PegIntron Redipens
Active Ingredients: Peginterferon Alfa-2b
Other Names: PegIntron Redipens, PegIntron Solution for Injection, Peginterferon Alfa-2b (E. coli) Solution for Injection
Drug Class: Interferons
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions: 
What is/are PegIntron Redipens?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?
What is/are PegIntron Redipens?
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PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2b is a man-made drug that acts like a protein made by the body. It is used to treat chronic hepatitis C infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions: - alcoholism
- auto-immune hepatitis
- blood or bleeding disorders
- colitis like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- depression or other mental disorders
- diabetes
- drug abuse or addiction
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- lupus
- psoriasis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- thyroid problems
- an unusual or allergic reaction to peginterferon, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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This medicine is for injection under the skin. Do NOT shake this medicine. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If several days have passed since you missed your dose ask your doctor what to do. Do not take more than one dose in a week unless your doctor tells you to. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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- dextromethorphan
- flecainide
- methadone
- phenytoin
- theophylline
- tolbutamide
- warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: - allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- bloody diarrhea
- breathing problems
- change in blood sugar
- changes in vision
- chest pain
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- fever
- increased anger, depression, irritability, or thoughts of suicide
- pain in lower back or stomach
- pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):- aches, pains
- dry, itchy skin
- hair loss
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea or stomach upset
- pain or swelling at site where injected
- trouble sleeping
- unusually weak or tired
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular blood checks.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Where should I keep this medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Vials: Store unmixed vials at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. After mixing, store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) and use in 24 hours or less. Protect from light.
PEG-Intron Redipen: should be stored refrigerated between 2 and 8 degrees C (between 36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. This is a single use pen. It does not contain preservatives. After mixing, use immediately. If needed, it may be stored in the refrigerator (2and8 degrees C or 36and46 degrees F) for up to 24 hours.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Last Updated:May 20, 2008 COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company |
