Pegylated Interferon alpha-2a

Appears within hours to days after taking interferon

1. Flu-like symptoms (fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue)
2. Weakness
3. Bone pain
4. Psychiatric problems (subtle mood changes or a depressed mood that may affect a person's emotional state and social life)
5. Occasional patients may experience major depression
6. Skin reactions – injection site reactions; red, itchy rash

Appears within weeks to years after taking interferon

1. Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea
2. Hair loss
3. Autoimmune disorders e.g. thyroid problems
4. Abnormal liver function blood test results

Stop taking interferon and consult your doctor if you develop the following problems:

1. Severe depression (significant low mood, thoughts of hurting yourself)
2. Severe abdominal pain
3. High fever (>38°C)
4. Abnormal bleeding or bruising
5. Changes in your vision
6. Chest pain or breathlessness

​If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. If you wish to breastfeed, the pros and cons should be discussed with your doctor. Although interferon is excreted in breastmilk, the levels of interferon in breastfed babies whose mothers are on interferon are not increased.