How is peginterferon beta-1a given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Peginterferon beta-1a is injected under the skin or into a muscle, usually once every 2 weeks. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it.
Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject peginterferon beta-1a. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
About 2 hours after your injection, check for skin redness, swelling, or pain where you gave the injection. Call your doctor if you have a skin reaction that does not go away within a few days.
Peginterferon beta-1a can cause flu-like symptoms. Your doctor may recommend taking a pain reliever or fever reducer such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) on the days you receive your injections.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Store this medicine in the original container in the refrigerator, protected from light.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 minutes before using. Do not warm the medicine under hot water.
You can also store peginterferon beta-1a for a short time at cool room temperature protected from light. Do not leave the medicine out of a refrigerator for longer than a total of 30 days, including all times it has been taken out of and put back into a refrigerator.
Do not freeze peginterferon beta-1a, and throw away the medicine if it has become frozen.
Throw away a prefilled syringe or injection pen after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.