Copegus 200mg

Copegus is an antiviral medicine. Treating chronic hepatitis C infection in certain patients when used in combination with peginterferon. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Copegus in combination with Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) is indicated for the treatment of adults with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection who have compensated liver disease and have not been previously treated with interferon alpha.

Important Information:
Copegus is not effective when used alone to treat hepatitis C. Copegus must be used together with an interferon alfa product (such as Peg-Intron or Intron A) to treat chronic hepatitis C. This medication can cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is taking Copegus.
Copegus may decrease the number of red blood cells in your body. This is called anemia and it can be life-threatening in people who have heart disease or circulation problems. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Call your doctor at once if you have pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness. These may be signs of serious anemia.

Warnings and Precautions:
Significant adverse reactions associated with Copegus/PEGASYS combination therapy include severe depression and suicidal ideation, hemolytic anemia, suppression of bone marrow function, autoimmune and infectious disorders, ophthalmologic disorders, cerebrovascular disorders, pulmonary dysfunction, colitis, pancreatitis, and diabetes.

Side Effects:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

•  hives;
• difficulty breathing;
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Copegus and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, easy bruising or bleeding, confusion, or unusual weakness;
• severe depression, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, trouble breathing;
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• blood diarrhea, or black tarry stools;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; or
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate.