Interferons are prescribed to treat several conditions, including Hepatitis C. These medicines may cause some serious side effects in case of long term use. You may wonder what are the side effects are to be experienced after taking these medicine. Here, in this article we are trying to explain the side effects of interferons for long term use and how it works in the treatment of Hepatitis C.
More common long-term side effects
The more common long-term side effects of interferons are typically less severe. These side effects can include:
- Swelling or other reactions at the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, and weakness
- Chills
- Fever
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irritability or other mood changes
- Muscle pain
- Low levels of white blood cells
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
Other serious long-term side effects
Including these side effects, interferons also can cause other type of long term side effects. This is because; interferons can suppress the bone marrow activities. Thus, blood cells productions are lower than normal state. This reduced level of blood count may cause several long term side effects, including:
Increased infections
Your white blood cells fight infections. Having low levels of these cells can cause more frequent infections. Symptoms of increased infections can include:
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Burning feeling when urinating
- Body aches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Worsened symptoms of old infections such as herpes or fungal infections, including pain and itching
Anemia
Your red blood cells carry oxygen to other cells throughout your body. Reduced levels of red blood cells can cause anemia. Symptoms of anemia can include:
- tiredness
- weakness
- pale skin
- shortness of breath
- irregular heart rhythm
Bleeding problems
Your platelets help your blood clot. Reduced levels of these cells can cause bleeding problems. Symptoms of bleeding problems can include:
- Increased bruising
- Increased bleeding from cuts
- Bleeding from your gums or nose
- Tiny reddish-purple spots on your skin
- Tiredness