Interferon alfa-2b and Ravicti

• Generic Name: interferon alfa-2b
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Intron A

Interferon alfa-2b is made from human proteins. Interferons help your body's immune system respond to bacteria, viruses, cancer, or other invading substances.

Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, follicular lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma caused by AIDS, and certain types of genital warts. Interferon alfa-2b is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C in adults, and to treat chronic hepatitis B in children who are at least 1 year old.

Interferon alfa-2b may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: glycerol phenylbutyrate
• Dosage Forms: oral liquid
• Other Brand Names: Ravicti

Ravicti (glycerol phenylbutyrate) binds with other substances in the liver and kidneys to help eliminate nitrogen from the body. Excess nitrogen can cause hyperammonemia, a build-up of ammonia in the blood. Ammonia is very toxic when it circulates in blood and tissues and can cause permanent brain damage, coma, or death.

Ravicti helps prevent a build-up of ammonia in the blood in people with urea cycle disorder. This medicine is used in adults, children and infants. Ravicti will not treat hyperammonemia.

Ravicti is usually given together with a low-protein diet and sometimes dietary supplements.