General Information on Pegasys
Pegasys is indicated in treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C. It is generally used along with other medicines such as Ribavirin. Peginterferon alfa-2a, the main active ingredient in Pegasys, belongs to a family of drugs known as antiviral interferons. It is derived from human proteins that help the body fight viral infections.
Pegasys is available in the form of a prefilled syringe and a vial, each containing 180mcg of Peginterferon alfa-2a. It is a prescription medication, which means you can not buy Pegasys unless it is recommended by your doctor.
Side effects of Pegasys
Pegasys may cause mild to severe side effects in some people. Mild diarrhea, weight changes, loss of appetite, joint or muscle pain, temporary hair loss, itching/swelling/dryness/redness at the injection site, sleep problems, headache, vomiting, feeling very cold or hot, upset stomach, or mild skin rash are some less serious side effects associated with the drug.
Some people may also experience severe side effects after taking Pegasys. Severe depression, unusual behavior/thoughts, confusion, loss of balance/co-ordination, burning/tingling/pain/numbness, pain spreading to the shoulder or arm, sweating, feeling aggressive/anxious, fever, worsening of psoriasis are some severe side effects associated with the drug.
Pegasys may also cause severe side effects such as thoughts of hurting others or yourself, sudden weakness, chest pain or heaviness in the chest, flu symptoms, sores in the nose, mouth, or eyes, tiredness, body aches, general ill feeling, and low blood sugar (symptoms include hunger, tremors, headache, weakness, irritability, sweating or trouble concentrating). This is not a complete list of severe side effects.
Other severe side effects associated with Pegasys include stabbing chest pain, crusting, redness or drainage from the eyes, high blood sugar (increased urination/thirst, fruity breath, dry mouth, weight loss, blurred vision, dry skin or drowsiness) severe pain in the upper stomach that spreads to the back, shortness of breath, cough, or fast heart rate.
Dosage of Pegasys
The Pegasys shot will be given by your doctor in a hospital or clinic setting. You can also take the Pegasys shot at home after learning the right way of administering it after following your doctor’s instructions. Pegasys is only to be injected under the skin, not in a vein. The shot is to be administered once every week, after which it will be taken on the same day every week.
The recommended dose of Pegasys to treat chronic Hepatitis C or B is 180mcg once weekly for 48 weeks, while the recommended dose of Pegasys to treat renal impairment is 135mcg.
Interactions
Pegasys may potentially interact with other medications you are using and cause side effects. It may interact with medicines such as Telbivudine, Azathioprine, Theophylline, Methadone or HIV or AIDS medications.
To reduce the risk of drug interactions, inform the doctor about every medication you are using before you buy Pegasys, including prescription medications, over the counter drugs, and herbal supplements.
