Managing Flu-like Symptoms

Plan ahead for best results

If you know what kind of discomfort to expect, and when it's most likely to happen, you can help yourself be prepared.

When are flu-like symptoms likely to happen?

These are most likely to start within the first 2 weeks of treatment with INTRON® A. They may be most severe shortly after each dose.

What kinds of discomfort can you expect?

• Body ache, headache
• Chills that appear just before a fever
• Sudden fevers that may go as high as 102 to 104 degrees

What can you do to make yourself more comfortable?

• Plan to take your injection just before bedtime, which allows you to sleep through some of the most severe symptoms.
• Talk to your doctor about taking acetaminophen (often sold as Tylenol®), or another non-prescription pain medicine for the fevers and aches.
• Drink plenty of fluids before and after your injection.
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol. These can dry out your body and make symptoms worse.

Don't suffer in silence!

Be sure to discuss any of these symptoms with your health care team. Your doctor may decide to change your medication dose or even interrupt treatment until you feel better.