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Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant

Prescription
Biological Response Modifier / Antiviral Cytokine
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Recombinant human interferon alpha that activates JAK-STAT signaling, inducing antiviral proteins (Mx, OAS, PKR), enhancing NK cell activity, upregulating MHC class I expression, and inhibiting viral replication. Also has antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects.

At a glance

Class
Biological Response Modifier / Antiviral Cytokine
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; diluted oral solution frozen in aliquots stable 6 months at -20°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Low-dose oral (30 IU/day) for immune stimulation in papillomatosis and viral dis
Dose
1–50 IU
Route
PO (low-dose), SQ (high-dose)
Frequency
q24h
🐈

Cat

Low-dose oral IFN for feline calicivirus stomatitis, FeLV, FIV support
Dose
Route
PO, SQ
Frequency
q24h

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; diluted oral solution frozen in aliquots stable 6 months at -20°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

CBC with high-dose therapyHepatic enzymesClinical responseAntibody formation (loss of response)

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Roferon-A
Intron A

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant?
Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant is a biological response modifier / antiviral cytokine used in pets. Recombinant human interferon alpha that activates JAK-STAT signaling, inducing antiviral proteins (Mx, OAS, PKR), enhancing NK cell activity, upregulating MHC class I expression, and inhibiting viral replication. Also has antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects.
What is Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant used for in pets?
Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant is used in veterinary medicine for: Low-dose oral (30 IU/day) for immune stimulation in papillomatosis and viral dis; Low-dose oral IFN for feline calicivirus stomatitis, FeLV, FIV support.
What is the Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant dose for dogs?
For dogs, Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant is typically dosed as follows — Low-dose oral (30 IU/day) for immune stimulation in papillomatosis and viral dis: 1–50 IU PO (low-dose)/SQ (high-dose) q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant dose for cats?
For cats, Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant is typically dosed as follows — Low-dose oral IFN for feline calicivirus stomatitis, FeLV, FIV support: undefined undefined PO/SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant need a prescription?
Yes. Interferon Alfa, Human Recombinant is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →