Brand Name(s): Peg-Intron
Generic Name Peginterferon alfa-2b
What is peginterferon alfa-2b injection?
PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2b (PEG-Intron®) is a man-made protein. Natural interferons are produced to help the immune system fight viral infections and certain cancers. Peginterferon alfa-2b has similar actions to natural interferons and is used to treat hepatitis C infection. Generic peginterferon alfa-2b injections are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•autoimmune disease like Raynaud's phenomenon, rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus
•blood or bleeding disorders
•depression or other mental disorders
•diabetes
•eye problems or eye disease
•frequently drink alcohol containing beverages
•HIV infection
•heart or lung disease
•kidney disease
•psoriasis
•thyroid disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to interferons, E. coli, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Peginterferon alfa-2b is for injection under the skin. Injections can be given in the hospital or clinic, or by a home health-care nurse. If you are giving yourself the injections, make sure you follow the directions carefully. You can inject your dose at bedtime if you experience flu-like effects. Do not reuse syringes or needles. Dispose of needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, contact your health care provider for instructions and if you need to change your schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with peginterferon alfa-2b?
•chemotherapy
•methadone
•theophylline
•zidovudine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving peginterferon alfa-2b?
The side effects you may experience with peginterferon alfa-2b therapy depend upon the dose, other types of medicine given at the same time, and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•low blood counts - peginterferon alfa-2b may decrease the number of white blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding
•signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
•signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, and blood in the urine
•blurred vision or any changes in vision
•depression
•difficulty sleeping
•difficulty thinking or concentrating
•irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
•nervousness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•confusion
•cough
•diarrhea
•dry skin
•fever, chills following the injection
•hair loss
•headaches
•joint, leg, or back pain
•loss of appetite
•muscle aches
•nausea, vomiting
•skin rash, itching
•tiredness
What should I watch for while taking peginterferon alfa-2b?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular blood checks.
Do not change brands without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. Different brands of interferon can act differently in your body. Check with your pharmacist if your refills do not look like your original product.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how peginterferon alfa-2b affects you. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, increase confusion and lightheadedness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Peginterferon alfa-2b can cause flu-like symptoms and make you feel generally unwell. If you get a fever or sore throat that do not go away after the first few weeks of treatment, do not treat yourself. Report any side effects as above, but continue your medicine even though you feel ill unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you think you have an infection. Other signs of infection include cough, lower back or side pain, pain or difficulty passing urine.
Women who are able to have children should use effective birth control methods while receiving peginterferon alfa-2b.
Use disposable syringes only once. Place used syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Carefully follow the instructions for the specific product you are using.
Unopened Peg-Intron vials should be stored at room temperature (15—30 degrees C or 59—86 degrees F). Avoid exposure to heat. After mixing, use immediately. If needed, the solution but may be stored in the refrigerator (2—8 degrees C or 36—46 degrees F) for up to 24 hours. The solution contains no preservatives. Do NOT freeze.
Before use, the PEG-Intron Redipen should be stored at 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F). Do NOT freeze. The Peg-Intron Redipen is a single use pen and does not contain preservatives. After mixing, use immediately. If needed, it may be stored in the refrigerator (2—8 degrees C or 36—46 degrees F) for up to 24 hours. The solution contains no preservatives. Do NOT freeze. Do NOT reuse the Redipen™. Discard the unused portion.
Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:12/15/2005 |
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