Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Shasthya স্বাস্থ্য · Health, made simple
বাং
Community data Updated 1 day ago

Peginterferon alfa-2a [Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a]

Hepatic viral infections (Hepatitis B) Prescription
Check interactions
🌐 বাংলায় দেখুন

Indications

Inflammation

Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a) is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, either on its own or together with Ribavirin. It is meant for adults with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection who have compensated liver disease and have not been treated with interferon alpha before. To say it again for hepatitis C, the medicine can be given alone or with Ribavirin. The person must be an adult with CHC virus infection and compensated liver disease, and must never have had interferon alpha treatment. For chronic hepatitis B, Peginterferon alfa-2a is indicated in adult patients with HBeAg positive or HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B infection. These patients must have compensated liver disease, along with evidence of viral replication and liver inflammation.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

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.

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.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor 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 & Interactions

Side Effects

No side-effect data recorded yet.