PEGASYS 180mcg 0.5ml
Generic Name/API: micrograms solution for injection peginterferon alfa-2a
Manufacturer: Loba biotech GmbH
Dosage Forms & Strength & Pack Size:
Pegasys 135 mcg injection peginterferon alfa-2a SC
Storage:
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
Do not use this medicine if you notice the vial or packaging is damaged, if the solution is cloudy or if it has floating particles or if the medicine is any colour besides colourless to light yellow.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Pegasys contains the active ingredient peginterferon alfa-2a.
Pegasys belongs to a group of medicines called interferons. Pegasys is a long-acting interferon.
Interferons are proteins that change how the body’s immune system fights infections and severe disease.
Pegasys is used to treat chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C, which are viral infections of the liver.
If these viral infections are not managed, in some people, the liver becomes badly damaged and scarred. This is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can cause the liver to stop working.
Cirrhosis can also be caused by caused by things other than viral infections such as long-term alcoholism.
It is not known if Pegasys can prevent liver failure or liver cancer that is caused by hepatitis infection.
People who get hepatitis B or hepatitis C will usually carry the virus in their blood for the rest of their lives, unless successfully treated. Most will end up with some liver damage, but not
all will feel sick in the earlier stages of the disease. In some people, the liver becomes badly damaged and scarred. This is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can cause the liver to stop working
properly.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, or pharmacist or nurse before using Pegasys
● if you have had a severe nervous or mental disorder.
● if you have ever had depression or symptoms associated with depression (e.g. feelings of sadness, dejection, etc.).
● if you are an adult who has or had a history of substance abuse (e.g. alcohol or drugs).
● if you have psoriasis, it may get worse during treatment with Pegasys.
● if you have a problem with your liver other than hepatitis B or C.
● if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor may ask you to have an eye examination.
● if you have been told you have VKH syndrome.
● if you have thyroid disease that is not well controlled with medicines.
● if you have ever had anaemia.
● if you have had an organ transplant (liver or kidney) or have one planned in the near future.
● if you are coinfected with HIV and treated with anti HIV medicinal products.
● if you have been withdrawn from previous therapy for Hepatitis C because of anaemia or low blood count.
Once you have started Pegasys treatment, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist:
● if you develop symptoms associated with depression (e.g. feelings of sadness, dejection, etc.)
(see section 4).
● if you notice a change in your vision.
● if you develop symptoms associated with a cold or other respiratory infection (such as cough, fever or any difficulty in breathing).
● if you think you are getting an infection (such as pneumonia) as when receiving Pegasys you may temporarily have a greater risk of getting an infection.
● if you develop any signs of bleeding or unusual bruising, check with your doctor immediately.
● if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as difficulty in breathing, wheezing or hives) while on this medication, seek medical help immediately.
● if you develop symptoms of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome; combination of complaints of neck stiffness, headache, loss of colour in skin or hair, eye disorders (such as blurred vision), and/or hearing abnormality (such as ringing in the ears).
During treatment your doctor will take blood samples regularly to check for changes in your white blood cells (cells that fight infection), red blood cells (cells that carry oxygen), platelets (blood clotting cells), liver function, glucose (blood sugar levels) or changes in other laboratory values.
Dental and gum disorders, which may lead to loss of teeth, have been reported in patients receiving Pegasys and ribavirin combination therapy. In addition, dry mouth could have a damaging effect on teeth and membranes of the mouth during long-term treatment with the combination of Pegasys with
ribavirin. You should brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily and have regular dental examinations. In addition, some patients may experience vomiting. If you have this reaction, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards.
Children and adolescents
Pegasys use is restricted to children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C aged 5 years and above or children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis B aged 3 years and above. Pegasys must not be given to children below the age of 3 years because it contains benzyl alcohol and may cause toxic reactions and allergic reactions in these children.
• If your child has or has ever had a psychiatric disorder, talk to your doctor, who will monitor your child for signs or symptoms of depression (see section 4).
• When receiving Pegasys, your child may have slower growth and development (see section 4).
*The contents of this site are for reference only. We do not offer drug procurement service. All information must not be used for any commercial purpose.
