What to Expect

A year of challenge and commitment

For most people, treatment for melanoma with INTRON® A takes about one year. Sticking with your treatment plan is critical. While your doctor will explain your individual treatment plan, here are some of the main things you may face during treatment.

The first month:

Getting used to treatment with lots of medical support

  • You'll receive five doses of INTRON® A weekly, given by infusion (a special kind of injection that takes about 20-30 minutes) at the doctor's office; your health care team will follow you closely and do lab tests at every office visit
  • Side effects begin; you and your health care team learn how your body reacts to treatment and how to manage side effects
  • You can build your support system and learn who to count on and how to ask for help

The next 48 weeks:

Learning your routine

  • Your routine switches to three injections each week; most people learn to give themselves injections at home; a friend or family member may be trained to help you with injections
  • Regular visits with your health care team track your progress and help you handle any issues that come up
  • Managing side effects becomes part of your routine; every person is different but the most common side effects include flu-like symptoms (aches, fever, pain), fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, alopecia, and mood changes such as depression
  • Side effects often lessen over time
  • You may need to find ways to stay motivated and stay on track with your treatment
  • Expand your support system as needed

Learn more about treatment with INTRON® A and managing side effects.

Fatigue
A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due to lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.
Infusion
A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous (IV) infusion.
Injection
Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot."
Melanoma
A highly malignant type of skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma usually begins in a mole.
Side effect
A result of drug or other therapy which is in addition to the desired therapeutic effect.