Interferon Alfa
Side Effects
Side effects of treatment with interferon are common and may include:
- Flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, muscle aches, fever, chills, and fatigue. You may be able to feel better if you take the drug at bedtime along with a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol).
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Irritability.
- Insomnia.
- Depression.
- Low blood counts, which may increase your risk of infection or bleeding.
Rare side effects include:
- Confusion.
- Excessive amounts of protein in the urine.
- Hair loss.
- Suicidal behavior.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: December 17, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
