All medicines can cause allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are very rare. Any sudden swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or swelling of
the face, lips, mouth or throat, which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing, should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Common side effects (probably affecting fewer than 1 in 10 people)
• nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), stomach ache and diarrhoea
• abnormal results in blood tests of liver function
Uncommon side effects (probably affecting fewer than 1 in 100 people)
• pain, inflammation, itching or swelling at the site of injection
• reduction in the number of white blood cells which makes infections more likely
• reduction in blood platelets which increases risk of bleeding or bruising
Rare side effects (probably affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 people)
• inflammation of the vagina
• scaling, itching, and redness of the skin (dermatitis)
• itching (pruritus) and rash
Very rare side effects (probably affecting fewer than 1 in 10,000 people)
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes caused by liver or blood problems (jaundice)
• serious illness with blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• red patches on the skin, often on the back of the hands and arms (Eythema multiforme)
If the injection is given too quickly, this may lead to low blood pressure and in rare cases to cardiac arrest (heart stops working).