You should not use this medicine is you have ever had an allergic reaction to interferon alfa or ribavirin. You should not use this medicine if you have an autoimmune type of hepatitis, or if you are pregnant or your female sexual partner is pregnant.
Uses:
Capsule, Injectable, Swab
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine is a combination of capsules to be taken by mouth and shots to be given under the skin. Drink plenty of fluids while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may be given by a home health caregiver. You may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.
Storage:
Store the capsules and the injection vials in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
If the medicine for injection looks cloudy, has particles floating in it, or has changed color, do not use it. Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking zidovudine (Retrovir®).
Warnings:
This medicine can cause birth defects if it is used by the mother while she is pregnant or by the father when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. This is very important whether you are a man or a woman.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart or kidney disease, hepatitis B, thyroid problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV or AIDS, a history of mental problems, or if you have had an organ transplant.
You may have a flu symptoms such as fever, chills, tiredness, and muscle aches when you first start using this medicine. Ask your doctor what you should do if you develop these symptoms. Using your shot at bedtime may help reduce these symptoms.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Bloating, dark urine, fast heartbeat, loss of appetite, pain in stomach or side
