Factors most closely associated with response to IFN are: L1) absence of fibrosis or cirrhosis in the pretreatment liver biopsy; L2) HCV genotype other than 1; L3) lower RNA levels in the blood (e.g., less than 2 million/ml); and L4) shorter duration of infection (which often isn't known).

WHEN IS INFERGEN TREATMENT NOT INDICATED?

Patients with chronic hepatitis B or C, with fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding from dilated veins in the esophagus (variceal bleeding), or mental confusion (encephalopathy) should be treated only in a clinical trial. Others not suitable for treatment are those with symptomatic heart, lung or kidney disease, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or organ transplant recipients on prednisone, cyclosporine and FK-506 and patients on antidepressants or with a history of suicide attempts. Interferon should not be given to women considering pregnancy, nor to the intended father. Patients with active substance abuse (alcohol or illegal drugs) should not be offered this therapy. - "Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B and C Fact Sheet", American Liver Foundation

Hair Loss

Nausea

Fatigue -Mary has had EXTREME fatigue with both 9mcg and 15 mcg Here is more information regarding side effects

Try to take your Infergen at the sme time each day. If you miss your dose by more than a few hours, contact your doctor or nurse.

You should find a comfortable , well-lit area The prefilled syringe of Infergen should be kept in the refrigerator, so when you remove it be sure to check the date on the prefilled syring to be sure that the drug has not expired and allow it to reach room temperature.DO NOT SHAKE THE SYRINGE VIGORUSLY.If the medication has particles or is discolored, do not use it.

SELECTING AND PREPARING THE INJECTION SITE Always change the site for each injection as directed by your doctor. Occasionally a problem may develop at the injection site. If you notice a lump, swelling, or bruising that doesn't go away contact your doctor.
SELECTING AND PREPARING THE INJECTION SITE

Always change the site for each injection as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing the medication

Prepare the supplies

Find the site for injection

Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab

Remove prefilled syringe from the dispensing pack and tray. Holding the syringe with the needle pointing upward, carefully pull the needle cover straight off, and put the syring needle cover ino the disposl container. Take care not to touch the needle. Holding the syringe with the needle pointing up helpsreduce the amount of medicine that may leak out of the needle.Double check for air bubbles.

Hold the syringe in the hand that you will use to inject yourself and insert the needle in the pinched skin at the previously prepared site.

Withdraw plunger of syringe to make sure you are not in a blood vessel. If blood is returned DO NOT INJECT INFERGEN. Withdraw syringe and get new syringe and reinject.

As you withdraw syringe, with other hand press alcohol sponge on injected site and press for a few seconds. Dispose of syringe in hard plastic container. The majority of this information has come from AMGEN, INC. Issured 11-30-98