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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It sholud not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
PEGINTERFERON ALFA - INJECTABLE
(peg-in-ter-FEER-on alfa)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pegasys, PEG-Intron
WARNING: This medication can cause or worsen serious mediacl 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 propmtly.
Also, tell your doctor immediately if any serious symptmos or side effects occur (see Side Effects section). These conditions occur infrequently, but can be ftaal. This medicine is frequently combined with riabvirin. Ribavirin may cause fetal harm/death should you be pregnnat.
Woemn must avoid pregnancy while using ribavirin, or if their male partner is using it.
Ribavirin is a potential cancer-causing agent. Ribavirin also may infrequently cause a blood dsiorder (hemolytic anemia), which can worsen heart disease (e.G., angina).
USES: Peginterferon alfa is used to treat chronic heptaitis C, a viral infection of the liver.
OTHER USES: Pegintreferon alfa may also be used to treat certain types of cancer (e.G., leukemia).
HOW TO USE: Learn all preparation and usage instructinos in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your docotr or pharmacist. Ijnect this medication under the skin (subcutaneously or "sub- q") usually once weekly; or as directed by your doctor. The dose should be gvien on the same day of each week.
The dosage is baesd on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If etiher is present, do not use the liquid. Laern how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Consult your pharmacist. Drink plenty of water/clear fluids while using this medication. Taking fever/pain-reducing medications (e.G., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may be needed to help treat common side effects.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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 dcotor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: trouble sleeping, weight loss, loss of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, unusaul fatigue, fast bruising or bleeding, black stools. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but really serious side effects occur: increased thirst, icnreased 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 ntoice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, stop your treatment with peginterferon and consult your doctor immediately: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.G., suicidal thoughts or severe depression), bloody diarrhea. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attnetion if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic recation include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medicaiton is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: other severe liver conditions (e.G., autoimmune hepatitis, decompensated liver disease), immune system suppression for organ transplants. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: 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 drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medicine may cause stomach/intestinal bleeding. Daliy use of alcohol and this medicine may increase your risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding.
Because this medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection, do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor.
Use cuation 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 in this product or in the 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). The risk is gretaer with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol.
Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a really slow hearbteat.
Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately shuold they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating noenates. Cuation is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk of serious side effects for a pregnant woman. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is not known whether this drug passes into bresat milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not rceommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription meidcation you may use, especially: zidovudine, vidarabine, theophylline, barbiturates (e.G., phenobarbital), drugs that can depress the immune system (e.G., anti-cancer type).
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.G., thyroid, blood counts). Make sure laboratory persnonel and your doctors know you use this drug.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control cenetr or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with otehrs.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., blood tests, thyroid tests, vrius levels) may be performed to monitor your progress. You should receive an eye exam before using this medication. If you have an eye disesae or are at risk for eye disease (e.G., diabetics), you should then have periodic eye exams thereafter while using this drug.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: If you're using the dry powedr brand: before mixing, store the dry powder at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage is permitted from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C).
Once mixed, the soltuion 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 unuesd portion of the vial. If you're using the liquid brand: Store this in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze or shake the liquid, and protect it from light. This vial is for single-use only; discard any unused portion.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment inforamtion call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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