Managing Side Effects

The best practices for managing hepatitis C treatment include using a patient support program; The Be In Charge® Program, a service of Schering Corporation, is the longest running hepatitis patient support program in the world.

What is the most important information I should know about PEG-INTRON®?

PEG-INTRON® is a treatment for some people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus. However, PEG-INTRON® can have serious side effects that may cause death in rare cases. Before starting treatment, you should talk to your doctor about the possible side effects to decide if PEG-INTRON® is right for you. While taking PEG-INTRON®, you will need to see your doctor regularly for medical examinations and lab tests to make sure your treatment is working and to check for side effects. Please refer to the Medication Guide for more details.

It is not unusual to experience side effects of hepatitis C therapy within six to eight hours of injection. The most common side effect of hepatitis C therapy is mild-to-moderate "flu-like" symptoms - fever, headache, and muscle aches. This combination of effects is also called "flu-like syndrome". These symptoms are very likely to appear at the start of therapy and can be treated. The good news is that, as the body gets used to therapy, some of the symptoms usually lessen after a few weeks.

You can experience more serious side effects, one of which is the possibility of harm to an unborn fetus. Other serious possible side effects to hepatitis C therapy include:

Mental health problems and suicide. PEG-INTRON® may cause patients to develop mood or behavioral problems. These can include irritability (getting easily upset) and depression (feeling bad about yourself, or feeling hopeless). Some patients may have aggressive behavior. Former drug addicts may fall back into drug addiction or overdose. Some patients think about hurting or killing themselves or other people and some have killed (suicide) or hurt themselves or others. You must tell your doctor if you are being treated for a mental illness or had treatment in the past for any mental illness, including depression and suicidal behavior. You should tell your doctor if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Heart problems. Some patients taking PEG-INTRON® may develop problems with their heart, including low blood pressure, fast heart rate, and very rarely, heart attacks. Tell your doctor if you have had any heart problems in the past.

Blood problems. PEG-INTRON® commonly lowers two types of blood cells (white blood cells and platelets). In some patients, these blood counts may fall to dangerously low levels. If your blood counts become very low, this could lead to infections or bleeding.

Body organ problems. Certain symptoms like severe stomach pain may mean that your internal organs are being damaged.

New or worsening autoimmune disease. Some patients taking PEG-INTRON® or PEG-INTRON®/REBETOL® (Ribavirin, USP) Capsules combination therapy develop autoimmune diseases (a condition where the body's immune cells attack other cells or organs in the body), including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. In some patients who already have an autoimmune disease, the disease worsens on PEG-INTRON® and PEG-INTRON®/REBETOL® combination therapy.

While taking PEG-INTRON®, you should call your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms: new or worsening mental health problems such as thoughts about hurting or killing yourself or others, trouble breathing, chest pain, severe stomach or lower back pain, bloody diarrhea or bloody bowel movements, high fever, bruising, bleeding, or decreased vision.

BE READY

A Few Simple Steps Can Help You with Your Treatment

One of the best ways to succeed with your treatment is to know what to expect. Here are a few simple things you can do to BE READY:

Bedtime injection can help with side effects.

If you inject around your bedtime, you may be able to sleep through the "flu-like" symptoms of therapy

Eat regularly to stay strong.

Make sure you are getting enough calories in your diet. If you are nauseous or don't have an appetite, try eating several smaller meals throughout the day, or eat healthy snacks

Rest as much as you can.

This is especially important during the first 2 weeks of therapy, when side effects tend to be the worst

Exercise lightly, but regularly, to help with fatigue.

Be sure to pick exercise activities that are compatible with your level of fitness

An over-the-counter pain reliever can help with "flu-like" symptoms

Take your pain reliever of choice before you inject, and consult your health care professional for appropriate timing. This can help prevent or relieve fever and headache. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicine

Drink plenty of water or clear fluids every day.

You should have at least 10 full glasses of water or clear juices without caffeine or alcohol every day

Your support from the Be In Charge program can make a difference.

Be In Charge is a comprehensive support program sponsored by Schering Corporation with a variety of materials that can help you with your hepatitis C treatment. Becoming a member also gives you telephone access to your own personal nurse counselor who can help you with any questions you might have. If you haven't already enrolled, there should be an enrollment card in your patient starter kit. Or, if you'd like, you can enroll by calling 1-888-HEP-2608 or by visiting us online at www.beincharge.com

Remember, it's important for you to stay on your medication for the entire time your doctor has prescribed. If you continue to have difficulty, tell your doctor or clinical nurse specialist. In some cases, your doctor may delay or reduce your dose to help you through the side effects.

While you're undergoing therapy, work closely with your health care team. Share your progress, any side effects you may have, and ask questions. This is a very challenging time for you. Don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask your family or friends for help. Work with them to plan activities, get rest, and schedule daily exercise.

Please refer to the Medication Guide and/or REBETOL® Prescribing Information for more information.