PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B
About PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B
PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B is in a class of medications called interferons. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage and who have not been treated with interferon-alpha (a medication similar to peginterferon alfa-2b) in the past.
PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B contains Peginterferon alpha-2b works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the body.
In some cases, PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B may cause side effects such as injection site reactions, breathing problems (including shortness of breath), feeling depressed, trouble sleeping, thinking, or concentrating, dizziness, severe stomach pain or cramps, fever or chills and painful or inflamed muscles (sometimes severe). PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B can induce or worsen serious or fatal conditions like infections, mental illness, mood and behaviour issues, or thoughts of hurting or killing oneself or others. You are advised to talk to your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Extreme caution should be exercised while using PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B in patients with leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, renal Insufficiency and depression. So, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions. Also, let your doctor know about all medications you are taking to rule out the potential interactions and adverse events. PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. It is unknown whether the components of this medicinal product are excreted in human milk. Breast-feeding should be stopped before starting treatment. Dosage is determined by body surface area and body weight in children three years of age and older and adolescent patients.
Uses of PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B
Medicinal Benefits
PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B contains Interferon beta-1A, which belongs to the class of medications called interferons. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage and who have not been treated with interferon-alpha (a medication similar to peginterferon alfa-2b) in the past. It works by modulating the body's immune system.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B
- Injection site reactions
- Breathing problems (including shortness of breath)
- Feeling depressed
- Trouble sleeping
- Thinking or concentrating
- Dizziness
- Severe stomach pain or cramps
- Fever or chills
- Painful or inflamed muscles (sometimes severe)
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis C refers to the inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus can cause lifelong serious illnesses like cancer and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). It can be both chronic and acute. Acute hepatitis C is a short-term infection with symptoms lasting up to 6 months. Chronic hepatitis C is a long-term infection that can last an entire life and lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
The majority of those suffering from hepatitis C don’t show any symptoms. However, some experience symptoms within 1 to 3 months of exposure to the virus. The symptoms may be fatigue, dark yellow urine, fever, joint pain, clay- or grey-coloured stool, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen, vomiting or/and nausea and jaundice. Those suffering from chronic hepatitis C often don't have any symptoms until complications arise, which can happen years after exposure to HCV. Consequently, screening for this illness is essential despite having no symptoms.
FAQs
PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B contains Peginterferon alpha-2b works by decreasing the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the body.
No, it may not be effective in preventing the spread of hepatitis C to others.
Peginterferon alfa-2b is used alone or in combination with other medication to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection. It may not cure hepatitis C or keep you from developing complications like cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, or liver cancer.
A combination of PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B with telbivudine is not recommended.
PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B cause or worsen serious or life-threatening autoimmune, ischemic, neuropsychiatric and infectious diseases. Patients with these conditions should be continuously evaluated through clinical and laboratory examinations on a regular basis and stop using PEGINTERFERON ALFA 2B. Many, but not all, of these problems are resolved after PEG-Intron medication is discontinued.
