rhythm following discontinuation of treatment.

Pregnancy

Roferon-A has been associated with statistically significant, dose-related increases in abortions in pregnant rhesus monkeys treated with 1, 5, or 25 MIU/kg/day (approximately 20 to 500 times the human weekly dose, when scaled by body surface area) during the early to midfetal period of organogenesis (gestation day 22 to 70). Abortifacient activity was also observed in 2/6 pregnant rhesus monkeys treated with 25 MIU/kg/day Roferon-A (500 times the human dose) during the period of late fetal development (days 79 to 100 of gestation). No teratogenic effects were seen in either study. However, the validity of extrapolating doses used in animal studies to human doses is not established. Therefore, no direct comparison of the doses that induced fetal death in monkeys to dose levels of Roferon-A used clinically can be made. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Roferon-A in pregnant women. Roferon-A is to be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the woman justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Roferon-A is recommended for use in women of childbearing potential and in men only when they are using effectivecontraception during therapy.

The injectable solution contains benzyl alcohol. The excipient benzyl alcohol can be transmitted via the placenta. The possibility of toxicity should be taken into account in premature infants after the administration of Roferon-A solution for injection immediately prior to birth or Cesarean section.

Male fertility and teratologic evaluations have yielded no significant adverse effects to date.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Roferon-A, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Use of Roferon-A in children with Ph-positive adult-type CML is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Roferon-A in adults with additional data from the literature on the use of alfa interferon in children with CML. A published report on 15 children with Ph-positive adult-type CML suggests a safety profile similar to that seen in adult CML; clinical responses were also observed8 (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

For all other indications, safety and effectiveness have not been established in patients below the age of 18 years.

The injectable solutions are not indicated for use in neonates or infants and should not be used by patients in that age group. There have been rare reports of death in neonates and infants associated with excessive exposure to benzyl alcohol (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Geriatric Use

In clinical studies of Roferon-A in chronic hepatitis C, 101 patients were 65 years old or older. The numbers were insufficient to determine if antiviral responses differ from younger subjects. There were greater proportions of geriatric patients with serious adverse reactions (9% vs. 6%), withdrawals due to adverse reactions (11% vs. 6%), and WHO grade III neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

Clinical studies of Roferon-A in chronic myelogenous leukemia or hairy cell leukemia did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 or older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

This drug is known to be excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, these patients should receive careful monitoring, including renal function.

There are no reports of overdosage, but repeated large doses of interferon can be associated with profound lethargy, fatigue, prostration, and coma. Such patients should be hospitalized for observation and appropriate supportive treatment given.

1. Trown PW, et al. Cancer. 1986; 57(suppl):1648-1656.
2. Itri LM, et al. Cancer. 1987; 59:668-674.
3. Jones GJ, Itri LM. Cancer. 1986; 57(suppl):1709-1715.
4. Foon KA, et al. Blood. 1984; 64(suppl 1):164a.
5. Quesada Jr, et al. Cancer. 1986; 57(suppl):1678-1680.
6. The Italian Cooperative Study Group on CML. N Engl J Med. 1994; 330:820-825.
7. Sokal JE, et al. Blood. 1984; 63(4):789-799.
8. Dow LW, et al. Cancer. 1991; 68:1678-1684.
9. Krown SE, et al. Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol. 1988; 7:1.
10. Williams SJ, et al. Lancet. 1987; 2:939-941.
11. Jonkman JHG, et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1989; 2(27):795-802.
12. Maybee D, et al. Proc Annu Meet Am Soc Clin Oncol. 1992; 11:A950.

Revised: January 2008

MEDICATION GUIDE
Roferon®-A
(Interferon alfa-2a, recombinant)
Solution for Injection – Prefilled Syringes

Before you start taking Roferon-A (ro-FER-on), please read this Medication Guide carefully. Read this Medication Guide each time you refill your prescription in case new information has been added. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider.

What is the most important information I should know about Roferon-A?

