What Is Peginterferon alfa-2a?
Peginterferon alfa-2a is a medication used on its own or in combination with other medications for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C among adults and kids who are at least 5 years old.
Peginterferon alfa-2a is also utilized for treating chronic liver disease B, in which the virus starts to harm the liver in people over the age of 3 or older.Peginterferon alfa-2a can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Peginterferon alfa-2a
Seek medical attention immediately when you are experiencing symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives, breathing difficulties, swelling of your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever, throat soreness, burnt eyes, ache, as well as a red or purple eruption with peeling and blisters).
Peginterferon alfa-2a is a risk factor for dangerous infections, auto-immune disorders, serious behavior or mood issues, or even strokes. stroke.Consult your physician immediately. If you experience abnormal changes in your behavior or your mood like depression, anxiety, irritability, hallucinations, thoughts of getting hurt, or slipping back into the previous pattern of addiction to drugs,
Peginterferon alfa-2a can cause fatal or serious adverse effects. Call your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Extreme stomach pain and bleeding diarrhea;
- New or getting worse cough new or worsening cough, cough that is pink or yellow mucus, difficulty breathing;
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your legs or arms;
- Burning or pain after you urinate;
- An abrupt numbness, weakness, or tingling; trouble with balance
- Vision change;
- Low blood cell counts—fever, chills, fatigue, and mouth sores. Skin sores, no-fuss bruising, abnormal bleeding, pale skin, cold feet and hands, being lightheaded or breathless;
- Excessive or low blood sugar (headache and confusion, hunger, sweating, thirst, weakening of the bladder, smelly breath, anxiety or shaking, and weight loss or fainting);
- Pancreatitis—severe discomfort in your stomach, which can spread into the back of your body, vomiting along with nausea;
- Thyroid issues: weight changes or skin conditions; problems with concentration and feeling cold or hot constantly;
- More severe liver symptoms, such as swelling around the midsection, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. disorientation, drowsiness, discoloration of your skin or eyes, and loss of consciousness.
Your next injection could be delayed if there are some negative side effects.
Peginterferon alfa-2a may cause growth problems in children. Inform your doctor when your child isn't growing at a normal pace with peginterferon alfa-2a.
Common adverse effects of peginterferon alfa-2a could include:
- Fever, chills;
- Muscles or joint discomfort;
- Headaches migraine
- Feeling tired or weak.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
It is not advised to take peginterferon alfa-2a in conjunction with ribavirin if you are pregnant or if you're male and your sex partner is expecting. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy when taking ribavirin and at least six months after the last dose.
Peginterferon alfa-2a could cause fatal or serious adverse reactions.Talk to your doctor about any signs of mood changes or symptoms such as feeling upset or depression, or think of taking your own life or self-harming.
Consult your physician immediately. If you notice symptoms like chest pain, rapid heartbeats, and breathing difficulties, as well as weakness or numbness, speech or vision issues, chills, fever, mucusy cough burning after you go to the bathroom, or bloody diarrhea.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use peginterferon alfa-2a if you:
- You are intolerant to any kind of interferon alpha
- If you are suffering from the condition known as autoimmune liver disease or liver damage.
When you are taking peginterferon Alfa-2a along with other medications: To be sure that the medicines you take are safe for you, talk to your physician about all of your medical issues and whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Both B as well as both hepatitis C or both HIV/AIDS;
- Liver disorders other than hepatitis B and C;
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart attack
- Lung disease;
- Diabetes or a thyroid condition;
- Colitis (an intestinal disorder);
- Cancer;
- An autoimmune disease, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, or Psoriasis;
- low blood cell count;
- Hemoglobin blood cell condition such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia;
- An organ transplant;
- Kidney disease;
- Triglycerides with high levels (a kind of fat found in the blood);
- An alcohol or drug addiction;
- Suicidal or depressive thoughts and mental illnesses, as well as behavior patterns.
Peginterferon alfa-2a could have an ingredient that may result in serious side effects or even death for very young or premature infants. Don't give peginterferon alfa-2a to children younger than 1 year old.It is possible that you will need to take an unfavorable pregnancy test prior to commencing this treatment.
Peginterferon alfa-2a may be employed in conjunction with ribavirin. Both females and males who take ribavirin need to use birth control to avoid pregnancy. Ribavirin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or even death for an unborn child if the father or mother is taking this medication.
Ribavirin should not be taken when you are pregnant or if you're male and your sexual partner is expecting. Make use of effective birth control methods to avoid the possibility of pregnancy. Continue using birth control for a minimum of 6 months after the last dose of ribavirin.
Contact your physician immediately if you notice a pregnancy during the time that both the mother and father are taking the drug ribavirin.Breastfeeding is not recommended when you are taking peginterferon alfa-2a. Women with HIV or AIDS are not allowed to give birth to a baby. Even if your baby was born without HIV, it is possible that the virus will be transmitted to your baby through breast milk.
How to take Peginterferon alfa-2a?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Use the drug exactly as directed.
Peginterferon alfa-2a injections are administered under the skin. It is usually administered every week at the exact same time. A doctor may show you how to use the drug on your own.Take note of and follow the instructions that are included with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for clarification if you aren't sure about the instructions.
Only inject when you are prepared to administer it. Avoid using any medicine that appears unclear, has changed color, or has particles. Consult your pharmacist about the latest medication.Peginterferon doses of alfa-2a are based on the body's surface area (height as well as weight) for children. Your child's dosage requirements may alter if your child is still growing.
The dosage you require could change when you switch to a new brand or strength of this medication. Be sure to use only the strength and form that your doctor prescribes.You'll need regular medical examinations. Your lung function and your vision could also be examined.
Every vial (bottle) or syringe that is pre filled or auto-injected is intended for one usage only. Dispose of it after just one use, even if there's still some medicine within.Keep within the refrigerator, shielded from sunlight. Don't shake or freeze this medication.Follow the directions on the packaging for waiting for your medicine to get to room temperature before injecting it. Don't leave the medicine in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours.
Make use of the needle and the syringe once only and place them into the puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of range of children and pets.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Take the medication when you are able to remember, and then you can return to your regular dosage schedule. Don't take two doses at once.
When you're more than two days behind in taking the injection, please contact your physician for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not drink alcohol. It can increase the risk of liver damage.
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand the impact of peginterferon Alfa-2a on your body. The way you react could be impaired.
The use of this medication may cause your illness to continue expanding. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to avoid spreading the disease to others.
Interaction with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, particularly:
- Methadone;
- Telbivudine;
- Theophylline
- Any medication to treat HIV and AIDS.
This list isn't exhaustive. Other medications can influence peginterferon-alfa-2a levels, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
