Peginterferon Alfa-2a Injection (PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A - INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine is used by injecting it into the skin. Please ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for the correct places on your body where this medicine can be injected.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

The liquid should be clear or light yellow.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

Do not shake the medicine before using.

Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. If frozen, throw away.

Protect medicine from light.

Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 5 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.

Injecting cold drug may be uncomfortable.

Discard unused medicine after 24 hours at room temperature.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.

To relieve dry mouth, chew gum, suck on hard candy/ice chips, drink extra water, or use a saliva substitute.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Pain or fever reducers may relieve some side effects. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Visit your dentist regularly. Proper care of your teeth is very important while taking this medicine. Brush your teeth and floss regularly.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not use more than 1 dose each week.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fever or chills
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• anger or hostile feelings
• bleeding or bruising
• change in blood sugar level
• blurry vision
• chest pain
• cough that does not go away
• depression or feeling sad
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• fast or irregular heart beats
• high blood pressure
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• joint or muscle pain
• shortness of breath
• severe stomach pain that spreads to the back
• dark, tarry stool
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• suicidal thoughts
• blood in urine
• sudden change or loss of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.