Unipeg

by Getz

Active ingredient: Peginterferon alfa-2A

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About Peginterferon Alfa-2a

Antiviral, Systemic

Uses

For treatment of both HbE Ag-positive and HbE Ag-negative chronic hepatitis B in non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients with compensated liver disease and evidence of viral replication and liver inflammation. Indicated alone or in combination with ribavirin, for treatment of chronic hepatitis C in non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients with compensated liver disease.

How to take it

Hepatitis B: Adults: 180 mcg once weekly by SC inj into abdomen or thigh given for 48 wk. Hepatitis C: Adults: 180 microgram once weekly alone by SC inj into abdomen or thigh given for 48 wk. Combination therapy: In combination with ribavirin, the duration of combination therapy should be individualized based on patient's viral genotype. Genotype 1, 4: For 48 wk, 180 mcg once weekly plus 1000 mg ribavirin for body weight less than 75 kg. 180 mcg plus 1200 mg ribavirin for body weight more than 75 kg. Genotype 2, 3: For 24 wk, 180 mcg once weekly plus 800 mg ribavirin. HIV-HCV Co-infection: Adults: 180 mcg once weekly for 48 wk alone or with ribavirin 800 mg regardless of genotype. Children:…

Side effects

Fatigue, pyrexia, rigour, GI upset, anorexia, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, insomnia, depression, skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, anaemia, anxiety, mood disorders, decreased libido, dizziness, memory or concentration impairment, syncope, hypo or hyper aesthesia, paraesthesia, tremor, dysgeusia, somnolence, thyroid disorders, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, dyspnoea, cough, epistaxis, infections, sinus congestion, sore throat, alopecia, eye disorders, earache, tachycardia, peripheral oedema, palpitations, flushing, impotence, asthenia, wt loss, inj site reactions. Reports of pulmonary infiltrates (discontinue).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Autoimmune hepatitis, severe hepatic dysfunction or decompensated cirrhosis, history of severe cardiac disease or psychiatric disorder. Precautions: Should only be used by physicians experienced in treatment of hepatitis C. Perform full blood, biochemical and thyroid tests before and during therapy. Suicidal tendencies; ask patients to report any signs of depression. Perform ECG if pre-existing cardiac disease. Moderate renal or hepatic impairment; monitor function, reduce dose or withdraw if deteriorate. Examine eyes if loss of vision. Autoimmune disease. Psoriasis. Risk of wt loss…

Advice

If you are self-administering this medication, follow directions for injection and syringe or needle disposal. Contact prescriber if there is severe and constant nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, skin rash, redness/pain/swelling at injection site, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, palpitations. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Laboratory tests and eye examinations are required before and during therapy.

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Interactions with Peginterferon Alfa-2a

Immunosuppressants, myelosuppresants, theophylline, methadone, telbivudine.

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Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

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