Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Pegasys. It treats certain types of hepatitis B or C. It may have other uses, too. 

Pegasys is given as an injection under the skin. Before using it at home, your doctor will teach you how to prepare and inject your dose. You should read the 'Instructions for Use'. If you still have questions, your doctor or pharmacist can help.  

Many people will have side effects. You could feel as if you have the flu because of symptoms like a headache, fever, chills, muscle aches or joint pain. You could also feel a little tired, weak or dizzy. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. Some people like to take their dose at night to reduce these symptoms. You can also ask your doctor about medicines to relieve these symptoms. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, more serious side effects could occur. It is very important for you to read the 'Medication Guide' to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely. 

Pegasys can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. Also, you should not drink alcohol.

When Pegasys is taken with ribavirin, it is not safe for unborn babies.  If prescribed together, both men and women must talk to their doctors about which birth control methods to use, and for how long.

For best results with Pegasys, be sure to plan ahead for refills.