(peg in ter FEAR on AL fa 2 b) Brand: PegIntron, PegIntron Redipen, Sylatron
• You must not use this medicine if you are allergic to peginterferon alfa-2b or another alfa interferons, or if you have autoimmune hepatitis, liver failure, severe kidney malady, a hemoglobin blood cell mess, or if you are pregnant or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b is often used together with other medicine called ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere), which is known to reason birth defects or death in an unborn child. Do not use peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your female sexual partner is pregnant.
• Before using peginterferon alfa-2b, speak your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
• Stop using peginterferon alfa-2b and call your doctor at once if you have severe or worsening symptoms such as: confusion, depression, weary feeling, anxiety, aggression, tremors, muscle twitching, seizure, unusual thoughts or behavior, or thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Once you have had this type of reaction to peginterferon alfa-2b, you should never use it again.
• There are much another medicines that can interact with peginterferon alfa-2b. Speak your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b is made from human proteins that help the body fight viral infections.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b is used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults. Peginterferon alfa-2b is often used in combination with other medicine called ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere) to treat hepatitis C in adults and children who are at least 3 years old.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b may be used in combination with boceprevir (Victrelis) or telaprevir (Incivek) to treat hepatitis C in adults. The Sylatron brand of peginterferon alfa-2b is used to treat melanoma (skin cancer) after surgery.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b may also be used for purposes not listed in this medicine guide.
• You must not use this medicine if you are allergic to peginterferon alfa-2b or another alfa interferons (Intron A, Rebetron, Alferon N, Infergen, Pegasys), or if you have:
· autoimmune hepatitis;
· liver failure;
· severe kidney disease;
· a hemoglobin blood cell mess such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia;
· if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant.
• To create certain this medication is safety for you, speak your doctor if you have:
· lung disease;
· hepatitis B, or liver problems another than hepatitis;
· a thyroid disorder;
· uncontrolled diabetes;
· new or worsening problems with your eyes;
· cancer;
· HIV or AIDS;
· pancreatitis or ulcerative colitis;
· heart malady, tall blood pressure, tall cholesterol or triglycerides, or a history of heart onslaught, or stroke;
· dental problems or gum disease;
· an allergy causing severe reaction;
· history of organ transplant;
· anemia (low red blood cells) caused by taking ribavirin (Rebetol);
· any blood cell mess causing bleeding episodes, infections, or fever-related illness;
· an autoimmune mess such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or psoriasis; or
· a history of drug or alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b may be deleterious to an unborn child. Do not use peginterferon alfa-2b without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b is often used together with other medicine called ribavirin. Ribavirin is known to reason birth defects or death in an unborn child. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test till taking these two medications together and each month during your treatment.
· If you are a woman, do not use peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you are pregnant.
· If you are a man, do not use peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if your female sexual partner is pregnant. An unborn child could also be harmed if a man fathers the baby while he is taking ribavirin.
· Use at least 2 effective forms of birth control while either sexual partner is using peginterferon alfa-2b with ribavirin. Hold using 2 forms of birth control for at least 6 months after treatment ends.
· Speak your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using peginterferon alfa-2b together with ribavirin.
• It is not known whether peginterferon alfa-2b passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing child. You must not breast-feed while you are using this medicine.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b can affect growth in children. Conversation with your doctor if you think your baby is not growing at a usual course while using this medication.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at house. Do not self inject this medication if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b is generally given once for week. Your doctor may occasionally change your doze to create certain you get the excellent results from this medicine. If you are being treated with combination therapy, you will also take ribavirin (Rebetol) capsules or liquid by mouth each day. Ribavirin must be taken with food.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b is a powder medication that should be mixed with a liquid (diluent) till using it. If you are using the injections at house, be certain you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.
• Do not shake the injection pen or vial (bottle) or you may ruin the medication. Prepare your doze in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.
• You may need regular medical trials to be certain this medicine is not causing deleterious effects. You may also need regular eye exams. Visit your doctor regularly.
• Store the PegIntron Redipen in a refrigerator. Do not let the medication to freeze.
• Store PegIntron or Sylatron vials (bottles) at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Do not reuse a vial or injection pen.
• Mixed medication may be stored in the refrigerator but you should use it within 24 hours after mixing. Do not freeze or save any unused mixture.
• Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed doze, then go back to your regular schedule on the day your following doze is due. If you are more than 2 days late in using your injection, call your doctor for instructions. Do not use extra medication to create up a missed dose.
• Search abnormal medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
• Treatment with this medicine does not prevent spread of the hepatitis virus to another people. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to prevent passing the malady to other person.
• Get abnormal medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your person, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using peginterferon alfa-2b and call your doctor at once if you have severe or worsening symptoms such as: confusion, depression, weary feeling, anxiety, aggression, tremors, muscle twitching, seizure, unusual thoughts or behavior, or thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Once you have had this type of reaction to peginterferon alfa-2b, you should never use it again.
• Stop using peginterferon alfa-2b and call your doctor at once if you have:
· vision problems;
· quick heart course, feeling like you might pass out;
· fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, light bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
· tall fever with severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea;
· pain or burning when you urinate;
· severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, quick heart rate;
· cough with mucus, feeling short of breath, chest pain, uneven heartbeats;
· sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision, speech, or balance; or
· new or worsening liver symptoms (upper stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice).
• Another general side effects may include:
· headache, joint or muscle pain;
· nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss;
· dizziness, sleep problems (insomnia), feeling mildly anxious, depressed, or irritable; or
· pain, redness, swelling, or irritation where the medication was injected.
• This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may message side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
• Much drugs can interact with peginterferon alfa-2b. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Speak your doctor about all medicines you use, and any you start or stop using during treatment with peginterferon alfa-2b, especially:
· a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin;
· fosphenytoin or phenytoin;
· methadone;
· ADHD medicine such as Adderall, Ritalin, and others;
· rifampin;
· telbivudine;
· voriconazole;
· an antidepressant or anti-psychotic medication;
· cancer medication;
· cough medication (prescription or over-the-counter);
· diabetes medications you take by mouth;
· heart or blood pressure medication;
· HIV or AIDS medication;
· medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection; or
· a sulfa drug.
• This list is not complete and much another drugs can interact with peginterferon alfa-2b. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal commodity. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
• Your pharmacist can provide more information about peginterferon alfa-2b.
Remember, hold this and all another medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.
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