Interferon Alfa-N3 Injectable Solution (INTERFERON ALFA - INJECTION)

Instructions

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Do not mix this medicine with other solutions.

Always inspect the medicine before using.

The liquid should be clear and colorless.

Do not use the medicine if it contains any particles or if it has changed color.

Do not shake the medicine before using.

Store new medicine in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Do not allow them to freeze.

If the medicine becomes frozen, you will need to throw it away.

Protect medicine from light.

Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.

Injecting cold drug may be uncomfortable.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.

Avoid injecting the medicine within 2 inches around the navel.

Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen or itchy.

Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.

Do not rub or massage the area where the injection was given.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

To relieve dry mouth, chew gum, suck on hard candy/ice chips, drink extra water, or use a saliva substitute.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Pain or fever reducers may relieve some side effects. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

Visit your dentist regularly. Proper care of your teeth is very important while taking this medicine. Brush your teeth and floss regularly.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

This medicine may cause serious bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you see any signs of bleeding. Bleeding can cause pain in the stomach, vomiting up liquid that looks like coffee grounds, and red or dark tarry stools.

There is an increased risk of bleeding while on this medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any excessive bleeding or bruising.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Speak with your doctor before taking any medicine with aspirin.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

After being on this medication, speak with your doctor about any new, unusual or strong thoughts or feelings.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

Men and women should continue using birth control for at least six months after finishing this medicine.

Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with breathing difficulties.

Call your doctor right away if you notice slow or shallow breathing.

Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• decreased appetite
• back pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• lack of energy and tiredness
• flu-like symptoms
• hair loss
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• changes in taste or unpleasant taste

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• bleeding that is severe or takes longer to stop
• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• confusion
• depression or feeling sad
• swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fever or chills
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• severe or persistent headache
• fast or irregular heart beats
• irritability
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• memory problems or loss
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• mood changes
• seizures
• shakiness
• shortness of breath
• dark, tarry stool
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• difficulty adjusting to changes in temperature
• persistent or unusual thirst
• increased urinary frequency
• blurring or changes of vision
• weight loss

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.