Peginterferon Alfa-2a (Subcutaneous Route)

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Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Black, tarry stools
• Chills
• Cough
• Discouragement
• Feeling sad or empty
• Fever
• Irritability
• Lack of appetite
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Tiredness
• Trouble with concentrating
• Trouble with sleeping
• Ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Bone pain
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Depressed mood
• Dizziness
• Dry skin and hair
• Fainting
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling cold
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Heart murmur
• Hives
• Hoarseness or husky voice
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps and stiffness
• Pale skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Slowed heartbeat
• Sneezing
• Stomach pain
• Tightness in the chest
• Troubled breathing with exertion
• Weight gain
• Wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Back pain
• Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• Cracked, dry, scaly skin
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Fear
• Feeling unusually cold, shivering
• Hair loss or thinning of the hair
• Muscle or joint pain
• Nervousness
• Numbness
• Pain
• Rash
• Redness
• Scarring
• Soreness
• Stinging
• Stomach pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Tingling
• Ulceration
• Vomiting
• Warmth

• Acid or sour stomach
• Belching
• Blurred vision
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Memory problems
• Stomach discomfort or upset

• Change of hearing
• Loss of hearing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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