What is Peginterferon beta 1a?
Peginterferon beta-1a can be used for treating relapsing cases of MS (including the syndrome that is clinically isolated as well as relapsing-remitting diseases as well as active progressive diseases) in adults aged between 18 and 65 years old.
Peginterferon beta-1a cannot cure MS. It will lower the incidence of relapse-related symptoms.Peginterferon beta-1a is also used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Peginterferon beta-1a
Take immediate medical care. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, or pimples and bumps; feeling nervous or lightheaded; difficulty breathing; and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Peginterferon beta-1a may cause dangerous blood clots within the small blood vessels that are inside your organs, like your kidneys or the brain. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of this disease like an increase in fever or fatigue, a decrease in urine output, bleeding, or nosebleeds.
Peginterferon beta-1a could cause serious adverse side effects. Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- Persistent swelling, pain, or changes in the skin after the injection was made;
- An euphoric feeling, similar to when you're about to pass out.
- Unexpected change in behavior or mood (feeling insecure, hopeless, irritable, and depressed);
- Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
- A seizure;
- Heart problems: swelling with weight, rapid weight gain, feeling sluggish, fast beats of the heart, pain in your chest extending onto your shoulder or jaw, nausea, sweating;
- Low blood cell counts—fever, chills, fatigue, and mouth sores. Skin sores, easy bruising, abnormal bleeding, and pale skin cold feet and hands and feeling lightheaded or sluggish;
- Liver disorders—nausea and loss of appetite, fatigue, and confusion. You may also experience bleeding, bruising, black stools, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin),
- Thyroid disorders: mood fluctuations, sleep disturbances, hunger, diarrhea, and pounding heartbeats sweating, muscle weakness, dry skin, hair loss, menstrual fluctuations, weight fluctuations, swelling of your face, and feeling more sensitive to cold or hot temperatures.
Common negative side effects of peginterferon beta-1a include:
- Itching, pain, redness, or swelling in the area at the site of injection. Itching, pain, or swelling where the injection was administered.
- Flu symptoms—headache, fever, chills, tiredness, and body aches.
It's not a comprehensive list of the possible consequences, but other consequences could also occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Peginterferon beta-1a may harm the liver. Consult your physician if you are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anxiety, easy bleeding or bruising, dark urine, clay-colored stool, or the yellowing of your eyes or skin.
Some people contemplate suicide when taking peginterferon beta-1a. Keep vigilant for any changes in your mood or symptoms. Be sure to report any new or deteriorating symptoms to your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Peginterferon should not be used in beta-1a if your body is allergic to it.
Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:
- Depression, mental illness, or suicidal ideas or actions;
- The liver condition;
- Bleeding issues;
- An allergy in the presence of latex (if you fill the syringe);
- low blood cell count;
- Coronary disease;
- An thyroid disorder;
- A seizure;
- An autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or the autoimmune disorder psoriasis.
There are some who contemplate suicide when on peginterferon beta-1a. Your doctor must examine your progress every few checkups. Family members or other caregivers should be on the lookout for changes in your symptoms or mood.
Consult your physician if you're expecting or planning to become pregnant or if you're nursing.If you're expecting, then your name might be included on the pregnancy registry to monitor how peginterferon affects beta-1a in the infant.Not permitted for use by anyone under 18 or over the age of 65.
How to take Peginterferon beta-1a?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Make sure you take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Peginterferon beta-1a is injected beneath the skin or in muscles at least once every two weeks. The doctor may instruct you on how to use the medication on your own.
Consult your physician or pharmacist for help if you aren't sure of the procedure for using an injection.Make an injection only when you are prepared to give it. Inform your pharmacist if you notice that the medication has changed color or contains particles.
Don't reuse needles or syringes. Put them in an impervious to puncture "sharps" container and dispose of it in accordance with local or state laws. Keep them out of the reach of pets and children.Your doctor will inform you of the best place to inject peginterferon beta-1a. Don't inject the same area twice in the same row.
Within 2 hours of the injection, look for swelling, redness, or pain in the area where you received the injection. Consult your physician in the event of an allergic reaction to your skin that doesn't go away within a couple of days.Peginterferon beta-1a may cause symptoms reminiscent of the flu. Your doctor may suggest using a pain reliever or fever-reducing medication such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) on the days that you receive injections.
You'll require frequent medical examinations.Place peginterferon beta-1a into its original container in the refrigerator. and keep it safe from sunlight.Remove the medicine from the refrigerator and allow it to be at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to taking it for use. Don't warm the medication with hot water.
It is also possible to keep peginterferon beta-1a for an indefinite period at cooler temperatures and protected from sunlight. Do not store the medicine in the refrigerator for more than 30 days, which includes all the time it was taken out of and reinserted into the refrigerator.Avoid freezing peginterferon beta-1a and discard the medication when it's frozen.Recycle the prefilled syringe or pen for injection after one use, even if there's some medicine in it.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:
Day 1: 63 mcg subcutaneously
Day 15: 94 mcg subcutaneously
Day 29 and each 14 days after dosing: Subcutaneously, 125 mg
Comments:
Patients should be instructed not to move injection points (abdomen, lower arm, back, and thigh).
The syringes and pens that are prefilled are only for single doses and should be removed when used.
Concurrent and/or supplementary utilization in combination with analgesics or antipyretics, as well as dose titration, can help to prevent or lessen the incidence of influenza-like symptoms commonly observed.
Use: To treat patients suffering from relapsing forms of MS.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor for advice when you have missed the dose.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid injecting peginterferon beta-1a into skin that is swollen, red, or irritated. It can also cause scarring, irritation, or infection.
Interaction with other drugs
Other drugs can also alter peginterferon beta-1a levels, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician all other medicines you take.
