peginterferon alfa-2a

Brand name(s):

Pegasys

What is the most important information I should know about peginterferon alfa-2a?

Peginterferon alfa-2a is often used together with another medication called ribavirin (Copegus). Ribavirin is known to cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this combination treatment. If a man fathers a child while using ribavirin, the baby may have birth defects. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to peginterferon alfa-2a, or if you have autoimmune hepatitis, liver failure, or a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia, if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your female sexual partner is pregnant.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have lung disease, kidney disease, heart disease, a thyroid disorder, colitis, HIV or AIDS, an autoimmune disorder (such as psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), a history of organ transplant, or any liver problems other than hepatitis. Also tell your doctor if you have ever had a heart attack, cancer, drug or alcohol addiction, or depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts.

Treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a does not prevent spread of the hepatitis virus to other people. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to prevent passing the disease to another person.

What is peginterferon alfa-2a?

Peginterferon alfa-2a is made from human proteins that help the body fight viral infections.

Peginterferon alfa-2a is used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C.

Peginterferon alfa-2a may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using peginterferon alfa-2a?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to peginterferon alfa-2a, or if you have:

autoimmune hepatitis;
liver failure;
a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia;
if you are pregnant; or
if you are a man and your female sexual partner is pregnant.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

lung disease;
kidney disease;
liver problems other than hepatitis;
history of liver or other organ transplant;
a thyroid disorder;
colitis;
HIV or AIDS;
an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or psoriasis;
heart disease or prior heart attack;
a history of cancer;
a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Peginterferon alfa-1a may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use peginterferon alfa-2a without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Peginterferon alfa-2a is often used together with another medication called ribavirin (Copegus). Ribavirin is known to cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before taking these two medications together.

If you are a woman, do not use peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin if you are pregnant.
If you are a man, do not use peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin if your female sexual partner is pregnant. An unborn baby could also be harmed if a man fathers the child while he is taking ribavirin.
Use at least 2 effective forms of birth control while either sexual partner is using peginterferon alfa-2a with ribavirin. Keep using 2 forms of birth control for at least 6 months after treatment ends.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using peginterferon alfa-2a together with ribavirin.

It is not known whether peginterferon alfa-2a passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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