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Peginterferon alfa is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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peg-Intron
Uses
Peginterferon alfa is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver.
Storage
- If you are using the dry powder brand: before mixing, store the dry powder at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Brief storage is permitted from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C).
- Once mixed, the solution should be used immediately but may be stored up to 24 hours refrigerated (36 to 46 degrees F and 2 to 8 degrees C).
- Do not freeze.
- Discard any unused portion of the vial.
- If you are using the liquid brand: Store this in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
- Do not freeze or shake the liquid, and protect it from light.
- This vial is for single-use only; discard any unused portion.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Photos
Download This Image - PEG-INTRON |
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Efficacy of Low-Dose Peg-Intron |
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Peg-Intron plus ribavirin. |
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PEGINTRON REDIPEN product group |
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(Peginterferonum alfa-2b) |
How To Use
- Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package.
- If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Inject Peg-Intron 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 Peg-Intron.
- Taking fever/pain-reducing medications (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may be needed to help treat common side effects.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
- Flu-like symptoms (e.g., 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: trouble sleeping, weight loss, loss of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, unusual fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, black stools.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: increased thirst, increased urination, vision problems, chest pain, unusually fast/slow or irregular heartbeat, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, change in amount of urine, seizures, one-sided weakness.
- If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, stop your treatment with peginterferon and consult your doctor immediately: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., suicidal thoughts or severe depression), bloody diarrhea.
- An allergic reaction to Peg-Intron is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Peg-Intron is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: other severe liver conditions (e.g., autoimmune hepatitis, decompensated liver disease), immune system suppression for organ transplants.
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression), low blood counts (e.g., red cells, white cells, or platelets), heart problems, thyroid problems, lung diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma, pneumonia), intestinal disease (e.g., colitis), pancreatitis, immune system diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), eye problems, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, brain tumors, seizures, any allergies.
- Peg-Intron may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.
- Peg-Intron may cause stomach/intestinal bleeding.
- Daily use of alcohol and Peg-Intron may increase your risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding.
- Because Peg-Intron can lower your body s ability to fight an infection, do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose without first washing your hands.
- Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor.
- Use caution with sharp objects (e.g., razors, nail cutters) and avoid activities that would increase your risk of getting bruised, cut, or injured.
- A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period).
- The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol.
- Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat.
- Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur.
- If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates.
- Caution is advised when using Peg-Intron in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Peg-Intron.
- Peg-Intron is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk of serious side effects for a pregnant woman.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
- It is not known whether Peg-Intron passes into breast milk.
- Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Peg-Intron is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: zidovudine, vidarabine, theophylline, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), drugs that can depress the immune system (e.g., anti-cancer type).
- This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., thyroid, blood counts).
- Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Peg-Intron.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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| User Medicine Opinions for peg-Intron |
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| Overall: |
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| Low adverse
Reactions |
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| Healing
Power: |
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| No dependency problems: |
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| Cost-Benefit: |
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Sex:
F
Age: 38
Time Taken:
6 months days
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| Reason: Hep C |
Date:
8 October 2007 |
Side Effects
Could go on forever. Serious flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, chills, muscle and joint pain, severe fatigue, nausea, vomitting). Also extreme weight loss, loss of appetite, hair loss (thinning), dry skin and rash, vision problems (could not read more than a few sentences at a time due to blurred vision and inability to focus my eyes). Also experienced insomnia, low white blood cells, low red blood cells, bruising, loss of menstrual periods : ), bleeding gums, dental problems, (had my second cavity during my lifetime), depression and thoughts of suicide. Generally, just complete misery. I did, however, clear the virus!! 5 years later, I still have lots of immune problems that are probably due to taking this medication. I'm trying to research that.
Additional
Thoughts
Hey, it worked. I'm free of the Hep C virus. In retrospect, I don't know if I'd do it again. Probably.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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