PegIntron
Generic name:peginterferon alfa-2b [ peg-in-ter-FEER-on-AL-fa-too-bee ]
Drug classes:Antineoplastic interferons, Antiviral interferons
What is PegIntron?
PegIntron is made from human proteins that help the body fight viral infections.
PegIntron is used in combination with ribavirin (Rebetol, Ribasphere) or other medications to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children who are at least 3 years old.
It is not known if PegIntron use for longer than 1 year is safe and will work.
It is not known if PegIntron use in children younger than 3 years old is safe and will work.
Warnings
You should not use PegIntron with ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man whose sex partner is pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking ribavirin and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
Peginterferon alfa-2b may cause serious or fatal side effects.
Tell your doctor about any new or worsening mood symptoms, such as feeling irritable, hostile, aggressive, depressed, or having thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as chest pain, fast heartbeats, trouble breathing, numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems, fever, chills, a cough with mucus, burning when you urinate, or bloody diarrhea.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use PegIntron if:
you are allergic to any type of interferon alfa; or
you have autoimmune hepatitis, or severe liver damage.
When taking PegIntron with other medicine: To make sure all medicines are safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You should not use PegIntron with ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant.
PegIntron can worsen a medical condition you already have. To make sure PegIntron is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
both hepatitis B and hepatitis C, or HIV/AIDS;
liver problems other than hepatitis B or C;
heart problems, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts or actions;
bleeding problems, ...
