High-Dose Interferon Alfa-2b (Intron A) for Melanoma

Overview
Intron A is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment for melanoma, along with several other health conditions. For melanoma, it’s specifically indicated as adjuvant to surgical treatment in people 18 and older with malignant melanoma — within 56 days of surgery — who are free of disease but at high risk for systemic recurrence. Intron A is also known by its drug name, interferon alfa-2b.

Intron A falls into a group of drugs known as immunomodulators. It works by targeting specific receptors on cell membranes, leading to a series of actions that slow down cell growth, boost the body’s defense mechanism, and prevent viruses from multiplying in cells.

How do I take it?
Intron A can be administered as an injection subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly (into a muscle), intravenously (directly into a vein), or intralesionally (into the lesion itself). The medication comes in two forms: as a powder mixed with sterile water for injection or as a solution.

For treating malignant melanoma, according to the prescribing information, Intron A is generally first injected intravenously for five consecutive days for four weeks, then subcutaneously three times per week for 48 weeks. The dosage and frequency of Intron A are determined based on the specific medical condition and are prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Intron A include flu-like symptoms, headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, thinning of hair; and injection-reactions including swelling, pain, and burning.

Rare but serious side effects include blood problems; vision changes; thyroid issues; blood sugar issues; lung problems including difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure); severe liver problems, including liver failure and death; allergic reactions and skin issues including itching, swelling, breathing difficulties, chest pain, fainting, skin rash, hives, and blistering; pancreatitis and colitis; new or worsening autoimmune diseases; peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage); and growth problems in children.

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Label: Intron A — Interferon Alfa-2b Kit — DailyMed

Interferon Alfa-2b Injection — MedlinePlus