Interferon Alfa-n3 Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider. The flu-like side effects of interferon may be stressful to heart patients.

• If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Feeling tired or weak.

• Low white blood cell count.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Sudden change in vision, eye pain, or irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.