Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a).
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may cause severe allergic reactions. If you notice hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, stop using Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) and get medical help immediately.
Autoimmune conditions: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may cause or worsen autoimmune conditions including myositis, hepatitis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Rheumatoid Arthritis, interstitial nephritis, thyroiditis, and systemic Lupus erythematosus. If psoriasis appears, the medication may need to be discontinued.
Blood glucose (sugar): Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) can cause low or high blood sugar. People with Diabetes should discuss with their doctor how Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience high blood sugar (increased thirst, hunger, weakness, drowsiness, blurred vision, weight loss) or low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, irritability, trouble concentrating) while taking Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), contact your doctor.
Blood problems: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may suppress bone marrow function and cause blood problems such as low platelet counts, low white blood cell counts, and anemia. Your doctor will monitor you for these problems with blood tests. If you experience persistent fever and chills, tiredness, shortness of breath, or easy bruising or bleeding, contact your doctor.
Colon disorders: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may cause certain types of colitis. Report any stomach or abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, or fever to your doctor immediately.
Depression and other psychiatric conditions: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) can cause depression and other psychiatric conditions. People with psychiatric conditions should be closely monitored by their doctor while using Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), as it may worsen these conditions.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Peginterferon alfa-2a may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) affects you.
Eye disorders: Certain eye disorders have been observed in people using Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a). If you experience any changes in vision while taking Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), contact your doctor.
Flu-like symptoms: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may cause a flu-like reaction with aching muscles, fever, chills, and headache. Your doctor may prescribe Acetaminophen before each dose of Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) and as needed to help reduce these symptoms.
Fluids: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may cause dehydration. People taking Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) should drink adequate fluids, especially on hot days or when exercising.
Heart disease: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), as well as others like it, can cause heart problems such as high blood pressure, chest pain, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart failure. If you have had a heart attack, heart failure, or changes in heart rhythm (Arrhythmias), discuss with your doctor how Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severe, unstable, or uncontrolled heart disease should not use Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a).
Kidney Disease: People with kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may affect their medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with reduced kidney function may require a lower dose.
Liver function: People who are taking Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) will need frequent checkups to test their liver function. People with reduced liver function may require a lower dose of the medication or may need to stop taking it.
Lung disorders: Certain lung disorders may occur in people using Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), causing breathing difficulty. These conditions can be fatal. If you experience fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pancreatitis: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may cause pancreatitis, which may be fatal. If you develop symptoms of pancreatitis (e.g., severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting), get immediate medical attention.
Stroke: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) has been associated with strokes. If you experience symptoms of a stroke (e.g., sudden and severe headache, sudden weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, sudden vision changes, sudden dizziness) while taking Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), get immediate medical attention.
Thyroid disorders: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) can cause or worsen Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) or Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid). People with thyroid conditions should discuss with their doctor how Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Transplants: The safety and effectiveness of using Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) have not been established for people who have had a liver or other organ transplant.
Pregnancy: Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), contact your doctor immediately. Women who may become pregnant should use an effective method of birth control while using peginterferon alfa-2a.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if peginterferon alfa-2a passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) have not been established for children under the age of 18. Pegasys Syringe (Peginterferon-alfa-2a) is not recommended for use by newborns or infants because peginterferon alfa-2a contains benzyl alcohol and may be harmful.
