Warning: the details is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise & judgment & judgment about your physician. it should not be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective since you. Consult your physician before using this med.

Peginterferon alfa - injectable

(peg-in-ter-feer-on alfa)

common brand names: Pegasys, PEG-Intron

Warning: this medication may cause or worsen some serious medical conditions including psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression), immune system problems (autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), circulation problems (e.g., cardiovascular disease/blood clots), or infections (bone marrow suppression). If your medical history includes these conditions, inform your doctor promptly. Also, tell you're pharmacist immediately if any serious symptoms or side effects occur (see Side Effects section). These conditions occur infrequently, but some can be fatal. this medicine is frequently combined with ribavirin. Ribavirin can cause fetal harm/death should you be pregnant. gir must avoid pregnancy while using ribavirin, or if they're male partner is using this. Ribavirin is a potential cancer-causing agent. Ribavirin also may infrequently cause blood disorder (hemolytic anemia), which can worsen heart disease (e.g., angina).

Pegasys Usage: Peginterferon alfa is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, viral infection about the liver.

Pegasys can be used also since: Peginterferon alfa may also be used to treat certain types about cancer (e.g., leukemia).

How to use Pegasys: Learn all preparation & usage instructions in product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or physician. Inject this medication under skin (subcutaneously or 'sub- q') usually once weekly; or as directed by your doctor. dose should be given on same day of each week. the dosage is based on some your weight, medical condition, & response to therapy. Before using, money it product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store & discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult youre pharmacist. Drink plenty of water/clear fluids while using it med. Taking fever/pain-reducing meds (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may be needed to help treat common side effects. Consult your physician or healthcare professional.

Pegasys side effects: Flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, headache, nausea, cough, vomiting, chills, fatigue, muscle aches/pain, stomach pain), hair loss, diarrhea, flushing, dizziness, or redness/swelling/pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your pharmacist promptly. Tell youre doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: trouble sleeping, weight loss, loss about appetite, severe stomach/abdominal pain. Tell you're healthcare professional immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, unusual fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, black stools. Tell youre physician immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: increased thirst, increased urination, vision problems, chest pain, unusually fast/slow or irregular heartbeat, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, change in amount of urine, seizures, one-sided weakness. If you notice any of the next unlikely but serious side effects, stop your treatment with peginterferon & consult you're doctor immediately: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., suicidal thoughts or severe depression), bloody diarrhea. An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely, but seek immediate doctor attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact some your physician or pharmacist.

Pegasys Precautions: this med is not recommended for use if you have the next medical conditions: other severe liver conditions (e.g., autoimmune hepatitis, decompensated liver disease), immune system suppression for organ transplants. Tell your doctor some your medical history, especially about: psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression), low blood counts (e.g., red cells, white cells, or platelets), heart problems, thyroid problems, lung diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma, pneumonia), intestinal disease (e.g., colitis), pancreatitis, immune system diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), eye problems, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, brain tumors, seizures, any allergies. this med may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. this medicine can cause stomach/intestinal bleeding. per day use of alcohol & it medicine may increase your risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding. Because this medication can lower youre body's ability to fight an infection, do not touch youre eyes or inside of your nose without 1-st washing your hands. do not have immunizations/vaccinations with out the consent of your physician. Use caution with sharp objects (e.g., razors, nail cutters) and avoid activities that would increase your risk of getting bruised, cut, or injured. a preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found at this product or in liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, LBP, or very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to physician immediately should they occur. If possible, preservative-free product must be used when treating neonates. Caution is advised when using it drug at the elderly because they may be more sensitive to effects about medication. this medication isn't recommended for use during pregnancy due to risk about serious side effects for pregnant woman. Consult your physician for more details. It's not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of potential risk to infant, breast-feeding while using this drug isnt recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Pegasys medication interactions: Tell your pharmacist of all prescription & nonprescription medication you may use, especially: zidovudine, vidarabine, theophylline, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), medications that can depress immune system (e.g., anti-cancer type). this product can affect results about certain lab tests (e.g., thyroid, blood counts). Make sure laboratory personnel & your doctors know you use this drug. do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Pegasys Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Pegasys special notes: do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood tests, thyroid tests, virus levels) may be performed to monitor your progress. You should receive an eye exam before using this drug. If you have an eye disease or are in risk for eye disease (e.g., diabetics), you should then have periodic eye exams thereafter while using this drug.

If you missed Pegasys dose: If you miss dose, contact youre physician or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

Pegasys Storage: If you are using dry powder brand: before mixing, store dry powder at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light & moisture. Brief storage is permitted from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). 1 time mixed, solution should be used immediately but may be stored up to 24 hours refrigerated (36 to 46 degrees F and 2 to 8 degrees C). do not freeze. Discard any unused portion of the vial. If you are using liquid brand: Store this in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). do not freeze or shake liquid, & protect it from light. this vial is for single-use only; discard any unused portion.

Medical alert: your condition can cause complications in medical emergency.

Active Ingredients : Peginterferon Alfa