Roferon-A is used to treat people with hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). However, Roferon-A can cause some serious side effects that may cause death in rare cases. Before starting Roferon-A, you should talk with your healthcare provider about the possible benefits and the possible side effects of treatment, to decide if Roferon-A is right for you. While taking Roferon-A, you will need to see your healthcare provider regularly for medical examinations and blood tests to make sure your treatment is working and to check for side effects.

The most serious possible side effects of Roferon-A treatment include:

1. Mental health problems: Roferon-A may cause some patients to develop mood or behavioral problems. Signs of these problems include irritability (getting easily upset), depression (feeling low, feeling bad about yourself or feeling hopeless), and anxiety. Some patients may have aggressive behavior and think about hurting others. Some patients may develop thoughts about ending their lives (suicidal thoughts) and may attempt to do so. A few patients have even ended their lives. Former drug addicts may fall back into drug addiction or overdose. You must tell your healthcare provider if you are being treated for a mental illness or have a history of mental illness or if you are or have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any of these problems while on Roferon-A treatment.
2. Heart problems: Roferon-A may cause some patients to experience high blood pressure, a fast heartbeat, chest pain, and very rarely a heart attack. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any heart problems in the past.
3. Blood problems: Many patients taking Roferon-A have had a drop in the number of their white blood cells and their platelets. If the numbers of these blood cells are too low, you could be at risk for infections or bleeding.

Stop taking Roferon-A and call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any of these symptoms:

• You become very depressed or think about suicide
• You have severe chest pain
• You have trouble breathing
• You have a change in your vision
• You notice unusual bleeding or bruising
• High fever
• Severe stomach pain. If the pain is in the lower part of your stomach area it could mean that your bowels are inflamed (colitis)

For more information on possible side effects with Roferon-A therapy, please read the section on "What are the possible side effects of Roferon-A?" in this Medication Guide.

What is Roferon-A?

Roferon-A is a treatment that is used for some people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus, hairy cell leukemia, and Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Patients with hepatitis C have the virus that causes hepatitis in their blood and liver. Patients with hairy cell leukemia produce abnormal white blood cells that travel to the spleen where they trap and destroy normal blood cells. In CML, your body produces too many of certain blood cells. Roferon-A works in these conditions by reducing the amount of virus in the body, destroying cells that may be harmful to your body and keeping the body from producing too many cells.

Who should not take Roferon-A?

Do not use Roferon-A if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding or are planning to become pregnant.
• You are allergic to alpha interferons, Escherichia coli-derived products or any component of Roferon-A.
• You have autoimmune hepatitis (hepatitis caused by your immune system attacking your liver).

Roferon-A should not be given to newborn or premature infants.

If you have or have had any of the following conditions or serious medical problems, discuss them with your doctor before taking Roferon-A:

• History of or current severe mental illness (such as depression or anxiety)
• Previous heart attack or heart problems
• Sleep problems
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune disease (where the body's immune system attacks the body's own cells), such as vasculitis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis
• Kidney problems
• Blood disorders-Low blood counts or bleeding problems
• You take a medicine called theophylline
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Thyroid problems
• Liver problems, other than hepatitis C
• Hepatitis B infection
• HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS)
• Problems with your vision
• Colitis
• Body organ transplant and are taking medicine that keeps your body from rejecting your transplant (suppresses your immune system)
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse or addiction

If you have any doubts about your health condition or about taking Roferon-A, talk to your healthcare provider.

What should I avoid while taking Roferon-A?

• Female patients as well as female partners of male patients must avoid becoming pregnant while taking Roferon-A. Roferon-A may harm your unborn child or cause you to lose your baby (miscarry).
• You should not breast-feed your baby while taking Roferon-A.

How should I take Roferon-A?

To get the most benefit from this medicine, it is important to take Roferon-A exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.

Your healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. Once you start treatment with Roferon-A, do not switch to another brand of interferon without talking to your doctor. Other interferons may not have the same effect on the treatment of your disease. Switching brands will also require a change in your dose. Your healthcare provider will tell you how long you need to use Roferon-A.

