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Sylatron

Generic name: peginterferon alfa-2b [peg-in-ter-FEER-on-AL-fa-too-bee]
Names of brands: PegIntron, Sylatron
Drug classes: antineoplastic interferons, antiviral interferons

What is Sylatron?

Sylatron is made of human proteins, which help the body fight off viral infections. Sylatron is a prescription medication that is used to stop malignant melanoma (a type that is a form of skin cancer) from recurring after being removed surgically. Sylatron must be initiated within 84 days following the procedure to eliminate lymph nodes that contain cancer. It is not clear whether Sylatron is secure and efficient for children under 18 years old.

Warnings

Sylatron is not recommended in the case of an autoimmune liver disease, severe liver damage, or if you are allergic to any kind or form of interferon. Do not take Sylatron if you are pregnant or if you are a male and your partner is expecting. Use effective contraception throughout treatment and during the first 10 days following the dose that you take. Sylatron could cause fatal or serious adverse effects and may worsen a medical condition that you already suffer from. Call your doctor for symptoms that include mood changes, changes in your behaviour, chest pain, rapid heartbeats, trouble breathing, weakening or numbness, loss of coordination, chills, fever, a cough accompanied by mucus, burning after you pee, or bloody diarrhoea. Discuss with your physician any new or deteriorating mood symptoms like feeling angry or depressed,  thinking about suicide, or harming yourself.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to make use of Sylatron if:

  • You are sensitive to any form of interferon alpha or
  • You have autoimmune hepatitis or severe liver damage.

If you are taking Sylatron together with other medications To ensure that the medicines you take are safe for you, inform your physician about all of your medical conditions, including if you're nursing or pregnant. It is not recommended to use Sylatronn in the case of pregnancy or if your partner is expecting. Peginterferon alfa-2b may aggravate an existing medical condition that you suffer from. To ensure Sylatron is safe for you, speak to your physician if you've previously had:

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

It is possible that you will need to take an unfavourable pregnancy test prior to beginning this treatment. Peginterferon alfa-2b can cause harm to an unborn baby. Use effective birth control methods to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication in the 10 days following the last dose. Inform your doctor in the event that you fall pregnant. This medicine can impact fertility (the ability to have children) in women. It is, however, important to use birth control in order to stop pregnancy, as peginterferon alpha-2b could harm the unborn baby. It is not recommended to use Sylatron when you are expecting or are a male and your lover is pregnant. It might not be safe to breastfeed when using Sylatron. Consult your physician regarding any potential risks.

How to take Sylatron?

Take Sylatron exactly as prescribed. Follow all instructions on the label of your prescription and study all medication guides or instruction sheets. Sylatron is administered under the skin, generally once a week. A doctor can teach you the proper use of the drug on your own.

Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions that are included with your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist to clarify any instructions. Make an injection only when you are prepared to administer it. Don't use it when the medication appears cloudy, changes colour, or contains articles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about a new medication. The doctor might suggest taking a medicine to lower the fever before bed to fight the flu-like symptoms. You can take this medication for the duration your doctor has prescribed.

Take special care of your dental hygiene. You should have regular dental examinations while using Sylatron. Cleanse your mouth with water when you vomit anytime during the use of Sylatron. It is possible that you will require regular medical tests. Sylatron bottles must be stored at 25°C (77 °F). Excursions are allowed within 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Don't freeze. Don't reuse an empty vial. Make use of a needle and syringe just once, and then put them into a 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 reach of pets and children.

What happens If miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for advice when you have missed a dose.

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.

The signs of an overdose could be headaches, extreme fatigue, and muscle pain, as well as fever, a sore throat, breathing problems, bleeding, or bruises.

What should be avoided?

Beware of tea, coffee, and energy drinks, as well as other drinks that contain caffeine. The use of this medication will not stop you from spreading hepatitis to other people. Follow the instructions of your physician on how to prevent passing on the virus to another person.

Side effects of Sylatron

Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction, Sylatron: hives or a rash that spreads and causes peeling and blistering, as well as chest pain, anxiety, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and throat.

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any strange changes in the way you behave or your mood, like depression, irritability, feeling angry or hostile thoughts of harming yourself, or slipping back into a pattern of drug dependence. These symptoms could be experienced during treatment and may last up to six months after the previous dose.

Sylatron could cause fatal or serious adverse consequences. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Intense stomach pain and bloody diarrhoea
  • New or worsening cough mucusy cough, difficulty breathing;
  • Tingling, numbness, 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 (fever, chills, fatigue, lip sores, sores easily bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin on feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded or breathless);
  • High blood sugar, increasing thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath smell,
  • Pancreatitis: intense pain in your stomach that spreads into your back, sickness, and vomiting;
  • Thyroid issues weight loss and skin changes, mental issues, feeling hot or cold throughout the day,
  • Worsening symptoms in the liver, swelling of the midsection area, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite Drowsiness, confusion, or yellowing of your eyes or skin, and the loss of awareness

Some common Sylatron-related side effects could be:

  • Feeling tired or weak;
  • Low white blood cell counts;
  • Mood shifts, feeling stressed or angry;
  • Headache, muscle pain;
  • Vomiting,
  • Abnormal tests of liver function; or
  • Swelling,
  • Redness, or other irritations at the site of injection.

This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Sometimes, it's not recommended to take certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can alter the blood levels of other medications you take, which could cause more side effects or make the medication less effective. Other medications can affect peginterferon alpha-2b. This includes prescription and non-prescription medicines, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take.