Pegasys - Peginterferon Alfa - Injectable Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Pegasys.
• Pegasys, PEG-Intron
• peg-in-ter-FEER-on alfa

Overdose

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

What To Do In Case Of Medical Emergency

• Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
• For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Pegasys Miscellaneous Notes

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

Possible Side Effects

• Flu-like symptoms (for example, 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 doctor promptly.
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur.

Pegasys Storage Instructions

• If you are using the dry powder brand.

Warning

• This medication can cause or worsen some serious medical conditions including psychiatric conditions (for example, depression), immune system problems (autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), circulation problems (for example, cardiovascular disease/blood clots), or infections (bone marrow suppression).
• If your medical history includes these conditions, inform your doctor promptly.
• Also, tell your doctor 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 may cause fetal harm/death should you be pregnant.
• Women 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 disorder (hemolytic anemia), which can worsen heart disease (for example, angina).

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

Other Medicinal Applications

• Peginterferon alfa may also be used to treat certain types of cancer (for example, leukemia).

Usage Instructions

• Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package.
• If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously or "sub- q") usually once weekly; or as directed by your doctor.
• The dose should be given on the same day of each week.
• The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy.
• Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
• If either is present, do not use the liquid.
• Learn 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 (for example, acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may be needed to help treat common side effects.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially.

Read Before Using Pegasys (precautions)

• This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions.

Medicinal Applications

• Peginterferon alfa is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver.