Pegasys(Peginterferon alfa-2a) Side Effects

The most common side effects of PEGASYS include fatigue, fever, and headache, but it can also cause severe adverse reactions.

Common and Severe Side Effects of PEGASYS

Common side effects of PEGASYS include fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia, and pyrexia, which affect more than 40% of patients. Serious adverse reactions include neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety), bone marrow suppression (e.g., neutropenia, anemia), and autoimmune disorders (e.g., thyroid dysfunction). Cardiovascular, ophthalmologic, and pulmonary disorders may also arise. Less frequently, PEGASYS can lead to severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and exacerbate underlying infections. Pediatric patients may experience growth impairment when treated with combination therapy. Careful monitoring for these side effects is necessary to ensure timely intervention and treatment adjustments.