Interferons Drug Names
“interferons” are in the name
Interferons Therapeutic Action
- Preventing virus particles from replicating inside other cells
- Stimulating interferon receptor sites on noninvaded cells to produce antiviral proteins
- Inhibiting tumor growth and replication
Interferons Indication
- Cancer Treatment
Interferons Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindications
- Known allergy
- Pregnancy and lactation
Cautions
* Use with caution in cardiac disease, myelosuppression, and with central nervous system dysfunction
Interferons Adverse Effects
Lethargy, myalgia, arthralgia, anorexia, nausea, headache, dizziness, bone marrow depression
Interferons:
Assessment
Assessment
History and physical exam
Assess for contraindications and cautions: Known allergies, pregnancy or lactation, history of hepatic, renal, or cardiac disease; bone marrow depression; leukemic states; and CNS disorders
Skin lesions, weight, monitor temperature, check heart rate and rhythm and blood pressure, orientation and reflexes
Obtain a baseline ECG
Monitor the results of laboratory tests
Interferons:
Diagnosis
Dignosis
Acute pain related to CNS, GI, and flu-like effects
Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to flu-like effects
Anxiety related to diagnosis and drug therapy
Deficient knowledge regarding drug therapy
Interferons:
Implmentation
Implementation
- Arrange for laboratory tests before and periodically during therapy
- Administer drug as indicated; instruct the patient and a significant other if injections are required
- Monitor for severe reactions
- Instruct female patients in the use of barrier contraceptives to avoid pregnancy
- Provide patient teaching
Interferons:
Evaluation
Evaluation
- Monitor patient response to the drug (improvement in condition being treated)
- Monitor for adverse effects (flu-like symptoms, GI upset, CNS changes, bone marrow depression)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching plan
- Monitor the compliance with the regimen
