PEGINTRON Injectable By MERCK SHARP & DOHME

See also Warning section. Most people have flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle aches, but these usually get better after the first few weeks of treatment. You can lessen these side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and using fever reducers/pain relievers such as acetaminophen before each dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or redness/swelling at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tooth and gum problems may sometimes occur during treatment. Having a dry mouth can worsen this side effect. Prevent dry mouth by drinking plenty of water or using a saliva substitute. Brush your teeth well at least twice a day and have regular dental exams. If you vomit, rinse your mouth afterward to lessen the chance of tooth and gum problems. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bleeding/bruising, feeling too hot or cold (more than others around you), gradual change in weight (without a change in diet or exercise), unusually slow/fast/pounding heartbeat, increased thirst/urination, black/tarry stools, signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), numbness/tingling of arms/legs. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, seizures, symptoms of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, confusion), vision changes (such as blurred vision, partial loss of vision). This drug may cause you to develop serious mental/mood changes that may get worse during treatment or after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide or hurting others, unusual irritability, or aggressive behavior. This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.