Autoimmunity

INTRON® A works in several ways to fight cancer.

It may act directly against cancer cells by:

  • slowing their growth, or
  • shutting off cancer cells' ability to make new cancer cells

INTRON® A may also help the immune system work more effectively against cells that are not normal, such as cancer cells. (The immune system is a complex defense system the body has to deal with disease and infection.)

Sometimes, INTRON® A is so effective in boosting the immune system's response against cancer that the immune system also begins to affect normal, healthy cells. Healthy cells may be affected in the skin, the liver, the thyroid, and other areas of the body. If this happens, it is called "autoimmunity."

INTRON® A has been reported to exacerbate (make worse) autoimmune diseases that you may already have, such as psoriasis. Or new autoimmune diseases may occur during treatment. Speak with your doctor if you notice signs of autoimmunity or have other questions about it.

Autoimmunity
A condition in which a person's immune system starts reacting against his or her own tissues.
Cancer
A general term for more than 100 different diseases that involve the uncontrolled increase of abnormal new cells. These cells form tumors that can destroy surrounding tissue and spread throughout the body.
Immune system
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.
Psoriasis
A chronic disease of the skin marked by red patches covered with white scales.
Thyroid
A gland located beneath the voice box (larynx) that produces thyroid hormone. The thyroid helps regulate growth and metabolism.