Optipeg-A
Rx180 mcg/0.5 ml • SC Injection
More from Optipeg-A
Other strengths and forms by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Optipeg-A is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Peginterferon alfa-2a is a covalent conjugate of recombinant interferon alfa-2a and a single branched bis-monomethoxy polyethylene glycol chain. The peginterferon alfa-2a part is attached to the interferon alfa part at one site, through a stable amide bond to lysine. Its approximate molecular weight is 60,000 daltons. The interferon alfa-2a itself is made by recombinant DNA technology, where a cloned human leukocyte interferon gene is inserted into Escherichia coli and expressed there.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Chronic hepatitis C: the recommended dose of Peg interferon is 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks. It is given by subcutaneous injection on the abdomen or thigh.
Chronic hepatitis B: the recommended dose of Peg interferon is 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks, also by subcutaneous injection on the abdomen or thigh.
Hepatitis C Genotype 1 & 4: Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a monotherapy is 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks. For dual therapy, Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a is 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks, with Celbarin at <75 kg = (400+0+600) mg and >75 kg = (600+0+600) mg.
Hepatitis C Genotype 2 & 3: Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a monotherapy is 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks. For dual therapy, Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a is 180 mcg once weekly for 24 weeks, with Celbarin at (400+0+400) mg.
Pediatric use: the safety and effectiveness of Peginterferon alfa-2a [Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a]®, alone or together with Ribavirin, have not been established in patients below the age of 5 years.
Side Effects
Side-effect information is not available for this brand yet.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Peginterferon needs caution in these patients: those who have failed alpha interferon treatment with or without ribavirin, liver or other organ transplant recipients, hepatitis B patients coinfected with HCV or HIV, and hepatitis C patients coinfected with HBV or coinfected with HIV with a CD4+ cell count < 100 cells/µL. Be careful when starting treatment in any patient who has a baseline risk of severe anemia.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Peginterferon alfa-2a is in Pregnancy Category C when it is used alone. Its effect on the developing baby (teratogenic effect) has not been studied in monotherapy, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. The medicine is recommended for women who could become pregnant only if they are using effective contraception during treatment.
When it is used with ribavirin, the pregnancy category is X. Significant teratogenic and/or embryocidal effects have been shown in all animal species exposed to ribavirin. For this reason, combination therapy is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and in the male partners of women who are pregnant.
Nursing mothers: the effect on a nursing infant of peginterferon or ribavirin taken in through breast milk by mouth has not been evaluated. Because these drugs could cause adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision must be made whether to stop nursing or to stop peginterferon and ribavirin treatment.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep Peginterferon alfa-2a in a refrigerator at 2 to 8° C. Don't freeze it and don't shake it. Keep it away from light.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Optipeg-A 180 mcg/0.5 ml
What is Optipeg-A 180 mcg/0.5 ml SC Injection?
Optipeg-A 180 mcg/0.5 ml SC Injection is a medicine that contains Peginterferon alfa-2a [Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a]. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Hepatic viral infections (Hepatitis B) group of medicines.
What is Optipeg-A used for?
Optipeg-A is used for: Inflammation.
Can I take Optipeg-A during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Peginterferon alfa-2a is in Pregnancy Category C when it is used alone. Its effect on the developing baby (teratogenic effect) has not been studied in monotherapy, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Optipeg-A?
Keep Peginterferon alfa-2a in a refrigerator at 2 to 8° C. Don't freeze it and don't shake it.
Can I take other medicines with Optipeg-A?
Some medicines can interact with Peginterferon alfa-2a [Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a], for example: Theophylline, Zidovudine, Ribavirin, Azathioprine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Optipeg-A?
Optipeg-A is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.