Roferon-A Patient, Information, Instructions - Peginterferon alfa-2b

Roferon-A Patient, Information, Instructions - Peginterferon alfa-2b INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

Patients receiving PEG-Intron should be directed in its appropriate use, informed of the benefits and risks associated with treatment, and referred to the MEDICATION GUIDE .

A puncture-resistant container for the disposal of used syringes and needles should be supplied to the patient for at home use. Patients should be thoroughly instructed in the importance of proper disposal and cautioned against any reuse of needles and syringes. The full container should be disposed of according to the directions provided by the physician (see MEDICATION GUIDE ).

Patients should be informed that there are no data evaluating whether PEG-Intron therapy will prevent transmission of HCV infection to others. Also, it is not known if treatment with PEG-Intron will cure hepatitis C or prevent cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer that may be the result of infection with the hepatitis C virus.

Patients should be advised that laboratory evaluations are required before starting therapy and periodically thereafter (see Laboratory Tests ). It is advised that patients be well-hydrated, especially during the initial stages of treatment. "Flu-like" symptoms associated with administration of PEG-Intron may be minimized by bedtime administration of PEG-Intron or by use of antipyretics.