Peginterferon alfa-2b (Systemic)

Brand Names : PEG-Intron

Side Effects of This Medicine

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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Abdominal pain; anxiety; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; bloody diarrhea; chills; cough or hoarseness; depression; fever; infection; irritability; lower back or side pain; mood swings; nausea; painful or difficult urination; pinpoint red spots on skin; trouble in sleeping; unusual bleeding or bruising; vomiting

Less common

Changes in menstrual cycle; constipation; drowsiness; dry hair and skin; sensitivity to cold; unusual tiredness or weakness; weight gain

Rare

Aching, pain, and/or stiffness in joints; aggressive behavior; attempt to kill yourself; backache; chest pain (severe); cool, pale skin; decrease in vision; diarrhea; difficulty speaking; dizziness; drug addiction or overdose; eye pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings; headache; hives or skin rash; itching of skin; loss of appetite; muscle weakness; nervousness; numbness or loss of feeling in one or both limbs on the same side of the body; palpitations; paralysis; possible decrease in amount of urine; restlessness; sensation of spinning; sensitivity to heat; sensitivity to sunlight; shortness of breath; sweating (excessive); thoughts of killing someone; thoughts of killing yourself; thick, scaly skin; trouble in sleeping; warm, smooth, moist skin; weight loss

Other 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. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

More common

Aching, fullness, or tension in sinuses; bruising, irritation, or itching at place of injection; flushing of skin; hair loss; indigestion; pain in bones or muscles; runny nose; sneezing; sore throat

Less common

Muscle rigidity or stiffness; pain at place of injection

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