PEG-INTERFERON alfa-2b Your dosage of peg-interferon alfa-2b is: to your doctor if these symptoms appear and are bothersome. and ___mL (____mcg) subcutaneous injection Ribavirin once a week With the injections of peg-interferon alfa-2b,

“flu-like” symptoms including fever, chills, Preparation of the peg-interferon alfa-2b headache, and muscle pain may appear. Other NAMES: Pegetron  dose: To prevent or treat these symptoms, you can

take acetaminophen (Tylenol ) 500 to 1000 WHY were these drugs prescribed? A nurse may give you each injection or a mg before the injection.

nurse can teach you how to do it on your Peg-interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin are given own at home: Ribavirin may cause hemolytic anemia (the in combination for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in people who presently have a breakdown of red blood cells). These drugs You will be shown how to prepare the can also cause leukopenia (a decrease in stable liver function. Hepatitis C is an dose. Each vial should be used only infection of the liver by the hepatitis C virus. the number of white blood cells so that you once. Once you have prepared your have a higher risk of bacterial infection) and This treatment allows a decrease in the injection, throw away the vial and amount of hepatitis C virus and a decrease thrombocytopenia (a decrease in the whatever drug is left in this vial. number of platelets that can increase your in liver inflammation and damage. You should use a new needle and risk of bleeding or bruising). Blood tests will syringe each time you prepare a dose. be done regularly to check for any changes HOW should these drugs be taken? You will be given a rigid plastic container in these values. Inform your doctor if you to put all the syringes and needles once notice any symptoms such as fever, Ribavirin is available as a 200 mg capsule. they have been used. Do not throw them The usual dose of ribavirin is 800 mg daily. bleeding, bruising, shortness of breath, in the garbage. fatigue, chest pain, and a rapid and This dose may need to be adjusted based You will be shown the sites on the body irregular heartbeat. on your weight or if you develop adverse where you can give yourself the effects. Ribavirin may be taken with or injection. It is important that you use a Rarely, some people can develop an without food. different body area each time you give allergic reaction to the drugs. Consult a yourself an injection. doctor immediately if you develop a skin Your dosage of ribavirin is: rash, itching, hives, swelling of the hands, What should you do if you FORGET a 200 mg capsule face and tongue, or sudden difficulties dose? breathing.

___capsules(_____mg) in the morning and If you miss a dose of ribavirin or peg- Peg-interferon alfa-2b can also cause mood interferon alfa-2b, take it as soon as ___capsules(_____mg) in the evening changes . These might include anxiety, possible. However, if it is time for your next problems sleeping, dizziness, increased dose, do not double the dose, just carry on irritability and depression. Please talk to with your regular schedule. your doctor if these symptoms appear and Five different strengths of Peg-interferon alfa-2b are available with Pegetron . The are bothersome. What ADVERSE EFFECTS can these dose of peg-interferon alfa-2b also depends drugs cause? What should you do about on your weight and on the presence of Other possible adverse effects include the them? adverse effects. The usual recommended loss of hair, dry skin, vision problems and an dose of peg-interferon alfa-2b can vary inflammation, irritation or bruising at the Ribavirin and peg-interferon alfa-2b may between 50 to 150 micrograms once a injection sites. cause a number of undesired effects such week. Peg-interferon alfa-2b is injected as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, underneath the skin (subcutaneous). It is important that you keep your doctor diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Please talk appointments and come for your laboratory tests so that your progress How should these drugs be STORED? can be followed. Ribavirin capsules should be stored in a cool What other PRECAUTIONS should you (2-30 °C) dry place, protected from light and follow while using these drugs? well out of the reach of children. Ensure that the drug has not expired by checking the PEGETRON  Before using these drugs, it is especially expiry date (“EXP”) shown on the outside of important to notify your doctor if you have the package. any type of blood disorder, unstable liver disease or liver disease other than hepatitis Peg-interferon alfa-2b vials of powder may (Peg-Interferon alfa-2b C, kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, be stored at room temperature (15-30 °C). thyroid problems, high blood pressure, lung Once it is diluted with the appropriate liquid, disease, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, a history the peg-interferon alfa-2b dose should be And of mental illness or a history of drug or kept in the refrigerator (2-8°C) and used alcohol abuse. within 24 hours. Keep well out of the reach of children. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all Ribavirin) prescribed and non-prescribed drugs you Do not store in your bathroom or near the are taking. As well, you should inform them stove, as heat and moisture may cause the of natural products you are taking. If you drugs to be less active. wish to start a new drug or natural product, please consult with your pharmacist before If you have any questions or concerns doing so. about this drug or if you are experiencing adverse effects, please discuss them MEDICATION Please inform your doctor if you are with your pharmacist, doctor or nurse. pregnant . You should NOT use Pegetron  if you are pregnant as it can cause birth Write questions or concerns down to defects. Also, you should NOT breastfeed ensure they are addressed. FACT SHEET while receiving Pegetron . The following pharmacist is available to If you are a woman with childbearing answer questions: potential, you should always use 2 effective contraceptive methods (birth control pill and Pharmacist: ______condom) to avoid becoming pregnant while Telephone: ______you are taking this drug. These contraceptive methods should be continued for 6 months following the end of the treatment. If you are a male partner of a woman who is of childbearing age, you Reference: ribavirin plus peginterferon alfa-2b should use a condom during treatment with (Pegetron ) Product Monograph. Schering-Plough Pegetron  and for at least 6 months Ltd., Kirkland, QC, 2009. Prepared by the Ontario HIV following the end of the treatment. In Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, 2003. Reviewed 2009. general, even if you are not taking Pegetron , the use of condoms is always Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be recommended to decrease the risk of found at: www.hivclinic.ca passing HIV on to others.