Pegasys Side Effects

Serious side effects of Pegasys

Fetal death or abnormalities in patients who are pregnant when used with the medication Copegus | ribavirin.
May cause changes in mood such as bouts of irritability or aggression, depression, anxiousness, and suicidal thoughts or attempt at suicide.
Increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain which may signify heart attack or other serious heart problems.
Weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body, or unexplained loss of coordination which may be signs of a stroke.
Intestinal inflammation, which can result in serious stomach or abdominal pain, and blood-filled diarrhea.
Due to the effects on the immune system, this medication may also lead to an increased risk for infection, characterized by painful sensation while urinating, urinating more frequently, cough with phlegm in it, and fever or chills.
May stunt growth in pediatric patients.
Hypersensitivity or allergy to any ingredients contained in this medication may cause swelling of the throat or mouth, hives, rash, redness, or itching.
Increased feelings of thirst, increase urination or appetite, and fruity smelling breathe, which may be signs of diabetes.
Changes in weight or perception of temperature, altered appearance of the skin, and difficulty concentrating may be signs of negative thyroid interactions.
Vision impairment or total vision loss may occur.

Common side effects of Pegasys

Due to its effects on the immune system, Pegasys may commonly cause flu-like symptoms, such as coughing, congestion, fatigue, or weakness.
Pegasys may also cause problems within the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach-related issues or loss of appetite.
This medication can also cause temporary thinning of hair, difficulty sleeping, or unexplained skin reactions, such as redness or irritation where the injection occurs.

Warnings & Recalls for Pegasys

Black Box Warnings for Pegasys

Pegasys has been shown to exacerbate and- in some situations- cause the emergence of conditions, such as infections, or those which are related to the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. If you are taking Pegasys and notice a sudden worsening of your condition or the appearance of unexplained side effects, consult your doctor. These conditions may be serious, even life-threatening, and your doctor may advise you to stop treatment with Pegasys. Pegasys has also received a box warning due to its serious risk for fetal death or birth defects in unborn children when used with Copegus | ribavirin. You should under no circumstance take this medication while you are pregnant, and should wait at least 6 months after stopping treatment to attempt pregnancy. Female patients must receive monthly pregnancy tests while using Pegasys, and need to use 2 forms of contraceptives while taking this medicine.

Warnings and Precautions for Pegasys users

Pegasys may cause serious liver problems, such as liver failure. These conditions may result in coma, and, in some rare cases, death.
This medication may cause heightened blood pressure or even diabetes.
May cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the body and cause the development of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

Is Pegasys right for you?

Patients with a past or current history or the following conditions should not take Pegasys:

Those who suffer from liver problems not related to hepatitis.
Problems related to the lungs or kidneys.
Thyroid gland disorders.
Intestinal inflammation.
Who have undergone organ transplants or require organ transplant surgery.
HIV infection or any form of cancer.
High levels of fat in the blood.

Pegasys Treatment and Use

Pegasys | peginterferon alfa-2a is an interferon antiviral injection which can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications(ribavirin) to treat hepatitis C in patients who:

are in the initial stages of liver disease and have not received previous interferon alpha treatments.
have scarring of the liver and are also in the initial stages of liver disease.
are also suffering from another infection, such as HIV.

Pegasys is also indicated for use in patients infected with hepatitis B who show signs of liver inflammation and viral growth.

How does Pegasys work?

Pegasys inhibits the growth and replication of the virus which causes hepatitis. Pegasys also promotes a healthy immune system in order to decrease the levels of the virus contained in the body.

Pegasys Dosage

Pegasys is manufactured by Genentech as an injection which is given either in the thigh or abdomen. This medication is frequently taken with Copegus | ribavirin, unless the patient is intolerant or allergic to components of Copegus. This medication should not be used in patients who are under the age of 5. The dosage a patient receives may be reduced based on the appearance of adverse effects or a history of kidney disease.

Other Names for Pegasys

Brand name:

Pegasys

Generic name:

peginterferon alfa-2a