Interferon Alfa-n3 Side Effects

Applies to interferon alfa-n3: injectable solution.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, chest tightness, wheezing, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain or pressure;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• blurred vision;

• a hoarse voice; or

• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;

• vomiting;

• fever, chills, flu-like symptoms; or

• joint or muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to interferon alfa-n3: injectable solution.

Musculoskeletal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (45%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, muscle cramps, stiff shoulders, arthralgia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Chills (87%), fever (81%), malaise (65%), influenza-like symptoms (30%), fatigue (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Left groin lymph node swelling, hot sensation on bottom of feet, fatigue, edema, shaking/shivering, ringing in the ears^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, tongue hyperesthesia, numbness, lightheadedness, tingling of legs/feet, numbness in hands, numbness in fingers^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (48%), vomiting (29%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia/heartburn, diarrhea, strange taste in mouth, increased salivation, sore mouth/stomatitis, dry mouth, mucositis, constipation, upset stomach, throat tightness^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased white blood cell count (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal hemoglobin level, abnormal platelet count^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, papular rash on neck, photosensitivity, herpes labialis, sweating^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, nervousness, insomnia, confusion, inability to concentrate^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nose/sinus drainage, pharyngitis, nosebleed, coughing^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Application site disorders (e.g., itching, pain) (12%), soreness at injection site (10%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Visual disturbances, blurred vision, pain on ocular rotation^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Dysuria^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Swollen lymph nodes^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Chest pain (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, vasovagal reaction, heat intolerance, hot flush, flushed face^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (68%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal alkaline phosphatase, thirst^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Interferon alfa-n3 side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer