৳ 19,597/unit
Pack: ৳ 19,597
৳ 19,597/unit
Pack: ৳ 19,597
At a glance
Peginterferon Alfa-2a is an interferon protein bound to polyethylene glycol used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B.
Indications
- Chronic hepatitis C (compensated liver disease)
- Chronic hepatitis B (HBeAg positive and negative)
Pharmacology
Peginterferon alfa-2a is an interferon protein bound to PEG molecules, resulting in higher and more prolonged serum interferon concentrations. It has antiviral, antiproliferative, and immune-regulating activity. Interferons are activated when they interact with cells through high-affinity cell surface receptors, leading to induction of gene transcription, inhibition of cellular growth, alteration of cellular differentiation, interference with oncogene expression, alteration of cell surface antigen expression, increase in macrophage phagocytic activity, and augmentation of lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
Dosage
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
Side effects
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%)
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Monotherapy: Category C (teratogenic effects not studied); use effective contraception. With ribavirin: Category X (significant teratogenic and embryocidal effects; contraindicated).
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- 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
Overdose effects
Limited overdose experience; no serious reactions; no specific antidote; dialysis is not effective.
Storage conditions
Store in refrigerator at 2-8°C; do not freeze or shake; protect from light.