Pegasys (Peginterferon alfa-2a) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Hepatitis C »

Hepatitis C infection facts

HCV is one of several viruses that cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
Up to 85% of individuals who are initially (acutely) infected with HCV will fail to eliminate the virus and will become chronically infected.
HCV is spread most commonly through inadvertent exposure to infected blood. Intravenous drug abuse is the most common mode of transmission. The risk of acquiring HCV through sexual contact is low.
Generally, patients do not develop symptoms of chronic infection with HCV until they have extensive scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). Some individuals, however, may have fatigue and other non-specific symptoms in the absence of cirrhosis. A minority of patients with HCV have symptoms from organs outside of the liver.
In the U.S., Infection with HCV is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and the most common reason for liver transplantation.
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Pegasys Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to peginterferon alfa-2a, or if you have:

autoimmune hepatitis;
liver failure;
a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia;
if you are pregnant; or
if you are a man and your female sexual partner is pregnant.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

lung disease;
kidney disease;
liver problems other than hepatitis;
history of liver or other organ transplant;
a thyroid disorder;
colitis;
HIV or AIDS;
an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or psoriasis;
heart disease or prior heart attack;
a history of cancer;
a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Peginterferon alfa-2a may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use peginterferon alfa-2a without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.

Peginterferon alfa-2a is often used together with another medication called ribavirin (Copegus). Ribavirin is known to cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before taking these two medications together.

If you are a woman, do not use peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin if you are pregnant.
If you are a man, do not use peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin if your female sexual partner is pregnant. An unborn baby could also be harmed if a man fathers the child while he is taking ribavirin.
Use at least 2 effective forms of birth control while either sexual partner is using peginterferon alfa-2a with ribavirin. Keep using 2 forms of birth control for at least 6 months after treatment ends.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using peginterferon alfa-2a together with ribavirin.

It is not known whether peginterferon alfa-2a passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys)?

Peginterferon alfa-2a is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Peginterferon alfa-2a is usually given once per week. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw your peginterferon alfa-2a dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Peginterferon alfa-2a can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms while you are using peginterferon alfa-2a, and even after you stop using this medication. Your doctor may want to check your liver function more often if this happens.

Hepatitis is sometimes treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with hepatitis should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store this medication in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.

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