Peginterferon alfa-2b (Systemic)

Brand Names : PEG-Intron

Proper Use of This Medicine

If you are injecting this medicine yourself, use it exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Using too much will increase the risk of side effects, while using too little may not improve your condition.

Each package of peginterferon alfa-2b contains a patient instruction sheet. Read this sheet carefully and make sure you understand:

• How to prepare the injection.
• Proper use of disposable syringes.
• How to give the injection.
• How long the injection is stable.

If you have any questions about any of this, check with your health care professional.

Dosing - The dose of peginterferon alfa-2b will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of peginterferon alfa-2b. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For treating chronic hepatitis C:
    • Adults - Dose is based on body weight. It is usually between 40 and 150 micrograms (mcg) injected under the skin once a week for one year. The medicine should be taken on the same day each week.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible if you remember it the same or the next day. If you remember after that, check with your doctor for instructions. Do not double doses or take more than one dose within a week.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places.
• Store in the refrigerator after you have mixed the powder with the sterile water. You can keep it up to 24 hours. However, keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.