peginterferon alfa-2a

What is the most important information I should know about peginterferon alfa-2a?

Tell your doctor about any new or worsening mood symptoms, such as feeling irritable, hostile, aggressive, depressed, or having thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

What is peginterferon alfa-2a?

Peginterferon alfa-2a is used alone or with other medicines to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children at least 5 years old.

Peginterferon alfa-2a is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B when the virus begins to damage the liver in adults and children at least 3 years old.

Peginterferon alfa-2a may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

• you are allergic to any type of interferon alfa; or
• you have autoimmune hepatitis, or severe liver damage.

When taking peginterferon alfa-2a with other medicine: To make sure all medicines are safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• both hepatitis B and hepatitis C, or HIV/AIDS;
• liver problems other than hepatitis B or C;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart attack;
• lung disease;
• diabetes, or a thyroid disorder;
• colitis (an intestinal disorder);
• cancer;
• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;
• low blood cell counts;
• a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia;
• an organ transplant;
• kidney disease;
• high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
• a drug or alcohol addiction; or
• depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Peginterferon alfa-2a may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or premature babies. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 1 year old.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

You should not take ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sex partner is pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of ribavirin.

Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ribavirin.

How should I use peginterferon alfa-2a?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Peginterferon alfa-2a is injected under the skin, usually once per week on the same day each week. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Peginterferon alfa-2a doses are based on body surface area (height and weight) in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child is still growing.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

You will need frequent medical tests. Your vision and lung function may also need to be checked.

Each vial (bottle), prefilled syringe, or auto-injector device is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Follow the package directions about letting your medicine reach room temperature before injecting your dose. Do not leave the medicine out of a refrigerator for longer than 24 hours.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular injection schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using peginterferon alfa-2a?

What are the possible side effects of peginterferon alfa-2a?

Peginterferon alfa-2a can cause life-threatening infections, autoimmune disorders, serious mood or behavior problems, or a stroke.

• severe stomach pain with bloody diarrhea;
• new or worsening cough, cough with yellow or pink mucus, trouble breathing;
• numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms or legs;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• sudden numbness or weakness, slurred speech, problems with balance;
• vision changes;
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• high or low blood sugar --headache, hunger, confusion, sweating, thirst, increased urination, weakness, fruity breath odor, feeling anxious or shaky, weight loss, or fainting;
• pancreatitis --severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting;
• thyroid problems --weight changes, skin changes, trouble concentrating, feeling hot or cold all the time; or
• worsening liver symptoms --swelling around your midsection, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, confusion, drowsiness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of consciousness.

Your next injection may be delayed if you have certain side effects.

Peginterferon alfa-2a can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, chills;
• muscle or joint pain;
• headache; or
• feeling weak or tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect peginterferon alfa-2a?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• methadone;
• telbivudine;
• theophylline; or
• any medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect peginterferon alfa-2a, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about peginterferon alfa-2a.