Over time, your healthcare provider may change your dose of Roferon-A. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to change it.

Roferon-A is supplied in prefilled syringes. Whether you give yourself the injection or another person gives the injection to you, it is important to follow the instructions in this Medication Guide (see the appendix "Instructions for Preparing and Giving a Dose with a Roferon-A Prefilled Syringe").

If you miss a dose of Roferon-A, take the missed dose as soon as possible during the same day or the next day, then continue on your regular dosing schedule. If several days go by after you miss a dose, check with your doctor about what to do. Do not double the next dose or take more than one dose a day unless your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor right away if you take more than your prescribed Roferon-A dose. Your doctor may wish to examine you more closely and take blood for testing.

You must get regular blood tests to help your healthcare provider check how the treatment is working and to check for side effects.

Tell your doctor if you are taking or planning to take other prescription or non-prescription medicines, including vitamins and mineral supplements and herbal medicines.

What are the possible side effects of Roferon-A?

Possible, serious side effects include:

• Mental health problems including suicide, suicidal thoughts, heart problems, and blood problems: See the section "What is the most important information I should know about Roferon-A?".
• Other body organ problems: Some patients may experience lung problems (such as difficulty breathing or pneumonia) and vision problems.
• New or worsening autoimmune disease: Some patients may develop an autoimmune disease (a disease where the body's own immune system begins to attack itself) while on Roferon-A therapy. These diseases can include vasculitis (an inflammation of your blood vessels), rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus, psoriasis or thyroid problems. In some patients who already have an autoimmune disease, the disease may worsen while on Roferon-A therapy.

Common, but less serious, side effects include:

• Flu-like symptoms: Most patients who take Roferon-A have flu-like symptoms that usually lessen after the first few weeks of treatment. Flu-like symptoms may include unusual tiredness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen before you take Roferon-A can help with these symptoms. You can also try taking Roferon-A at night. You may be able to sleep through the symptoms.
• Extreme fatigue (tiredness): Many patients may become extremely tired while on Roferon-A therapy.
• Upset stomach: Nausea, taste changes, diarrhea, and loss of appetite occur commonly.
• Blood sugar problems: Some patients may develop a problem with the way their body controls their blood sugar and may develop diabetes.
• Thyroid problems: Some patients may develop changes in their thyroid function. Symptoms of these changes may include feeling hot or cold all the time, trouble concentrating, changes in your skin (your skin may become very dry), and changes in your weight.
• Skin reactions: Some patients may develop a rash, dry or itchy skin, and redness and swelling at the site of injection.
• Sleep disturbances and headache: Trouble sleeping and headaches may also occur during Roferon-A therapy.
• Hair thinning: Hair loss is not uncommon while using Roferon-A. This hair loss is temporary and hair growth should return after you stop taking Roferon-A.

These are not all of the side effects of Roferon-A. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you a more complete list.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are worried about side effects or find them very bothersome.

General advice about prescription medicines

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. If you have any concerns or questions about Roferon-A, contact your healthcare provider. Do not use Roferon-A for a condition or person other than that for which it is prescribed. If you want to know more about Roferon-A, your healthcare provider or pharmacist will be able to provide you with detailed information that is written for healthcare providers.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.

Revised: October 2004

Medication Guide Appendix: Instructions for Preparing and Giving a Dose with a Roferon-A Prefilled Syringe

How should I store Roferon-A?

Roferon-A must be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not leave Roferon-A outside of the refrigerator for more than 24 hours. Do not freeze Roferon-A. Keeping Roferon-A at temperatures outside the recommended range can destroy the medicine. Do not shake Roferon-A. Shaking can destroy Roferon-A so that it will not work. Protect Roferon-A from light during storage.

How do I inject Roferon-A?

