interferon alfacon-1, a recombinant type 1 interferon. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat chronic hepatitis C infections. It is being used investigationally to treat hairy cell leukemia in combination with granulocyte colony–stimulating factor. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to alpha interferons or to products derived from Escherichia coli prohibit its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects include granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Other adverse effects include headache, rigors, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting, constipation, hemorrhoids, decreased salivation, musculoskeletal pain, dysmenorrhea, vaginitis, menstrual disorders, alopecia, pruritus, rash, erythema, tinnitus, earache, conjunctivitis, eye pain, granulocytopenia, ecchymosis, hypertension, palpitations, nervousness, depression, anxiety, emotional lability, abnormal thinking, upper respiratory infection, respiratory tract congestion, and bronchitis.
