Peginterferon beta-1a

Generic name: Peginterferon Beta-1a
Drug class: Interferons

Usage of Peginterferon beta-1a

Peginterferon beta-1a is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease) in adults who are 18 to 65 years old.

peginterferon beta-1a will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Peginterferon beta-1a may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Peginterferon beta-1a side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, bumps on your skin; feeling anxious or light-headed; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Peginterferon beta-1a can cause life-threatening blood clots in the small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of this condition, such as a fever, tiredness, decreased urination, bruising, or nosebleeds.

Peginterferon beta-1a may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

ongoing pain, swelling, or skin changes where the injection was given;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

unusual changes in mood or behavior (feeling hopeless, anxious, nervous, irritable, or depressed);

thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

a seizure;

heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, rapid heartbeats, chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;

liver problems--nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or

thyroid problems--mood swings, trouble sleeping, tiredness, hunger, diarrhea, pounding heartbeats, muscle weakness, sweating, dry skin, thinning hair, menstrual changes, weight changes, puffiness in your face, feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

Common side effects of peginterferon beta-1a may include:

pain, redness, itching, or swelling where the injection was given; or

flu symptoms--headache, fever, chills, tiredness, body aches.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Peginterferon beta-1a

You should not use peginterferon beta-1a if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;

liver disease;

bleeding problems;

an allergy to latex (if you use the prefilled syringe);

low blood cell counts;

heart disease;

a thyroid disorder;

a seizure; or

an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking peginterferon beta-1a. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of peginterferon beta-1a on the baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 or older than 65 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Peginterferon beta-1a

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:

Day 1: 63 mcg suBCutaneouslyDay 15: 94 mcg subcutaneouslyDay 29 and every 14 days thereafter: 125 mcg subcutaneouslyComments: -Patient should be advised to rotate injection sites (abdomen, back of the upper arm, and thigh).-Prefilled pens and syringes are for single dose only and should be discarded after use.-Prophylactic and concurrent use of analgesics and/or antipyretics and dose titration may prevent or reduce influenza-like symptoms sometimes experienced.Use: For the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Warnings

Peginterferon beta-1a can harm your liver. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking peginterferon beta-1a. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

What other drugs will affect Peginterferon beta-1a

Other drugs may affect peginterferon beta-1a, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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