Also Known As: Interferon, Roferon-A®
Interferon works by enhancing the body's defense mechanisms, slowing abnormal cell growth, and inhibiting the growth of viruses.
How It Is Given:
Subcutaneously (by injection into tissue just under the skin,SQ)
Intramuscularly (by injection into the muscle, IM)
Intravenously (into a vein, IV)
Early Side Effects:
- While on interferon, you will feel tired.
- Fever and chills, relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol®), can occur while taking this medicine.
- Muscle aches and headaches can occur. They are usually mild and are relieved with acetaminophen.
- Mild nausea and vomiting
Late Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- A decrease in blood counts
- Headaches
- Hepatitis
- A change in mood, especially depression
- Heart arrhythmias, irregular heart beats
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion, but it is rare.
- Thinning of your hair can occur after taking this medicine for a few weeks, but it is rare. If it does happen, your hair will grow back after the medication is stopped.
Special Points:
- Do not take any other medications unless they are prescribed by your doctor.
- Take two acetaminophen before taking interferon and every four hours as needed.
- Store the medication in the refrigerator, but do not freeze it.
- Do not shake the medication vial.
Call Your Doctor or Nurse If You Have:
- A fever of 100.5° F (38° C) or higher after taking acetaminophen.
- Severe fatigue.
- Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea.
- Easy bruising or bleeding that does not stop.
- Numbness or lack of coordination.
- Difficulty thinking clearly.
- Blurred vision.
- Depression.
- Any unexpected or unexplained problems.
- Any questions or concerns.
