Hazardous agent. Causes bone marrow suppression, including potentially severe cytopenias. Cardiovascular events (hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia, and tachyarrhythmias) reported (use with caution in pre-existing cardiac disease). Flu-like symptoms, including fever, are common. Gastrointestinal effects (GI hemorrhage, ulcerative and hemorrhagic/ischemic colitis) observed. Acute hypersensitivity reactions reported (rarely) with alpha interferons. Increases in serum creatinine and (rarely) renal failure reported. May cause severe psychiatric adverse events (e.g. depression, psychosis, mania, suicidal behavior/ideation) in patients with and without previous psychiatric symptoms (use with extreme caution in history of depression). Use with caution in seizure disorders, brain metastases, or compromised CNS function. Ocular effects occurred in patients receiving other alpha interferons (use caution in pre-existing ophthalmic disorders). Pancreatitis observed (occasionally fatal). Pulmonary effects might occur (use caution in history of pulmonary disease). Avoid use in history of autoimmune disorders (possible development or exacerbation of autoimmune disorders). Use contraindicated in autoimmune hepatitis. Use with caution in diabetes mellitus (hyperglycemia reported). Use with caution in hepatic impairment (risk for hepatic decompensation with alpha interferon therapy). May cause or aggravate fatal or life-threatening infectious disorders, or ischemic disorders. Use with caution in renal impairment, pre-existing thyroid disease, or chronically-immunosuppressed patients, including transplantation recipients.