The information provided in this website is intended
for health professionals and New Zealand individuals who wish to
learn more about our products or related topics. The website does
not contain all available information. This website is designed to
provide a guide to hepatitis C and available treatment options. This
website focuses on the products and services that Roche Products
(New Zealand) Ltd provides for the New Zealand hepatitis community.
There is a page that will direct users to other related websites
enabling comprehensive coverage of hepatitis C.
For further consumer information, click here for
Pegasys CMI and here for
Copegus CMI.
Patients are advised to consult their doctor or hepatitis
clinic for further information about their treatment.
PEGASYS® RBV™ (peginterferon alfa-2a + Copegus® (ribavirin)) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat
chronic hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver.
Pegasys RBV should not be taken if you have: autoimmune hepatitis, decompensated cirrhosis
(severe liver disease), a red blood cell disorder such as thalassaemia or sickle-cell anaemia,
or if the patient is under 3 years of age. Pegasys RBV must not be used in pregnant women or by
men whose female partners are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems
including: mental illness or history of mental illness, kidney, heart or thyroid disease,
breathing difficulties, autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, low levels of red or white blood
cells or platelets, HIV or AIDS, diabetes, and eye or vision problems.
Possible unwanted effects include: Common: flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite or weight,
nausea, diarrhoea or stomach pain, hair loss, itching, rash or dry skin, reactions at the
site of injection, headache or dizziness, muscle or joint aches, breathlessness, cough or
sore throat, tiredness, weakness, fever, chills or shaking, trouble concentrating or sleeping,
feeling anxious or nervous, irritability, depression, blurred vision, inflammation, dryness
or pain of the eye, blocked, runny or bleeding nose, bleeding or bruising more easily,
impotence, ringing or noise in the ears. Rare (serious): chest pain or difficulty breathing,
fast or irregular heart beats, severe changes in emotions or mood, seeing, feeling or
hearing things that are not there, suicidal thoughts, strange or disturbing thoughts
or moods, anaemia (e.g. feeling tired, headaches, looking pale), a red, itchy, blistery
rash, loss of consciousness, blood in stools.
Ask your doctor if Pegasys RBV is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you
experience side effects or would like further information please talk to your doctor or pharmacist
or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for Pegasys RBV Consumer Medicine Information.
Pegasys RBV (180mcg/0.5mL or 135mcg/0.5mL pre-filled syringes + 200mg tablets) is a funded medicine
by special authority for patients with hepatitis C who meet pre-defined criteria.
A prescription charge and normal doctor’s visit fees will apply.
Roche Products (New Zealand) Ltd’s liability to you, whether in
tort (including negligence), contract, breach of statutory duty, equity
or otherwise arising out of or in connection to your use of this website
is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law. By continuing to
use this website you acknowledge that you have read and agree to be bound
by the terms and conditions of use of this website.
TAPS Approval Number: NA8718
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