The instructions that follow will help you learn how to use Roferon-A prefilled syringes. Please read all of these directions before trying to take your medicine. It is important to follow these directions carefully. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about how to use Roferon-A. Whether you are giving yourself an injection or if you are giving this injection to someone else, a healthcare provider must teach you how to inject.

The prefilled syringes are used for injecting Roferon-A under the surface of the skin (subcutaneous).

1. Collect all the materials you will need before you start to give the injection: • one sterile Roferon-A prefilled syringe with needle • alcohol swabs • puncture-resistant disposable container
2. Check the expiration date on the package to make sure that it has not passed and check the solution in the syringe. The solution in the syringe should be clear or colorless to light yellow in color. • Do not use Roferon-A if: – the medicine is cloudy – the medicine has particles floating in it – the medicine is any color besides clear or colorless to light yellow – it has passed the expiration date
3. Warm the refrigerated medicine by gently rolling the syringe in the palms of your hands for about one minute.
4. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. This step is very important to help prevent infection.
5. Roferon-A prefilled syringe:
6. Assemble syringe: • Place the plunger rod into the open end of the syringe barrel. • Gently screw the rod into the plunger stopper until snug.

   DO NOT USE FORCE.

7. Prepare the needle: • Turn and pull off the bright yellow tamper-resistant seal from needle. A "click" sound means that the needle is OK to use.

   IF YOU DO NOT HEAR A "CLICK", DO NOT USE THE NEEDLE AND DO NOT REMOVE THE CLEAR NEEDLE SHIELD. DISCARD THE NEEDLE IN THE PUNCTURE-PROOF CONTAINER.

   If you have another needle, proceed again with Step 7. If no alternate needle is available, contact your healthcare provider to make arrangements for a replacement needle.

8. To attach the needle to the prefilled syringe:   • Remove the grey tip cap from syringe barrel. • Place the needle onto the end of the syringe barrel so it fits snugly. Do not remove the clear needle shield.
9. Choose an injection site: • You should choose a different spot each time you give or receive an injection. The common sites to use are: • abdomen, avoiding the navel and waistline area • thigh • If someone else is giving you the injection, then the upper, outer arm can be used as an injection site.
10. Preparing the injection site: • Clean the skin where the injection will be given with an alcohol swab and allow the site to dry for 10 seconds.
11. Injecting Roferon-A: • Hold the pale yellow hub between your thumb and forefinger and carefully (to avoid a needle-stick) remove the clear needle shield with your other hand. The syringe is ready for injection. • Keep the syringe in a horizontal position until ready for use. • Holding the syringe with the needle facing up, tap the syringe barrel to bring air bubbles to the top. • Press the plunger slightly to push the air bubbles out through the needle. • Hold the syringe horizontally, and position the bevel of the needle so the point of the needle is facing up. • Pinch an area of skin firmly between your thumb and forefinger. • Hold the needle like a pencil at a 45° to 90° angle to skin and using a quick dart-like motion, insert the needle as far as it will go. • Once inserted, draw back slowly on the syringe. If blood appears in the syringe, the needle has entered a blood vessel.

Do not inject Roferon-A at that site and discard the syringe. Use a new syringe for the injection and use at a different injection site.

How should I dispose of materials used to inject Roferon-A?

• Do not recap the needle.
• Place the entire syringe and needle in a puncture-resistant container. A home "Sharps Container" may be purchased at your pharmacy or you can use a hard plastic container with a screw top or a coffee can with a plastic lid. You should talk to your healthcare provider about how to properly dispose of a full container of used syringes. There may be special state or local laws about disposing used syringes and needles, so please check with your physician, nurse or pharmacist for instructions. DO NOT throw the filled container in the household trash and DO NOT recycle.
• The needle cover and alcohol swabs can be thrown in the regular trash. You should always keep your syringes and disposal container out of the reach of children.

Appendix revision date: September 2003

Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
340 Kingsland Street
Nutley, New Jersey 07110-1199

U.S. Govt. Lic. No. 0136

Copyright © 1999–2008 by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. All rights reserved.