Uses

Peginterferon alfa-2a is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in adults, in combination with other antiviral agents, and as monotherapy only when other HCV drugs are contraindicated or not tolerated. It is also indicated for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in adults with HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative disease, and in combination with ribavirin for CHC in pediatric patients aged 5 years and older.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to alfa interferons or any component of the product, autoimmune hepatitis, hepatic decompensation before or during treatment, and neonates/infants due to benzyl alcohol content.

Side effects

Common side effects include flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia), psychiatric effects (depression, irritability), neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and alopecia. Serious life-threatening reactions include severe neuropsychiatric disorders, autoimmune disorders, ischemic events, and severe infections.

Warnings

Carries a boxed warning for risk of serious and potentially fatal neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious disorders. Patients must be monitored closely and therapy withdrawn if severe reactions develop. Combination with ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnancy.

How it works

Pegylated recombinant interferon alfa-2a is an inducer of the innate antiviral immune response. It stimulates production of effector proteins such as serum neopterin and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, inhibiting viral replication. Pegylation extends the half-life to allow once-weekly dosing.

Storage

Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. Do not leave out of refrigerator for more than 24 hours. Do not freeze or shake. Protect from light.