Interferon Alfa-n3 Side Effects
Applies to interferon alfa-n3: injectable solution.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Call your doctor if your genital warts do not completely clear up within 3 months after your last injection of interferon alfa-n3.
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:
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chest pain or pressure;
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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blurred vision;
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a hoarse voice; or
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low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough.
Common side effects may include:
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fever, chills, flu-like symptoms; or
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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
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]
References
1. (2022) "Product Information. Alferon N (interferon alfa-n3)." Interferon Sciences Inc
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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.