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

Interferon comes in pre-filled syringes. How it is given:

1. Clean a selected area of skin (usually on the abdomen or thighs) with an alcohol swab
2. Pinch the cleaned area and insert the needle of the syringe at a 45° angle with the bevel (sloping tip of the needle) facing up
3. Depress the plunger to the required amount and pull out the needle 
4. Dispose the needle and syringe immediately after injection into a sturdy glass or hard plastic container and keep away from children
5. It is important to change the site each time you inject interferon

​If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it has been more than two days, contact your doctor for advice. The next dose should be given according to your normal schedule. Do not take extra doses to make up for the missed dose.

​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.