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PegIntron

Generic Name: Peginterferon alfa-2b [peg-in-their-FEET-on-AL-fa-too-bee]
Drug Classes: Antineoplastic interferons, antiviral interferons

What is Pegintron?

PegIntron is a product of human proteins that helps the body fight off viral infections.PegIntron is used in conjunction with the drug ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere) and other medications in order to manage chronic hepatitis C in children and adults who are older than 3 years.

It isn't known whether PegIntron use for more than one year is safe and will be effective.It is not clear whether the use of PegIntron in children less than 3 years old is safe and effective.

Warnings

It is not recommended to use PegIntron in conjunction with ribavirin when you are pregnant or if you are a male and the woman you are with is expecting. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy when taking ribavirin and for at least six months following your last dose.

Peginterferon alfa-2b could cause fatal or serious adverse consequences.Talk to your doctor about any signs of a change in your mood or worsening such as feeling angry, depression, anxious contemplating suicide, or hurting yourself.

Consult your physician immediately. If you notice symptoms like chest pain, rapid heartbeats, and breathing difficulties, as well as weakness or numbness, speech problems or vision issues, chills, fever, mucusy cough burning after urination or urinate, or bloody vomiting.

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't utilize PegIntron in the following situations:

  • You are sensitive to any form of interferon alpha
  • If you suffer from autoimmune hepatitis or liver damage that is severe,

When you are taking PegIntron together with other medications to ensure the medicines you take are suitable for you, inform your physician about all your medical conditions, as well as when you're pregnant or nursing.

You shouldn't take PegIntron with ribavirin in the case of pregnancy or if your partner is expecting.

Pegintron may aggravate an existing medical condition that you are suffering from. To ensure PegIntron is suitable for you, inform your physician if you've ever suffered from:

  • both hepatitis A and C as well as HIV/AIDS;
  • Liver issues other than hepatitis B and C;
  • Heart conditions, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, heart attack, or blood clots
  • An autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis;
  • Renal disease (or if you're on dialysis);
  • Depression, suicidal thoughts, mental illness, or actions
  • Bleeding issues or low blood cell counts
  • Breathing issues (such as COPD);
  • Ulcerative colitis;
  • Triglycerides with high levels
  • Thyroid disorder;
  • An organ transplant;
  • A dependency on alcohol or drugs.

It is possible that you will need to take an unfavorable pregnancy test prior to beginning this treatment.

PegIntron can be utilized in conjunction with ribavirin. Both women and men taking ribavirin need to use birth control in order to avoid pregnancy. Ribavirin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or even death for the unborn child if the mother or father is taking this medication.

You shouldn't take ribavirin in the event of pregnancy or if you're male and your sexual partner is expecting. Utilize effective birth control to stop the possibility of pregnancy. Use birth control for a minimum of six months following your last dose of ribavirin.Contact your physician immediately. If you become pregnant when one of the mothers or fathers is taking the drug ribavirin,

PegIntron can alter fertility (the ability to have kids) for women. But it is important to use birth control in order to avoid pregnancy since peginterferon alfa-2b could cause harm to a baby who is not born.It is not recommended to breastfeed when using PegIntron. Consult your physician about any potential risks.

How to take PegIntron?

Utilize PegIntron precisely as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and also read the medication guide or instructions sheets. PegIntron is frequently used in conjunction with other medications.PegIntron is injected into the skin, generally every week. Your doctor may show you how to use the drug yourself.

Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions for use that come along with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to clarify any instructions.Make a PegIntron injection when you are prepared to administer it. Don't use it when the medicine appears cloudy, changes color, or contains particles in it. Consult your pharmacist about the latest medication.

Your physician may suggest taking a medicine to lower your fever in the evening to help you avoid flu-like symptoms. You can take this medication as long as your physician has prescribed it.Take special care of your dental hygiene. You should have regular dental checkups when using PegIntron. Cleanse your mouth with water when you vomit anytime during the use of PegIntron.You might require frequent medical tests.

Keep PegIntron vials (bottles) in their original packaging at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Don't freeze. Avoid reusing vials or injectors. Redipen.The injector Redipen is in the refrigerator. Don't freeze it. Mixed medicine can also be stored in the refrigerator, but you must consume it within 24 hours following mixing. Don't freeze or store any unopened mixture.

Each dose of Redipen is intended for one-time use only. Dispose of it after one use, regardless of whether there's a little medicine inside.Make use of a needle or syringe just once, and then place them into the puncture proof "sharps" container. Be sure to follow the laws of your state or city regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of pet's reach and away from children.

What happens If I miss a dose?

Consult your physician for instructions when you have missed the dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

The symptoms of an overdose can consist of headaches, severe tiredness, muscle pain, and fever. Other symptoms include a sore throat, trouble breathing, bleeding, or bruising.

What should be avoided?

Beware of tea, coffee, energy drinks, coffee, or other drinks that contain caffeine.This medication won't hinder you from transmitting hepatitis to others. Follow your doctor's advice on how to prevent the transmission of the virus to another person.

Side effects of PegIntron

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you show symptoms of an allergy reaction, PegIntron may cause hives or a rash that spreads and causes peeling and blisters, as well as chest pain, anxiety, breathing issues, or swelling on your face, lips or problems with your tongue, face, or lips.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormal changes in the way you behave or your mood, like depression, irritability, feeling aggressive or hostile hallucinations, thoughts of harming yourself, or falling back into the previous pattern of substance abuse. These symptoms can occur during treatment and last for up to six months after the previous dose.

PegIntron can cause fatal or serious adverse consequences. Call your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

  • Extreme stomach pain and bloody diarrhea.
  • New or worsening cough mucus cough, trouble breathing;
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your legs or arms;
  • An abrupt numbness, weakness, or tingling; blurred speech; issues with balance
  • vision change;
  • Lower blood-cell counts: chills, fever, fatigue, sores in the mouth, skin sores, simple bleeding, unusual bruises, pale skin and feet, cold hands, and feeling lightheaded or sluggish;
  • Blood sugar levels are high, increasing thirst and more frequent urination; the mouth is dry; and there's a fruity smell.
  • Pancreatitis Pancreatitis is a severe discomfort in your stomach that spreads into your back and causes nausea and even
  • Thyroid issues Weight changes and skin changes, mental issues, feeling hot or cold throughout the day,
  • Worsening symptoms of liver swelling in the midsection area, nausea, diarrhea,  and confusion. Also, you may experience drowsiness or yellowing of your eyes or skin and lose consciousness.

Combination therapy with PegIntron and ribavirin could alter the growth of children. Inform your doctor if your child isn't growing as normal when using this combination.

Common PegIntron adverse effects could include:

  • Symptoms of fever, chills, feeling tired or weak;
  • Low white blood cell count;
  • Mood shifts, feeling uneasy or anxious;
  • Headache, muscle pain;
  • Vomiting, nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite
  • Abnormal tests for liver function;
  • Swelling, redness, or any other irritation that occurs in the area where the medication was injected.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

It is sometimes not recommended to take certain medications together. Certain drugs may affect your blood levels and the other medications that you are taking. This could cause more side effects or make the medication less effective.

Other medications may interact with peginterferon alfa-2b and other drugs, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.