Peginterferon Alfa-2b Overview

(peg in ter FEER on AL fa too bee)

PegIntron®; PegIntron® Redipen®

PegIntron®

Pegtron

Interferon

• Alpha interferons may cause or worsen diseases of the mind. Suicide, ideas of suicide or homicide, depression, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, psychoses, and relapse of drug addiction have occurred with use. Alpha interferons may cause or worsen infections, circulation problems, and certain autoimmune diseases. If you suspect any of these problems, call healthcare provider right away. Side effects such as low blood pressure, fast heartbeats, and heart attacks have occurred while taking alpha interferons. In patients with severe or worsening signs and symptoms of these conditions, the medicine should be stopped. Problems are usually corrected after you stop the medicine.

• Do not take this medicine with ribavirin if you are pregnant.

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• Please read the medication guide.

• If you have an allergy to peginterferon alfa-2b or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Autoimmune hepatitis or liver disease.

• If you have had a transplant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

• Peginterferon alfa-2b helps the body's immune system fight viral infections.

• This medicine can be used alone or in combination with another medicine called ribavirin.

• This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.

• Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.

• The shot is usually given once a week for a year.

• If a response is not seen after 3-6 months of therapy, the medicine is usually stopped.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• Follow instructions closely if you or a family member are giving the shot at home.

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Throw syringe away after single use. Do not reuse.

• Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and call healthcare provider for instructions.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Check weight weekly. Report a weight loss to healthcare provider.

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

• Store vials at room temperature.

• Store Redipen® syringes in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

• Do not shake.

• Throw away any unused portion of opened vial after use.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 14:53:49.0

Modified: 2010-03-19 13:08:54.0

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