PEGASYS is available in prefilled syringes with fine-gauge needles—there's no need for patients to adjust the dose according to their genotype or body size. You just need to store your medication in the refrigerator and gently warm it with your hands before use. Generally, you will obtain your medication monthly. These and other details such as injection site selection, preparation of the needle, and tips for injection can be found when you click "I want specific injection instructions and tips" here or below.
Only your healthcare team can tell you all the details of your treatment. Treatment with pegylated interferon can take 24 or 48 weeks of once-weekly injections plus daily ribavirin. The length of your PEGASYS treatment generally depends on your genotype. If you don't know your genotype, ask your doctor at your next appointment.
During your therapy, your doctor may adjust your dose of PEGASYS or COPEGUS® (Ribavirin, USP) if you have certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse how you are feeling, and provide details even if you are not sure that they are related to hepatitis C or your treatment.
You can use a calendar to record journal entries about what symptoms you had and when they occurred so you can share this information with your doctor or nurse.
Ask a member of your healthcare team if you have any further questions about using PEGASYS after reading this section and the Medication Guide that you will receive every time you get your PEGASYS prescription filled.
PEGASYS offers helpful materials and services just for patients taking PEGASYS alone or in combination with COPEGUS. If you are starting or have started taking PEGASYS therapy, you may find these materials helpful.
- Self-injection video and guide: Provides step-by-step instructions on how to properly inject PEGASYS.
- The PEGASYS patient starter kit: This kit contains almost everything patients need to take their first dose of PEGASYS, including a self-injection video and guide, a handbook on hepatitis C and PEGASYS, and other items, such as a nursing support brochure and a sharps container for safe disposal of used syringes. The kit also contains a pregnancy test and important information regarding pregnancy prevention for patients and their partners. (Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. You or your doctor should also call the Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry at 1-800-593-2214.)
- A toll-free telephone number to talk to nurses—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—who will provide guidance throughout your treatment with PEGASYS alone or in combination with COPEGUS. Call 1-877-PEGASYS (1-877-734-2797; Prompt #2).
I want specific injection instructions and tips.
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