Pegasys180mcg/0.5ml

• Chronic hepatitis C (compensated liver disease)
• Chronic hepatitis B (HBeAg positive and negative)

Adult Dose (Subcutaneous):

• Chronic hepatitis C: 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks (monotherapy) OR with ribavirin (Genotypes 1 & 4: 48 weeks; Genotypes 2 & 3: 24 weeks)
• Chronic hepatitis B: 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks
• Dose modifications: Neutropenia (ANC <750: 135 mcg; <500: discontinue), Thrombocytopenia (Platelets <50,000: 90 mcg; <25,000: discontinue), Hepatic (ALT rise: 135 mcg; continued rise or bilirubin increase: discontinue)

Pediatric Dose (>5 years): 180 mcg/1.73 m² once weekly with ribavirin; Genotypes 2,3: 24 weeks; Genotypes 1,4: 48 weeks

Common Side Effects (>10%):

• Fatigue (24-67%)
• Headache (27-54%)
• Fever (24-54%)
• Myalgia (26-51%)
• Influenza-like illness (25-47%)
• Neutropenia (21-40%)
• Anxiety (19-33%)
• Irritability (19-33%)
• Diarrhea (11-31%)
• Insomnia (19-30%)
• Arthralgia (22-28%)
• Alopecia (18-28%)
• Nausea and vomiting (5-25%)
• Loss of appetite (16-24%)
• Depression (18-20%)
• Anemia (2-14%)

• Neuropsychiatric disorders: Discontinue treatment with worsening or persistently severe signs/symptoms
• Myelosuppression, anemia (spherocytosis, history of GI bleeding)
• Caution in pulmonary disease, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders
• More frequent monitoring of LFTs and dose reduction in Hepatitis B
• May affect ability to drive or operate machinery
• Hazardous agent; handle and dispose appropriately