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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dizziness And Headaches After Receiving An Interferon Alfa Shot?

I had been injecting Interferon alpha for 8 months... starting at 300,000 I.U. daily and moving up to 800,000 I.U. daily. I was taking it to manage polycythemia vera. At first I had no reaction to it. However, when I reached 800,000 I.U.s daily, I started feeling disoriented, dizzy, had terrible ongoing headaches, poor memory, shaking of hands, extreme lethargy. Never had the flu-like symptoms that apparently are common with this med. I also developed muscle spasms in my back. I stopped taking the Interferon and hoped that the symptoms would subside. However, the muscle spasms in my back and headaches persisted. Now, after being off the drug for 7 days, the symptoms haven t stopped. I was prescribed cyclobenzaprine for the spasms but had a terrible reaction to it -- almost like I was having a stroke! Continue to be off balance and have the shakes so bad I can t write well. This is awful as I have to run my own business among other things. The spasms won t stop nor have the shakes and balance issues. The headaches have subsided some. I take aspirin daily to help. Do you have any suggestions to get rid of the spasms and other remaining neurological symptoms? My email is YYYY@YYYY
Thu, 29 Nov 2018
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello,

It could be due to peripheral vasodilation secondary to allergic reaction.

If symptoms persist, it is better to consult a physician and get evaluated.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain,
General & Family Physician
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What Causes Dizziness And Headaches After Receiving An Interferon Alfa Shot?

Hello, It could be due to peripheral vasodilation secondary to allergic reaction. If symptoms persist, it is better to consult a physician and get evaluated. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician