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Roche / Pegasys

What Is PEGASYS?
PEGASYS is a form of interferon—a substance that has been shown to help fight hepatitis C. It is used alone or in combination with COPEGUS® (Ribavirin, USP) in adults with compensated liver disease not previously treated with interferon alpha.

Treatment with PEGASYS provides a response within 24 or 48 weeks (depending on the type of your hepatitis C virus).

Several years ago, interferon needed to be taken 3 times per week. But since then, researchers have found something better. By attaching a substance called polyethylene glycol (PEG) to interferon alfa-2a, they made interferon last longer in the body and produced PEGASYS: a once-weekly medication. Now PEGASYS is the most prescribed medication of its kind!

Tens of thousands of hepatitis C patients were treated in PEGASYS clinical trials all over the world, and scientific studies of more uses of PEGASYS continue today. Roche researchers found uses for PEGASYS for people with hepatitis C + coinfected with HIV and for people with hepatitis B. At Roche, we have made a genuine commitment to the future health of people with hepatitis.

What is the most important information I should know about Pegasys?

• Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you develop symptoms of depression or are contemplating suicide; become unusually irritable, anxious (nervous), or aggressive; or experience other mood or behavior changes. In some cases, Pegasys has caused serious mood or behavioral problems.
• Problems with body organs such as the heart, lungs, and eyes have been experienced by people taking interferon alfa-2a. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or loss of vision.
• Many patients using Pegasys have developed a drop in the number of white blood cells and platelets. If the number of these blood cells are too low, there is an increased risk of infection or bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, symptoms of an infection, or unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Pegasys may cause drowsiness or impair alertness. If you experience drowsiness or impaired alertness, avoid these activities.

What is Pegasys?

• Pegasys is a long acting interferon. Interferons are proteins released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, for regulating reproduction of cells, and for regulating the immune system.
• Pegasys is a specific interferon used to treat chronic hepatitis C.
• Pegasys may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.