Important information
What should you know about taking ReciGen®?
Before using ReciGen®, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, heart disease, chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, or a history of depression or suicidal behavior.
Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Stop using ReciGen® if you have symptoms of depression (sadness, crying, and loss of interest in things you once liked) or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself.
To make sure ReciGen® is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- heart disease, chest pain (angina);
- a bleeding disorder or history of blood clots;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- a history of depression or suicidal behavior.
What other drugs could affect ReciGen®?
If you take other medicines, supplements and herbal products or herbs consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to use ReciGen®?
ReciGen® is injected under the skin. It is usually given 3 times per week (such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) at the same time on each dosing day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
ReciGen® comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use a different place on your body each time you give the ReciGen® injection. Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Use a disposable needle only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Is ReciGen® safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
ReciGen® may cause harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What happens if you miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose?
Use ReciGen® exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Side Effects
What are some side effects of ReciGen®?
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to ReciGen®: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
fever, chills, body aches, chest pain, flu symptoms; pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; severe pain, swelling, bruising, redness, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given; changes in your vision; seizure (convulsions); feeling hot or cold, unexplained weight changes; kidney problems - blood in your urine, swelling or rapid weight gain, little or no urination; signs of a serious blood cell disorder - confusion, feeling tired or irritable, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting; liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common ReciGen® side effects may include:
- stomach pain;
- flu symptoms;
- headache, drowsiness;
- abnormal liver function tests; or
- minor irritation where the injection was given.