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Information leaflet on interferon (IntronA) treatment
This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment
called interferon. The leaflet will explain what interferon is
and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about
common side effects that you may experience. Contact
telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further
information on interferon are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is interferon?
Interferon is a protein which occurs naturally in the body in
small amounts. It is not chemotherapy. It helps your own
immune system kill the cancer cells.
Why am I having interferon?
Interferon is a drug treatment used after surgery to reduce
the risk of the cancer returning.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team in the outpatient clinic each
week during your treatment. You will need to have blood
tests taken at least once a week to monitor your white blood
cells and liver function. Sometimes the treatment is
temporarily stopped if any of your blood results are
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abnormal. Treatment can be restarted when the blood
results are back to normal.
How often will I receive interferon?
Interferon is given daily for five days a week (Monday –
Friday) for four weeks. It is given through a drip into a vein
in the back of your hand or arm. Alternatively it may be
suggested that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into a
large vein in your upper arm. This will remain in place
throughout the course of your treatment. Your doctor or
nurse will discuss this further with you.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines.
Please ask if you would like a copy.
How long will my appointment take?
The treatment will take about an hour. Please allow an
extra 30 minutes for your first treatment.
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during
your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually
room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not
suitable for young children.
Reactions during treatment
Although it is rare, some people can experience a reaction
during the treatment. If you experience any of the following
during your treatment please tell your nurse straight away:




Feeling hot and feverish
Chills or shivering
Headache
Dizziness or faintness
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 Problems with breathing
 Rash
 Feeling sick or vomiting
If any of these occur we will stop the treatment until you feel
better. The treatment can then start again, usually without
any further problems.
What are the possible side effects?
Many people tolerate interferon treatment very well, with
very few side effects. However, there are a number of side
effects which can occur. The doctors, nurses and
pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions
you may have.
Flu like symptoms
One of the most common side effects of interferon is flu-like
symptoms. These occur in 80-90% of patients. Symptoms
include a high temperature, chills and muscle and joint
pains. They may start after the drug is given and last for a
few days. They usually become less of a problem as the
treatment continues.
We will give you paracetamol to take approximately one
hour before your treatment to reduce these symptoms. You
can take paracetamol at home if needed to control these
symptoms (do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours).
Tiredness and fatigue
A feeling of tiredness can also be a problem during the
treatment. This can sometimes worsen over the four weeks.
It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to,
but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some
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people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as
taking rest.
Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are not common with this treatment.
We will give you anti-sickness medicine to take if needed.
If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking
regular anti-sickness medicine when you are at home, then
please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The
telephone number is on page 6.
Less common side effects
Other less common side effects with interferon are listed
below. Please tell your doctor or nurse at your next hospital
visit if you develop any of these side effects:
 Loss of appetite
 Depression
 Dizziness
 Skin rash, inflammation with dry skin
 Pins and needles in your hands and toes
 Effects on circulation - interferon may alter the rhythm
of the heart or affect your blood pressure. This will go
back to normal when the drug is stopped
 Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells –
we will check this through your regular blood tests. Tell
your doctor or nurse of any signs of infection, bruising
or bleeding
 Hair thinning, this is temporary and your hair will grow
back once treatment has finished
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 Blurred vision or blood spots in the eyes
Other information
It is important that you do not become pregnant or father a
child whilst receiving interferon treatment.
Is it ok to take other medication with interferon?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take phenytoin or
phenobarbitone as interferon affects the way these drugs
work.
Do not have live vaccines such as those for a foreign
holiday during treatment or for at least 3 months after.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects
which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform
Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any sideeffects
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common
and common side-effects: for more information regarding
the less common side-effects please refer to the
manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from
Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at
www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these
leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would
like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
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Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre
029 2061 5888
Ask for the chemotherapy pager if you are unwell at home
and need immediate attention at any time of the day or
night.
Pharmacy department
029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your
medicines
Tenovus freephone
0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The
information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It
has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is
reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Prepared March 2011
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