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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving interferon alfa-n3 (Alferon N)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons, or if you are allergic to eggs or mouse proteins.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use interferon alfa-n3:

• heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain);
• severe lung disease such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
• diabetes;
• bone marrow suppression;
• a seizure disorder; or
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether interferon alfa-n3 is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether interferon alfa-n3 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Interferon alfa-n3 is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

How is interferon alfa-n3 given (Alferon N)?

Interferon alfa-n3 is injected directly into each genital wart lesion. You will receive this injection in a clinic setting.

Interferon alfa-n3 injections are usually given 2 times per week for up to 8 weeks.

Your lesions may only partially clear up by the end of your 8-week treatment. However, you may continue to notice improvement even after your treatment ends.

Tell your doctor if your warts do not completely clear up within 3 months after your last injection of interferon alfa-n3.

To reduce or prevent certain side effects, your doctor may recommend you take acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the time of your interferon alfa-n3 injections. Follow your doctor's instructions about the correct dose.

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