interferon alfa-n1 lymphoblastoid, a recombinant type 1 interferon. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat chronic hepatitis C infections. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Factors that prohibit its use include known hypersensitivity to alpha interferons and a history of anaphylactic reactions to bovine or ovine immunoglobulins, egg protein, polymyxin B, or neomycin sulfate. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects include granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Other adverse effects include ecchymosis and epistaxis. Common side effects include headache, fever, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, hostility, lability, nervousness, depression, confusion, abnormal thinking, amnesia, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting, back pain, alopecia, pruritus, rash, erythema, dry skin, pharyngitis, upper respiratory infection, cough, dyspnea, and bronchitis.
