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Peginterferon alfa-2a
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Peginterferon alfa-2a

Generic name: peginterferon alfa-2a [ peg-in-ter-FEER-on-AL-fa-2 a ]
Brand names: Pegasys, Pegasys ProClick Autoinjector, Pegasys Prefilled Syringe
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (180 mcg/0.5 mL; 180 mcg/mL)
Drug class:Antiviral interferons

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 14, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is peginterferon alfa-2a?

Peginterferon alfa-2a is used alone or with other medicines to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children at least 5 years old.

Peginterferon alfa-2a is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B when the virus begins to damage the liver in adults and children at least 3 years old.

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

Warnings

You should not use peginterferon alfa-2a with ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man whose sex partner is pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking ribavirin and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

Peginterferon alfa-2a may cause serious or fatal side effects.

Tell your doctor about any new or worsening mood symptoms, such as feeling irritable, hostile, aggressive, depressed, or having thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as chest pain, fast heartbeats, trouble breathing, numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems, fever, chills, a cough with mucus, burning when you urinate, or bloody diarrhea.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use peginterferon alfa-2a if:

  • you are allergic to any type of interferon alfa; or

  • you have autoimmune hepatitis, or severe liver damage.

When taking peginterferon alfa-2a with other medicine: To make sure all medicines are safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

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